Critical Appreciation of Prothalamion

Prothalamion, the best spousal verses of all time, though less sensible than its sister poetry, Epithalamion; is a lyrical benchmark running softly as musical rhyme. The entire verse is a pure magic with the refrain “Sweet Thames run softly till I end my song” which symbolizes life on earth to be steady in order to be able to listen to the eternal song. The artistic imagery, sweet music and lyrical power make Prothalamion an unparalleled product of non dramatic renaissance. The refrain brings a mode of five stresses which embraces the tonal quality of rivers and water bodies.

Through the verse, Spenser reflects transparency and fine classical imagery. Beyond doubt, Spenser charges the atmosphere with references to two great rivers; namely Thames and Lee. The confluence is described in such a beautiful way that the rivers are symbolized as elements of love. Wholly, the atmosphere of the poem brings in serene bliss, earnestness and joy.

The penning of the verse essentially must have begun from the Latin poems namelyW.Vallan’s “A tale of two swanes” & Leland’s “cygment cantio” as models. However, Spenser brought in conventional imagery such as flowers, birds, rivers and woods. Two swans, represented as the daughters of Somerset, the brides. The swans embody purity, eternal bliss and contentment. With more classical imagery, Spenser adds the fights at the Spanish Armada by the Earl of Essex, Spenser’s birth and livelihood in London. The moon (Cynthia), Venus,Nymphs, Cupid and Twins of Jove, Jupiter and Leda are other classical images which Spenser uses are metaphors. He also talks about the Muse (Goddess of Poetry) here meaning Spenser himself, to author a verse of merit to the Earl of Essex.

Dr. Johnson says that Prothalamion holds autobiographical lines of Spenser which is a conventionality. As a Renaissance poet, Spenser shouldn’t have done that and historical references do not always prove fruitful and enjoyable when it comes to poetry. Moreover, Spenser fails to bring the actual scene of marriage and instead concentrates more on the descriptive verse. Eventually, the content becomes less factual and dreamier with absence of the real brides. Contrarily, Epithalamion revolves around the lovely wedlock of Spenser himself, thus making it more realistic and appealing.

Prothalamion, an epitome of soothing musical verses and a portrayal of elegance is embroidered with bliss and purity. The artistic imagery, sweet music and lyrical power make Prothalamion an unparalleled product of non dramatic renaissance