Prothalamion

An analysis of the poem. This is meant to students of literature

1. PROTHALAMION A study Jayalakshmi V St.Mary ’s College Manarcad

2. ABOUT THE POET EDMUND SPENSER The great English Renaissance poet Born in 1552 in London His father was john Spenser and mother was Elizabeth Educated at Merchant Taylor’s School He spent seven years at Pembroke Hall Cambridge and took his M A Degree in 1576

3. INTRODUCTION The Poem Prothalamion by Edmund Spenser This is a specific example of Wedding poetry and a wedding themed poem. This section provides a selection of different types of Wedding poetry and poem by a famous Poet. The Wedding poetry and poems have been selected to cover all aspect of this kind of poetry and poem. The following poem Prothalamion by Edmund Spenser from this famous poet can be used as an example of wedding poetry.

4. Analysis of the poem Prothalamion is written in the conventional form of a marriage song The poem begins with a description of the River Thames where Spenser finds two beautiful maidens . The poet proceeds to praise them and wishing them all the blessings for their marriages .

5. The poem begins with a fine description of the day when on which he is writing the poem. "Calm was the day and through the trembling air/The sweet breathing Zephyrus did softly play.“ The poet is standing near the Thames River and finds a group of nymphs with baskets collecting flowers for the new brides.

6. The poet tells us that they are happily making the bridal crowns for Elizabeth and Katherine. He goes on his poem describing two swans at the Thames, relating it to the myth of Jove and Leda. According to the myth, Jove falls in love with Leda and comes to court her in the guise of a beautiful swan.

7. The poet feels that the Thames has done justice to his nuptial song by "flowing softly" according to his request: : "Sweet Thames run softly till I end my song." The poem is often grouped with Spenser's poem about his own marriage,

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