Prothalamion (Edmund Spenser)

 Introduction: “Prothalamion” is Spenser’s second wedding song; the poem is modelled on his own marriage song called Epithalamion. In this poem he celebrates the occasion of the marriage of the daughters of Earl of Worcester. In fact, Spenser coined the word "prothalamion" specifically for it, modelling the title on the word "epithalamion," or "wedding song." Unlike an "epithalamion," which celebrates a wedding, a "prothalamion" celebrates a betrothal or engagement. In this poem the poet attempts to win a patronage and the favour of the Queen. Prothalamion (1596) was written at a time in his life of disappointment and trouble when Spenser was only a rare visitor to London. We find reference in the poem to the poet’s own discontent to the history of Temple as to the achievements of Essex.

 

Discussion: The poet walks along the banks of River Thames to forget the worries of his personal life. He was completely frustrated with the Job at the court and all he wanted is some mental peace. The cool breeze covered the heat of the sun by reflecting a shade of tender warmth. There are flowers everywhere and the birds chirp happily. The poet as a refrain requests the river to flow softly until he ends his song.

The poet happens to see a group of nymphs along the banks of the river. Here the poet makes use of first Mythological figure, the nymphs which are supernatural maidens known for their purity. Every nymph looked stunning and had loose strands of hair falling to the shoulders. Nymphs together prepared bouquets of flowers with primroses, white lilies, red roses, tulips, violets and daisies.

As the second mystic entity, Spenser introduces the swans. Swans that swam across the river looked holy and whiter than Jupiter who disguised as a swan to win his love, Leda. But, yes, what Spenser says next is that these swans are shinier than Leda herself. The River Thames requests its waters not to dirty the sacred wings of the swan.

The nymphs were all dumb struck watching the swans swim across the river. Swans are usually assigned to drawing the chariot of Venus, the goddess of love. The white lilies are matched to the purity or virginity of the nymphs.

As the next step, the nymphs prepare poises and a basket of flowers which look like bridal chamber adorned with flowers. The nymphs on excitement of the upcoming wedding throw the flowers over the River Thames and birds. The nymphs also prepare a wedding song. With all the fragrance of flowers, Thames exactly looked like the Peneus, the river of ancient fame flowing along the Tempe and the Thessalian valley.

 

The song of the nymph mesmerizes with an enchanting musical effect. Here Spenser wishes the couple live forever with swans’ contented heart and eternal bliss as these birds are the wonder of heaven. He also prays to Cupid and Venus to bless the couple with love and care lest they be safe from deceit and dislike. With endless affluence and happiness, their kids must be a sign of dignity and a threat to immoral people. The river Lee, with headquarters at Kent, flows with happiness on such an occasion. As the birds flew above the swans, the sight looked like moon (Cynthia) shining above the stars. Once the wedding starts at London, the poet begins to recollect his encounters at the mansion and the building where the wedding occurs.
The Earl of Essex lived in the mighty castle which actually was the venue of the wedding. He was so chivalrous that he served as a danger to foreign countries. His brave attack on Spain shot him to fame and entire Spain shook at his very name. Queen Elizabeth was so proud of him and he deserves to be celebrated with a poem.

The Earl of Sussex walked towards the river and he looked fresh with his lovely golden hair. He was accompanied by two young men who were brave, handsome and glorious. They resembled the Twins of Jupiter namely, Castor and Pollux. The men held the hands of the brides and their wedlock begun thereby.

 

Uses of Devices - The poem has a pastoral setting, specifically here, the bank of the river Thames, also the poet employs a couplet at the end of the first stanza that is reworked into a refrain at the end of each stanza. And at the end of the stanza like ‘Epithalamion’, Prothalamion too invokes pagan god, to bless the couple and guard them from ills.

Theme of the Poem - The theme is a song in the honour of the marriage of lady Elizabeth and Catherine Somerset. Its central theme is the celebration around the river Thames, which is also a key symbol and setting. Images and ideas of beauty surrounds the Thames such as nymphs gathering flowers for the crown to sisters and natural world and the fragility of perfection is also used as one of the themes in the poem.

Conclusion: Thus, in “Prothalamion” Spenser celebrates the twin wedding along with bringing out his personal woe for his present unpatronized condition. With all the necessary ingredients for a successful verse, Prothalamion is embroidered with long lasting style and simplicity. The natural setting adds beauty to the poem and the symbolic represent of the beauty of the two swans and the use of mythological analogy in the poem give natural touch to the poem.