Spenser and Donne: Thinking Poets

This collection of essays challenges the dichotomous view of Edmund Spenser and John Donne in English poetry, highlighting their common preoccupations and continuities of thought in the politically and intellectually turbulent turn of the century. Juxtaposing these two poets changes our understanding of each poet individually and moves towards a more holistic view of their poetics.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 248 pages
\n Publication date: 30 September 2019
\n Publisher: Manchester University Press
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The names Edmund Spenser and John Donne are often linked to distinct periods in English poetry, with Spenser associated with the sixteenth century and the Elizabethan Golden Age, while Donne is linked with the 'metaphysical poets' of the seventeenth century. This collection of essays, part of The Manchester Spenser series, aims to challenge this dichotomous perspective and engage critically with both poets, not only in terms of direct allusion, imitation, or parody, but also in terms of common preoccupations and continuities of thought, informed by the literary and historical contexts of the politically and intellectually turbulent turn of the century. By juxtaposing these two poets, who may appear vastly different, the collection seeks to explore their poetics individually and foster a more holistic and relational understanding of their works.

Edmund Spenser, the sixteenth-century poet, is celebrated for his epic works such as The Faerie Queene and Amoretti, which showcase his intricate language, rich imagery, and exploration of themes such as love, nature, and religion. On the other hand, John Donne, the seventeenth-century poet, is renowned for his metaphysical poetry, which delves into the complexities of human existence, love, and the relationship between God and man. While Spenser and Donne are often considered to belong to different poetic movements and eras, this collection of essays seeks to bridge the gap between their works and explore the shared themes and influences that connect them.

One of the key themes that emerges from the comparison of Spenser and Donne is their exploration of love. Both poets use love as a central motif to explore the complexities of human relationships and the nature of desire. Spenser's love poetry is often characterized by its romantic and idealized portrayal of love, with characters such as Queen Elizabeth and the Fairies representing the ideal of love and beauty. Donne, on the other hand, takes a more nuanced and complex approach to love, exploring the darker aspects of desire, such as jealousy, obsession, and the transience of love.

Another common theme between Spenser and Donne is their use of metaphor and imagery. Both poets are skilled at creating vivid and evocative images that help to convey their themes and emotions. Spenser's use of metaphor is often rooted in nature, with plants, animals, and natural phenomena serving as symbols of love, desire, and the divine. Donne, in contrast, uses metaphor to explore the human body and its physical sensations, as well as the metaphysical implications of love and the relationship between God and man.

In addition to their shared themes of love and metaphor, Spenser and Donne also share a number of common preoccupations and continuities of thought. Both poets were deeply influenced by the religious and political contexts of their time, and their works reflect the tensions and conflicts of the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. Spenser's The Faerie Queene, for example, is a celebration of the Elizabethan religious and political order, while Donne's Holy Sonnets are a meditation on the nature of faith and the relationship between God and man.

Despite their apparent differences, Spenser and Donne also have a number of similarities that suggest a deeper connection between their works. Both poets were skilled at using language to create a sense of intimacy and emotional connection with their readers. They also both had a keen interest in the human body and its physical sensations, and their works often explore the boundaries between the physical and the spiritual.

In conclusion, this collection of essays offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the poetry of Edmund Spenser and John Donne. By juxtaposing these two poets, who may appear vastly different, the collection seeks to explore their shared themes and influences, and to foster a more holistic and relational understanding of their poetics. Whether you are a student of English literature or a general reader interested in the complexities of human existence and the power of language, this collection is sure to engage and inspire you.

\n Weight: 486g\n
Dimension: 240 x 162 x 22 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526117359\n \n