Prothalamion Poem Line By Line Explanation

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Fire and Ice Summary Line By Line Analysis and Explanation in English

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An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum Summary Line by Line Explanation. The poem An Elementary School Classroom in Slum written by Stephen Spender throws light on the dark reality of poor students of slums. Using ample of symbols and images, the poet describes the the worst condition of poor students and their faded future.

About the Poet
Robert Frost (1874-1963) was an American poet. His work was initially published in England before it was published in the United States. Known for his realistic depictions of rural life and his command of American. He became one of the United States rare “public literary figures, almost an artistic institution.”

Poet NameRobert Frost
Born26 March 1874, San Francisco, California, United States
Died29 January 1963, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
PoemsThe Road Not Taken, The Gift Outright, Nothing Gold Can Stay
AwardsRobert Frost Medal, Pulitzer Prize for Poetry
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  • Prothalamion, a spousal verse by Edmund Spenser is one of the loveliest wedding odes. The verse is essentially the wedlock of twin sisters; Lady Catherine and Lady Elizabeth with Henry Gilford and William Peter. Conversely, on comparison with Epithalamion, the verse is considered less realistic and unappealing.
  • Analysis of Edmund Spenser’s Poems. To express himself he later invented the nine-line stanza. An analysis of Edmund Spenser’s Prothalamion will reveal his passion for nature along with logical statements and therefore critics find his work enthralling and novel.

Summary of Fire and Ice By Robert Frost

Explanation

The poem ‘Fire and Ice’ is composed by Robert Frost. The poet talks about the two different beliefs regarding the end of this world. He says that he is in the favor of those who say this world will end in fire as he has seen the effect and result of uncontrolled and unbending desires.

He finds the human desires the same as a fire in its nature. On the other hand, the second belief tells that ice is sufficient for destroying this world and the poet compares the nature of ice with hatred.

As ice can make a part of body numb with its prolonged contact like hatred can also give numbness to our mind and thoughts and make us insensitive and cruel.

The poem has been written symbolically. The poet says that there are mainly two opinions about the end of this world. One by fire and another by ice. The symbols ‘Fire’ and ‘Ice’ have been used for human emotions like desire and hatred respectively.

As fire can spread very fast and cause great destruction in no time likewise our desires may also prove very destructive if they go out of control. Hatred causes slow destruction like ice but it is also very harmful.

Charles Lamb characterises Edmund Spenser as the “poet’s poet”. Other Elizabethan writers acclaim him as the the prince of poets. This is so, because of Spenser’s coinages and unique poetic faculty that serves as an inspiration for the many poets of the future. Many later poets were inspired by and emulated his poetic conventions. An analysis of Edmund Spenser’s Prothalamion will reveal his passion for nature along with logical statements and therefore critics find his work enthralling and novel.

The Setting of Prothalamion

Edmund Spenser’s Prothalamion is set along the banks of the River Thames. He portrays Thames in all its magnificence and glory. The refrain ” Sweet Thames, Run Softly Till I End My Song” provides the apt imagery and thereby extols the beauty of the setting. There is musicality in nature as we find the setting beside the River Thames Beautifully pictured including the trees, flowers, birds and the green haired Nymphs- the mythological daughter of the river.

Classical Imagery in the poem

Spenser provides mesmerizing visual images and allusions in Prothalamion. He brings in imagery from the Greco- Roman period. The Green haired nymphs, the daughter of the Thames is the liveliest of his images. They collect flowers to adorn the bride and the groom. The swans symbolise the two brides- Elizabeth and Katherine. They are described as lovelier and fairer than the Greek Gods Zeus and Leda. At one point, the nymphs mistake them for the immortal swans who drive the chariot of Queen Venus.

Prothalamion as a Betrothal Song:

Prothalamion Poem Line By Line Explanation

Explanation

Prothalamion Poem Line By Line Explanation Analysis

The words Epithalamion and Prothalamion were coined by Spenser. While Epithalamion refers to a nuptial song, Prothalamion means an engagement song. It was written to celebrate the twin marriages of Elizabeth and Katherine Somerset, the daughters of the Earl of Worcester. The poem was published in 1596, a few months before the wedding.

Prothalamion Poem Line By Line Explanation Example

The poem written in 180 lines has all the elements of a betrothal song. The prospective brides are portrayed as beautiful swans who float and wade gently through the green waters of River Thames. The nature stops by to admire the beauty of the birds. The uncertainties, longing and excitement of a bride echoes through the work. Classical allusions and imagery intensifies the melody of the poem. Critics have analysed Spenser’s poem and identified it as one of the best poems of the writer.