Spenser’s “Sonnet 70” is an effort the speaker makes to convince his beloved to engage in “carpe diem” or seize the day, with metaphors of love and time to encourage her to do so, before her chance escapes her. The lack of contrary proof and the fact that Spenser wrote the Amoretti sonnets for the woman who later became his wife allows us to say that he speaks for himself. Timeless, this poem carries a pertinent message to the generation of today that goes far beyond “you only live once,” which rules the lives of many youngsters. The sonnet’s structure and the points Spenser makes in each of the stanzas give depth to the message of love he transmits to his beloved: while there is still time, allow yourself to love and be loved.
This sonnet …show more content…
The speaker, with “Goe to my Love…” asks Spring to awaken his lover, who has retreated herself for protection from the winter, and is possibly still dormant from that season that instills death (Line 5). The woman is unaware of the “…. joyous time…” that has come and will soon depart (Line 8). Consequently, the speaker hopes that Spring will make her realize that she must by the forelock take time, as it does not stop (Line 8). Once again, the speaker hints at the “seize the day” concept by wanting the woman to revive; get out of the bed in which she lays unconscious, “Yet in her winters bowre not well awake,” and embrace the warmth that Spring brings (Line 6). Spenser restates the importance of the woman awakening in line nine by calling upon the knight to “Bid her therefore her selfe soone ready make…” (Line 9). On the other hand, it is important to stress the significance of the word “wayt” when the speaker tells the woman “To wayt on love..” (Line 10). This word can be interpreted in two different ways: the first one would signify the woman preparing herself to remain steady, yet ready for love to come to her and perhaps sweep her off her feet. The second interpretation could mean for her to serve love, as if a waitress. Further interpretation could imply that she should take action and vigorously look for love. Later, the same line introduces a different perspective of what or, better yet, who Love is. At this point, the speaker portrays love as Cupid, the ancient God of love and desire. However this small twist does not change the fact that Spring is Love’s, or in this case Cupid’s, knight. Rather, this revelation harmonizes the poem more because now there is a persona associated with the kingly feeling. Therefore, the tenth line refers to the “lovely crew” as the people who serve Cupid, the people
This sonnet …show more content…
The speaker, with “Goe to my Love…” asks Spring to awaken his lover, who has retreated herself for protection from the winter, and is possibly still dormant from that season that instills death (Line 5). The woman is unaware of the “…. joyous time…” that has come and will soon depart (Line 8). Consequently, the speaker hopes that Spring will make her realize that she must by the forelock take time, as it does not stop (Line 8). Once again, the speaker hints at the “seize the day” concept by wanting the woman to revive; get out of the bed in which she lays unconscious, “Yet in her winters bowre not well awake,” and embrace the warmth that Spring brings (Line 6). Spenser restates the importance of the woman awakening in line nine by calling upon the knight to “Bid her therefore her selfe soone ready make…” (Line 9). On the other hand, it is important to stress the significance of the word “wayt” when the speaker tells the woman “To wayt on love..” (Line 10). This word can be interpreted in two different ways: the first one would signify the woman preparing herself to remain steady, yet ready for love to come to her and perhaps sweep her off her feet. The second interpretation could mean for her to serve love, as if a waitress. Further interpretation could imply that she should take action and vigorously look for love. Later, the same line introduces a different perspective of what or, better yet, who Love is. At this point, the speaker portrays love as Cupid, the ancient God of love and desire. However this small twist does not change the fact that Spring is Love’s, or in this case Cupid’s, knight. Rather, this revelation harmonizes the poem more because now there is a persona associated with the kingly feeling. Therefore, the tenth line refers to the “lovely crew” as the people who serve Cupid, the people