Analyse the use of time and temporality in Spenser's Epithalamion and Prothalamion. [MEG 101 SPENSER]

The use of time and temporality is an important aspect of both Spenser's Epithalamion and Prothalamion, although the two poems use these elements in different ways.

In the Epithalamion, Spenser uses time and temporality to create a sense of progression and movement throughout the poem. The poem is structured around the progression of time from dawn to noon, and the changing of the seasons from spring to summer. This temporal structure creates a sense of anticipation and excitement as the wedding ceremony approaches, and the changing of the seasons serves as a metaphor for the progression of the couple's relationship from courtship to marriage.

In contrast, the Prothalamion makes use of time and temporality in a more fragmented and disjointed way. The poem jumps back and forth between different times and places, with references to historical events and personal experiences interspersed throughout the description of the wedding festivities. This creates a sense of complexity and depth to the poem, as it combines the celebration of the present with a reflection on the past.

Overall, the use of time and temporality in both poems serves to enhance their effectiveness and create a sense of richness and depth. In the Epithalamion, the temporal structure creates a sense of progression and anticipation, while in the Prothalamion, the use of temporal fragments adds depth and complexity to the poem's celebration of the present.