In the Epithalamion, Spenser celebrates not just his wedding but the aspirations and imagination of an entirely new class of people. Discuss. [British Poetry (2018-19) Assignment 1]

Epithalamion, written by Edmund Spenser, is a poem that celebrates his marriage to Elizabeth Boyle in 1594. The poem is a type of marriage ode, and it follows many conventions of this genre. However, in Epithalamion, Spenser goes beyond the mere celebration of his own wedding and instead, he celebrates the aspirations and imagination of an entirely new class of people.

One way in which Spenser celebrates the aspirations of people is by making the poem a metaphor for a new beginning, a new life. The poem is set on the day of Spenser's wedding, which is seen as the start of a new life for him and his bride. This new life can also be seen as a metaphor for the aspirations of the newly emerging middle class, who were striving for a better life and greater social mobility.

Another way in which Spenser celebrates the aspirations of people is through his use of language. Spenser was a master of language and his use of elaborate and ornate language in the poem was a deliberate attempt to show the aspirations of a new class of people. This new class of people were using language in new ways, and Spenser's use of language in Epithalamion was a celebration of their achievements.

In addition to celebrating the aspirations of people, Spenser also celebrated the imagination of this new class of people. The poem is full of rich and fantastical imagery, which Spenser uses to create a sense of wonder and enchantment. This use of imagination in the poem is a celebration of the emerging middle class and their newfound ability to imagine a different future for themselves.

In conclusion, Epithalamion is not just a celebration of Spenser's own wedding, but it is also a celebration of the aspirations and imagination of an entirely new class of people. Spenser's use of metaphor, language, and imagination all contribute to this celebration and show his admiration for the emerging middle class.