In the Epithalamion, Spenser celebrates not just his wedding, but the aspirations arid imagination of an entirely new class of people. Discuss. [MEG 101 SPENSER]

The "Epithalamion" is a long, complex poem that Edmund Spenser wrote to celebrate his marriage to Elizabeth Boyle in 1594. In addition to expressing his personal love and devotion to his new bride, the poem also reflects the aspirations and values of the emerging middle class in Elizabethan England.

One of the key ways in which the "Epithalamion" reflects these aspirations is through its celebration of domesticity and family life. Spenser describes his home as a haven of peace and happiness, where he and his wife can enjoy the simple pleasures of companionship, conversation, and love. This vision of domestic bliss reflects the values of the rising middle class, who were eager to create stable and secure homes for themselves and their families.

Another important aspect of the "Epithalamion" is its celebration of education and culture. Throughout the poem, Spenser demonstrates his erudition and learning, drawing on a wide range of literary and mythological sources to create a rich and complex tapestry of imagery and allusion. This emphasis on education and culture reflects the aspirations of the middle class, who saw learning and refinement as key markers of social status and success.

Finally, the "Epithalamion" reflects the emerging sense of nationalism and patriotism that was taking hold in Elizabethan England. Throughout the poem, Spenser celebrates the landscape and people of England, weaving together local customs and traditions with classical and mythological imagery to create a powerful sense of national identity. This celebration of England and its people reflects the growing confidence and pride of the middle class, who saw themselves as key stakeholders in the emerging nation.

Overall, the "Epithalamion" can be seen as a celebration not just of Spenser's own marriage, but of the emerging middle class and their values and aspirations. Through its emphasis on domesticity, culture, and nationalism, the poem reflects the hopes and dreams of a generation of Englishmen and women who were eager to create a new and better society for themselves and their families.