Summary:
This article explains Edmund Spenser´s Sonnet 79. The article discusses the sonnet´s importance as a commentary on moral virtue, as well as argues the value of literature in modern times.

Details or Sample:
Edmund Spenser’s Sonnet 79, an Analysis

By Caterina Tadlock

Spenser’s Sonnet 79, both reflects and rejects renaissance ideas. It reflects the idea that time is passing by and life will soon come to an end. Like many renaissance sonnets Spenser’s Sonnet 79 is trying to immortalize a lover. However, this sonnet differs from the typical renaissance sonnet when it comes to ideas about beauty. The typical renaissance sonnet is written in praise of a lover, usually only of her physical beauty. Spenser’s Sonnet 79, however, goes much deeper and looks at the inner beauty of moral virtue.

The main theme of the sonnet is that time will cause physical beauty to fade away but the beauty of virtue will stand the test of time and allow a person to remain beautiful even after their outer beauty has faded away. It then goes on to suggest that this inner beauty will live on after death.

The sonnet is written about a women who is physically attractive but who is also virtuous. However, it is only her moral virtue that is praised, not her physical beauty. The sonnet compares the woman’s physical beauty to that of a flower, saying that like the flower, her fairness will fade away with time. Spenser concludes the poem by saying that the only lasting beauty is “perfect” beauty which he says is the kind of beauty that is both displayed and created by God. It is this inner spiritual beauty that will stand the test of time and live on even after the death of the physical body. Spenser is suggesting that one can achieve immortality through virtuous behavior because their soul will live on even though their body deteriorates with time. Spenser is also trying to convey the idea of true love. Love based on spiritual compatibility rather than physical attraction. The poem could be interpreted to mean that while beauty fades, true love will last because it is not based on outward appearance.

This sonnet, though it is very unique, in some respects resembles Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130, in which he describes his mistress as not particularly beautiful but still in his eyes “rare.” The similarity between the two sonnets is that neither is praising physical beauty. The difference however is that Spenser is commending moral virtue while Shakespeare is mocking the over use of hyperbole.

Spencer´s Sonnet 79 has lasting value because it communicates a very important idea, an idea that is slipping away from us. Modern American culture is so obsessed with unrealistic physical beauty ideals, especially for women but for men also. In America we hear cheesy cliché’s such as “its what’s on the inside that counts” and “don’t judge a book by its cover,” but no one takes them seriously. There is constant pressure on young people to be physically attractive but there is no one pressuring them to be morally virtuous. This is just one of the many reasons why literature is so valuable. It preserves ideas that are worth preserving. Unfortunately because the majority of Americans today have no interest in literature a lot of important values are lost.

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Written by: Caterina Tadlock
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