Critically examine Spenser’s handling of the theme of power dynamics in a love relationship. Answer with reference to Spenser’s sonnets prescribed in your syllabus. (Amoretti 13, 37, 79)

 Edmund Spenser's Amoretti is a collection of 89 sonnets that charts the progress of a courtship between the speaker and his beloved, ultimately leading to their marriage. Throughout the sonnets, Spenser explores various themes related to love and courtship, including power dynamics in a love relationship.

In Sonnet 13, Spenser explores the idea of the speaker's beloved having power over him. He writes, "I joy to see how in your drawen work, / Your selfe unto the Bee ye doe compare; / And me unto the Spyder that doth lurke, / In close awayt, to catch her unaware." The speaker compares himself to a spider waiting to catch his beloved unawares, while she is likened to a bee that moves freely and independently. This image suggests that the speaker is at the mercy of his beloved's whims and that she holds the power in their relationship.

Similarly, in Sonnet 37, Spenser explores the idea of the speaker's beloved having power over him. He writes, "My thoughts and my discourse as mad men's are, / At random from the truth vainly express'd; / For I have sworn thee fair, and thought thee bright, / Who art as black as hell, as dark as night." The speaker acknowledges that he has idealized his beloved, despite her flaws and imperfections. This suggests that the speaker has given his beloved power over him through his own unrealistic expectations and desires.

However, in Sonnet 79, Spenser subverts this power dynamic by suggesting that the speaker's love for his beloved gives him power over her. He writes, "Men call you fayre, and you doe credit it, / For that your self ye daily such doe see: / But the trew fayre, that is the gentle wit, / And vertuous mind, is much more praysd of me." Here, the speaker asserts that true beauty is found in his beloved's character, rather than her physical appearance. This suggests that the speaker holds power over his beloved's perception of herself, as he values her for her inner qualities rather than her outward appearance.

Overall, Spenser's handling of power dynamics in love relationships is complex and multifaceted. While he often suggests that the beloved holds power over the speaker, he also subverts this dynamic by suggesting that love can give the speaker power over his beloved's perception of herself.

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