Woman’s Portrayal in Sonnet Lxxxi by Edmund Spenser

The profound perception in “Sonnet LXXXI” by Edmund Spenser discusses a woman’s physical appearance in a conventional manner as it is characterized by the society. However, the context of the text highlights the unique qualities of the woman, praising both the natural aspects of her beauty and her knowledge. The civilization is mainly run and developed by males, as women were thought to be vulnerable and in constant need of care. The response of the speaker oversees the ordinary depiction of a woman and evaluates her insight and individual state in society. Although the text directly focuses on women, the implications of the writing apply to all individuals within a society. Spenser’s “Sonnet LXXXI” critiques the physical and biological differences that exist between men and women, while externally detracting from the reduction of women to their physical self and highlighting equality for both sexes in the society. It explores the idea that women are not entirely what society portrays them to be, resulting in a reformed perspective of women within the social structure as they are expressed to be equally capable and valuable as men.

The speaker in this sonnet evidently appreciates a woman’s beauty. However, her intelligence is accentuated: “The gate with pearls and rubies richly dight;/Through which her words so wise do make their way”. These lines metaphorically represent her mouth and wise words, which presents her as more appealing and significant. The element of intelligence enhances the true beauty of a person, enhancing the fact that one’s physical appearance does not define one’s beauty, but it is rather their knowledge. Spenser implements this concept, which deviates from society’s regulations. The constant application of the word “Fair” is ambiguous as it may analyse all people within the society regardless of their status and sex. The passion depicted “in her eyes the fire” accommodates to prove an individual’s learning and capability of seeking opportunities. Women and citizens of a lower social status were unable to attain an education and afraid to voice opinions due to societal norms. The implication of the lines, “Fair, when that cloud of pride, which oft doth dark/Her goodly light” suggest aristocrats to be proud of the woman in this sonnet. This trait is mainly associated with men and their masculinity. However, the text refers to not only women, but all individuals within the social system, stressing the notion that everyone is significant and worthy for being distinctive individuals. Furthermore, this illustrates equal view among classes and gender within the society, which is the objective of this text as lower class citizens and women were viewed to be of lesser importance. The woman’s “gentle spright” is employed to indicate the symbolic representation of the great spirit of intellectuality and the power of voicing opinions, a notable action in a society that rejects individualism. The unique quality gives the people a “chance to mark” among others as the speaker embraces individuality.

In a community where men of higher order are the prominent source of stabilization in the economy, Spenser re-examines the aspect of social stability while critiquing the notion that each individual is equally able to maintain a stable position in the economy. This can be shown in the line, “precious merchandise she forth doth lay”. The context of the text provide insight on the qualities of a woman that go beyond her physical traits and appreciates her intellectual ability and opportunities to contribute within the fundamental principles of social expansion, as previously women were reduced to being justified by their bodies. The portrayal of the woman’s “fair golden hairs,/With the loose wind” is a way to symbolize her individualism. Her untied hair denotes being unmarried, depicting her independence and presenting her as a strong individual within society who can participate within the economy. Those with the lower class role were limited to the expenses and economy, especially women who were considered to be the weaker sex, physically and emotionally. However, Spencer analyses the equality of the human race, despite their biological and class order differences. The repetition of the word “Fair” highlights its significance to describe the woman’s physicality as her fair skin implies her prosperity. Being a prosperous individual implies that the woman has not been exposed to the sun very often as she may have never had to work outside. This portrays previous lives of women in the society where women were to focus on marriage and their occupation as a homemaker. Although the speaker adores the woman’s outer appearance, the astonishing element of her intelligence is truly what makes her more admirable.

The speaker being male underlines significant aspects of the sonnet. Although there are biological differences, the speaker is embracing the woman’s physical and intellectual beauty as presenting her to be fairly expressible and unique, equivalent to a man within the economical society. Spenser emphasizes the description of a woman in a respectful and admirable way by focusing on women’s contribution to society. The words “wonderment” and “heart’s astonishment” have been used to signify that people are not credited for being beautiful as beauty occurs naturally. The intelligence that each individual possesses is what truly makes them unique. The physical strength and endurance value of men were directly translated into social and political power, maintaining stability in society. Women were neglected from contributing in the social classes due to their lack of knowledge as their main purpose was reproduction. The sonnet critique the emerging of the new perception of gender role as well as acknowledging individualism, where the view towards women are not influenced by nature’s perspective.

In this sonnet, Spenser explores the idea of individualism and the equality of the sexes. He also critiques the fundamental structure of the society as it is contrasted to be regulated solely by upper class men. Many citizens were denied opportunities to fulfill their potential. The sonnet emphasizes the beauty of intelligence within each individual who has the capability of contributing strength to the collective culture. The context of the text primarily focuses on women’s status on society as it analyses the ability beyond their identity induced by the society. The text implies a portrayal of the wise and prominent aspects of women as these qualities is what truly signifies being a woman. “Sonnet LXXXI” by Spenser evaluates the notion of promoting equality within each individual as enhancing a person’s intellectual ability can result in viewing a person’s characteristic in a different perspective. Although there are natural differences between sexes, the text signifies the magnificence of women as they speak and present themselves rather than their physical appearance.