Question- Write critical analysis of the poem "Like as a Huntsman" by Edmund Spenser.

Or
Write a note of the love sonnet "Like as a Huntsman" by Edmund Spenser.

Answer -

Introduction: Edmund Spenser sonnet 67 is one of 85 sonnets from Amoretti which was written about his courtship of Elizabeth Boyle. Spenser and Boyle were married in 1594.

Sonnet 67 uses a hunting theme metaphor common in 16th century. England comparing the women to a deer and the man to a huntsman pursuit.

The lover compares himself to huntsman who has been in pursuit of his prey (lady-love) but this chase has completely exhausted him, because his game has escaped thus his chase or hunt has been a vain exercise. He describes the 'chase' as heavy chase, using a transferred epithet to mean that the chase has made him heavy, tired and exhausted, because it has proved to be a vain attempt: In a dejected mood, the lover - hunter feels desperate and tired and sits down to relax in a shady place along with his "hounds" who are panting because of their failure to capture the prey. The hounds' should not be interpreted literally but understood metaphorically, for they allude to his desires, thoughts and even strategies to ensnare the beloved, for both in thought and action, the poet has been pursuing his suit.

The lover has pursued the lady for a considerable time now, but all his attempt have been futile and of no avail. His beloved is proud and arrogant and she would not surrender to his desires. The lover gives up the chase having realized the futility of his essay. The word "assay" could also mean that he had attempted to drink and taste rather prematurely and did not realize the fact that hunting and killing the deer were not appropriate measures. It only means that he failed to comprehend the true meaning of lover beloved relationship, their significance and value. He had acted like a greedy huntsman who tries to capture his beloved by using force. But the use of force turns out to be a vain exercise. The beloved cannot be won by passion, greed and force.

Now that the huntsman (the lover) has realized his folly, sit down, he has decided to forsake the hunt and the prey. No sooner does the realization dawn on the lover-hunter, than a miracle happens. He observes the same gentle deer returning the same way without any fear looking for the next brook where she could quench her thirst, for she could also be equally thirsty.. The deer's drinking at the brook is an indication of her longing for God; water is emblematic of godliness and purity. Love implies purity and godliness. The lover had forgotton this when tried to chase his beloved, for which he might have been punished but for the quick and mild response of the deer (beloved). The beloved's mood undergoes a change when the poet realizes his folly. She returns, she is a gentle, forgiving and loving, a Christ-figure. She looks at him gently and mildly without any sign of fear or hatred. The lover holds her trembling hand and she gently yields or surrenders. Alluding to Christ, Spenser's deer submits perhaps like Christ. As Christ forgives his worshipers and yields his selfless love, the deer (beloved) likewise surrenders to the lover. In fact it is the Christian values self-realization and repentance followed by patience and perseverance which are rewarded. In the surrender of the beloved the church and Christ are united only when church becomes an abode of patience. The loner repents his hasty and foolish action, and God (or beloved) who had forsaken him ultimately forgives him and surrenders.

Writing style of the Poem: The sonnet is written in the form of an English or Shakespearean sonnet consisting of four open quatrain followed by a couplet. The rhyme scheme of the sonnet is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. These lines are written in iambic pentameter. The poem is written in first person. In this sonnet poet uses smile, comparing the love to a hunter and beloved to a deer using metaphor Love persuit is compared with hunting episode. Panting hounds referd to human desires. This poet is first person narrative.

At last, this sonnet 67 is a fine love poem reflecting on the fact that love may not be persuaded only with one sided aggressiveness, but there should be consent of free will of both the lover and the beloved.

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