Edmund Spenser's poetry is deeply influenced by the historical and cultural background of the Renaissance in England. Here are the main aspects:
Renaissance context:
Humanism: The Renaissance was a period of great flourishing of humanism. People began to emphasize the value and dignity of human beings, and oppose the blind worship of theocracy in the Middle Ages. Spenser's poetry reflects this humanistic thought. For example, in his works, he praised human nature, beauty, and love, and emphasized the pursuit of individual happiness and spiritual freedom. His sonnets in "Amoretti" showed his pursuit of true love and the affirmation of human emotions4.
National consciousness: During the Renaissance, England was in a stage of national development and strengthening. People had a stronger sense of national identity and national pride. Spenser's poetry also showed a strong patriotic sentiment and national consciousness. His epic poem "The Faerie Queene" was written to honor Queen Elizabeth I and celebrate the Tudor dynasty, which reflected his support and praise for the British monarchy and the nation.
Literary traditions and influences:
Classical literature: The Renaissance was a period of revival of classical literature. Writers and poets actively drew inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman literature. Spenser was deeply influenced by classical literature. He imitated the writing styles and themes of ancient poets such as Virgil and Homer. For example, the structure and narrative style of "The Faerie Queene" were influenced by ancient epic poems.
English literary heritage: Spenser also inherited and developed the English literary tradition. He was influenced by Geoffrey Chaucer, an important figure in English literature before him. Like Chaucer, he used vivid language and rich imagery to describe characters and events. At the same time, he also made innovations in poetry forms, creating the "Spenserian stanza" and the Spenserian sonnet, which had a profound impact on the development of English poetry1.
Religious and political situation:
Religious reform: The Reformation had a profound impact on the religious and social life of England. There were conflicts and struggles between the Protestant and Catholic religions. Spenser's poetry also reflected his religious views and attitudes. He had a certain degree of support for the Protestant cause and criticized the corruption and falsehood of the Catholic Church in some of his works.
Political turmoil: The political situation in England during this period was also relatively turbulent. There were power struggles and conflicts among the monarchy, the nobility, and the emerging bourgeoisie. Spenser's experience in Ireland made him have a certain understanding and reflection on the political situation. His "A View of the Present State of Ireland" was a work that reflected his views on the political and social situation in Ireland.
In general, Edmund Spenser's poetry is a product of the specific historical and cultural background of the Renaissance in England. His works not only have high artistic value but also provide important insights into the social, cultural, and political aspects of that era.