Spenserian Works

Muiopotmos or The Fate of the Butterfly, which can be found in Spenser's compilation entitled Complaints, was first published in 1591. This mock-epic depicts Clarion, a prince who discovers that he is actually a butterfly, through his sad tales. The little epic or epyllion gives the reader a vivid description of the butterfly's flight and allows the imagination to wander alongside the actions of the protagonist. Additionally this piece can be considered to be a meditation on the nature of poets and of poetry.

The Ruines of Time, is a lamentation for the death of Sir Philip Sydney as well as a celebration for the Sydney family. Additionally the piece laments the fall of the Roman Empire. This poem, which was originally published in 1591, genuinely discusses the role of poets and poetry. Originally, this piece could be found in Complaints, a collection of works written after the death of Sydney, who Spenser found to be the prime example of chivalry and knighthood, whose characteristics Spenser felt were not being adequately displayed by others. The Ruines of Time can be found as the introduction to the collection.

The Teares of the Muses, published in 1591, was also featured in Complaints and follows the The Ruines of Time as the second piece in the compilation. In the same melancholy manner found in The Ruines of Time, Spenser emphasizes the importance of poetry and the poet himself. This piece was intended to be an editorial on the current status of poetry and education in general. As with the others, this poem again laments the death of Sydney.

Virgil's Gnat, additionally found in Complaints, was also published in 1591. This piece is actually a translated text originally written by Virgil. The pastoral narrative describes a man sleeping, who is being stalked by a large snake. Through the help of a gnat's sting, the man is able to wake up and defend himself from the snake; however upon awakening the man's first instinct is to squash the gnat that stung him. In the piece, the man dreams that the gnat's ghost has visited him and is haranguing him for his ingratitude.

Prosopopoia, yet another work found in Complaints and published in 1591, can also be recognized by the title of Mother Hubbard's Tales. As can be found in other works published in Spenser's Complaints, the author discusses the lack of chivalry and knighthood during that time, which he had deemed to be desirable and necessary traits, through the lady Mother Hubbard's telling of fables. Some critics consider the protagonists of the poem, the fox and the ape to be poets themselves, which would be consistent with the theme of the importance of poets and poetry found in Spenser's compilation.

Amoretti, a sonnet cycle, composed of 89 sonnets, depicts the love of Spenser's lady, Elizabeth Boyle, whom he married in 1594. The piece, which was published in 1595 as a single octavo along with Spenser's Epithalamion, is highly concerned with private and personal affairs. This work discusses the suffering of being in love until aspirations can finally be fulfilled. While some of the poem is autobiographical, a substantial portion of the text was derived from Spenser's own imagination.

Epithalamion, which is based off of traditional Latin wedding songs sung by the groom, written for the couple's journey to their new abode, is made up of 24 complex 18-line stanzas. In this sonnet sequence or marriage poem, originally published in 1595, the audience discovers that in addition to rejoicing the collaboration of two individuals, the piece additionally celebrates the beauty of womanhood. Written in a festive mood, this canzone-like poem is a tribute to Elizabeth Boyle. Similar to Amoretti, this piece also displays a concern for private and personal affairs.

Colin Clout Comes Homes Again, an allegorical pastoral written by Spenser, expresses the author's opinions regarding the current state of affairs of the period, as well as his opinions regarding poetry. The autobiographical eclogue, published in 1595, gives great renowned for Queen Elizabeth, as well as for her allegorical character Rosalind.

Prothalamion, published in 1596, vividly illustrates the bridal day of a couple in love. This spousal verse was written in honor of the marriages of Lady Elizabeth and Lady Katherine Somerset. The poem is considered to be one of Spenser's most beautiful and rhythmical pieces.

Daphnaida, first published in 1591, depicts a shepard's lifespan as though it were a plant blossoming in nature. The elegy describes the youthfulness of life while at the same time laments the passing of Douglas Howard, wife to Arthur Gorges. This piece, dedicated to Lady Helena, Marchioness of Northampton (Sir Gorges' aunt) is largely gloomy and exceptionally melancholy.

Four Hymns or The Four Hymns to Love and Beauty, were originally published in 1596. The first two hymns were dedicated to "earthly" affection and splendor. The final two hymns were composed in order to relay "heavenly" beauty and love. The dedicatory epistle is believed to be one of the last verses written by Spenser.

A View of the State of Ireland, a historical-political essay by Spenser, discusses the situation in Ireland during Spenser's time. He describes the laws, customs and religion of the country to be evil due to their contrasting behavior with England. First published in 1633, the piece can be found to be an anti-Irish treatise.