Sonnet 11, Lady Mary Wroth: Poem, Summary, Analysis & Themes

Lady Mary Wroth's "Sonnet II" is a reflection on the transformative power and purity of true love. A prominent poet of the English Renaissance, Wroth is known for her "Pamphilia to Amphilanthus," a collection of sonnets exploring love, fidelity, and emotional depth. In this sonnet, she portrays love as a guiding force, free from idle fantasies and rooted in virtue. The poem exemplifies the Petrarchan tradition, combining introspection with vivid imagery to celebrate love's spiritual and moral dimensions.

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Sonnet II by Lady Mary Wroth

Is to leave all, and take the threed of Love,
Which line straite leades unto the soules content,
Where choice delights with pleasures wings doe move,
And idle fant'sie neuer roome had lent.
When chaste thoughts guide us, then our minds are bent
To take that good which ills from us remove:
Light of true love brings fruite which none repent;
But constant Lovers seeke and wish to prove.
Love is the shining Starre of blessings light,
The feruent fire of zeale, the roote of peace,
The lasting lampe, fed with the oyle of right,
Image of Faith, and wombe for ioyes increase.
Love is true Vertue, and his ends delight,
His flames are joyes, his bands true Lovers might.

Summary of Sonnet II

In "Sonnet II," Lady Mary Wroth presents love as a path to spiritual and emotional fulfillment. The opening lines suggest that love requires the abandonment of all distractions to follow its "thread," a metaphor for the journey toward the soul’s contentment. Love, guided by chaste and virtuous thoughts, dispels negative influences and brings forth unrepentant joy. The latter half of the poem praises love as a force of harmony and faith, describing it as a "shining Starre," a "lasting lampe," and a "wombe for joyes increase." Wroth emphasizes love's moral grounding and enduring power, portraying it as both a source of delight and a symbol of true virtue.

1. The journey of love: The "threed of Love" represents a deliberate and focused path toward contentment and virtue.
2. Chaste and virtuous love: True love is guided by purity of thought, eliminating negative influences and idle fantasies.
3. Love’s blessings: Love is depicted as a source of joy, peace, and spiritual illumination, aligning with divine ideals.

Analysis of Sonnet II

Lady Mary Wroth’s "Sonnet II" embodies the Petrarchan tradition, blending philosophical reflections with metaphorical imagery to elevate love as a moral and spiritual ideal. The metaphor of the "threed of Love" draws on classical and Renaissance notions of destiny and guidance, suggesting that love is both a deliberate choice and a divinely ordained path. By contrasting true love with "idle fantasies," Wroth critiques superficial and fleeting emotions, championing a more profound and virtuous connection. The poem’s structured argument reflects the harmony and order that love itself embodies.

The sonnet also employs a series of illuminating metaphors—love as a "shining Starre," a "lasting lampe," and a "feruent fire"—to highlight its enduring and transformative qualities. These images suggest that love is not merely an emotion but a force that shapes character and fosters spiritual growth. The concluding couplet, which describes love as "true Vertue," encapsulates the poem's central message: that love’s essence lies in its ability to align with moral integrity and produce lasting joy.

1. Philosophical depth: Wroth presents love as a deliberate, virtuous journey, free from distractions and fantasies.
2. Illuminating metaphors: Love is likened to celestial and enduring sources of light, emphasizing its guiding and lasting nature.
3. Harmony and virtue: The sonnet’s structure and message reflect the order and integrity that true love inspires.

Themes in Sonnet II

The central themes of "Sonnet II" include love as a guiding force, the harmony between love and virtue, and the transformative power of true affection. Wroth portrays love as a journey requiring discipline and focus, where chaste thoughts lead to moral and spiritual fulfillment. The theme of love as a divine and eternal force resonates through the imagery of light, fire, and faith. The poem also emphasizes the idea that love’s rewards—joy, peace, and contentment—are deeply rooted in its alignment with virtue.

1. Love as a guide: The metaphor of the "threed of Love" underscores love’s role as a path to fulfillment.
2. Virtue and harmony: True love is aligned with moral principles, producing peace and joy.
3. Love’s transformative power: The poem highlights love’s ability to dispel negativity and foster spiritual growth.

Structure of Sonnet II

"Sonnet II" follows the traditional form of a Shakespearean sonnet, consisting of 14 lines of iambic pentameter. The rhyme scheme (ABAB CDCD EFEF GG) creates a harmonious flow, mirroring the poem’s thematic emphasis on love’s order and balance. The sonnet’s three quatrains build on each other to explore love’s nature, while the closing couplet delivers a concise and powerful conclusion. Wroth’s use of enjambment and metaphor enhances the lyrical quality, while the measured rhythm reinforces the sonnet’s contemplative tone.

1. Traditional sonnet form: The poem adheres to the Shakespearean sonnet structure, reflecting its thematic focus on order and harmony.
2. Progression of ideas: Each quatrain develops a different aspect of love, culminating in the couplet’s resolution.
3. Lyricism and imagery: The use of enjambment and vivid metaphors enhances the poem’s reflective and elegant tone.