Epithalamion MCQs and summary

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: February 18, 2025

Summary:

Epithalamion is a celebratory poem written by Edmund Spenser to commemorate his marriage to Elizabeth Boyle in 1594. The poem is composed of 24 stanzas, each with a specific rhyme scheme and structure. It is a lyrical and jubilant work that blends elements of classical tradition with Elizabethan poetic forms. The poem’s primary theme is the celebration of marriage, love, and the divine blessing that comes with union.

The structure of the poem is divided into several parts: it begins with an invocation to the Muses and the goddess Hymen, the god of marriage, to help the poet celebrate the union. The poet then praises his bride and their love, describing the wedding procession and various symbolic elements like the rising sun, flowers, and the music of the wedding ceremony. Throughout the poem, Spenser praises the virtues of his bride, Elizabeth, and their deep, mutual love. There are also elements of mythological allusions, where the poet invokes classical figures to support the celebration of love.

As the poem progresses, Spenser prays for blessings on their marriage, hoping that it will be fruitful and long-lasting, with children and joy. He asks for divine protection and peace, hoping that their love will endure through time. Epithalamion is considered one of Spenser’s greatest works, showcasing his mastery of the elegiac and celebratory form, while also serving as an example of Elizabethan courtly love poetry.

MCQs:

1. What is the primary theme of Epithalamion? a) The pain of unrequited love
   b) The celebration of a marriage
   c) The conflict between love and duty
   d) The transience of life
   Answer: b) The celebration of a marriage
2. Who is the speaker of Epithalamion? a) A mythical god
   b) Edmund Spenser himself
   c) The bride
   d) A priest
   Answer: b) Edmund Spenser himself
3. Who is the poet’s bride in Epithalamion? a) Queen Elizabeth I
   b) Elizabeth Boyle
   c) Mary Sidney
   d) Anne Hathaway
   Answer: b) Elizabeth Boyle

   

4. How many stanzas does Epithalamion have? a) 12
   b) 24
   c) 18
   d) 30
   Answer: b) 24
5. What is the significance of the poem’s invocation of the goddess Hymen? a) To ask for help in writing the poem
   b) To celebrate the goddess of love and marriage
   c) To invoke the power of fertility
   d) To ask for the protection of the bride
   Answer: b) To celebrate the goddess of love and marriage
6. What is the main emotion expressed in Epithalamion? a) Grief
   b) Joy and celebration
   c) Despair
   d) Indifference
   Answer: b) Joy and celebration
7. Which classical figure is invoked in the poem to support the celebration of marriage? a) Venus
   b) Apollo
   c) Hymen
   d) Juno
   Answer: c) Hymen
8. What is the poem’s tone? a) Somber and reflective
   b) Celebratory and jubilant
   c) Angry and vengeful
   d) Melancholy and sad
   Answer: b) Celebratory and jubilant
9. In the poem, what does Spenser ask for in relation to his marriage? a) Protection and blessings from the gods
   b) Wealth and fame
   c) Political power
   d) Immortality
   Answer: a) Protection and blessings from the gods
10. What is the rhyme scheme of Epithalamion? a) ABAB
    b) ABBA
    c) AABBA
    d) Spenserian Stanza (ABABBCBCC)
    Answer: d) Spenserian Stanza (ABABBCBCC)