Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Bargain" is a section of Arcadia, a prose romance by Philip Sidney, an English poet, courtier, and soldier who lived from 1554 to 1586. Sidney is best known for his literary achievements, including his influential prose work, "The Defense of Poesy," and his pastoral romance, "Arcadia." He was also a prominent figure in the court of Queen Elizabeth I, serving as a diplomat and a member of her inner circle. Sidney died at the age of 32, after being wounded in battle.

Context:

"Arcadia" was written in the late 1570s or early 1580s, during the Elizabethan era, a time of great cultural, political, and social change in England. The Elizabethan era was marked by a flowering of English literature and drama, including the works of Shakespeare, Marlowe, and Jonson, as well as the development of the pastoral romance genre, which idealized rural life and romantic love.

Content:

"The Bargain" is a section of "Arcadia" in which the character Philoclea is courted by the shepherd Musidorus. Philoclea is a princess, while Musidorus is a commoner, and their courtship is complicated by the difference in their social status. Musidorus offers to give up his own life to save Philoclea's, and she responds by asking him to prove his devotion by undertaking a series of impossible tasks. Musidorus agrees to the tasks, but he is ultimately saved by a deus ex machina intervention from the goddess Diana.

Form:

"The Bargain" is written in prose, as is the rest of "Arcadia." However, Sidney's prose is notable for its poetic qualities, including its ornate language, vivid descriptions, and use of figurative language. The narrative structure of "The Bargain" follows a traditional romantic arc, with the courtship between Philoclea and Musidorus building to a climax before being resolved by the intervention of a higher power.

Poetic Elements:

Although "The Bargain" is written in prose, Sidney's use of poetic language and imagery is evident throughout the section. The ornate language and descriptions of nature, particularly in Musidorus's speeches, create a sense of heightened emotion and romance. The use of figurative language, such as Philoclea's comparison of Musidorus to a sun that gives life to flowers, adds to the section's poetic qualities.

Summary:

"The Bargain" is a noteworthy section of "Arcadia," showcasing Sidney's skill in crafting romantic prose that is both poetic and emotionally resonant. The courtship between Philoclea and Musidorus is a classic example of the pastoral romance genre, with its focus on idealized love and the beauties of nature. However, the section has been criticized for its portrayal of gender roles, with Philoclea being cast as a passive object of male desire and Musidorus as the active pursuer. Despite these criticisms, "The Bargain" remains a significant example of Elizabethan prose romance, and a testament to Sidney's literary talent.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...