Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Rosander's Description of Rosalynd" by Thomas Lodge is a vivid and intricate portrayal of Rosalynd, illustrating her unparalleled beauty and virtues in a manner that resonates with the pastoral and romantic themes prevalent in Elizabethan literature. Lodge employs a rich tapestry of metaphors and similes drawn from nature, mythology, and the cosmos to construct an idealized image of Rosalynd that transcends mere physical beauty, imbuing her with qualities that align her with the divine.

The poem's structure, consisting of multiple stanzas that each end with a refrain, "Heigh-ho, fair Rosalynd!" or variations thereof, serves not only as a lament for the speaker's longing but also as a rhythmic anchor that ties the various descriptions together into a cohesive whole. This repetition emphasizes the deep yearning the speaker feels for Rosalynd, a yearning that is both personal and exalted, reflecting the emotional depth of the speaker's admiration.

Lodge's use of celestial and natural imagery in the opening lines, likening Rosalynd's clarity to "the clear in highest sphere" and her hair to the imperial glory that shines in the heavens, sets a tone of reverence that permeates the poem. This imagery not only elevates Rosalynd's beauty to a cosmic level but also suggests her purity and the ethereal quality of her presence.

The comparison of Rosalynd's eyes to "sapphires set in snow" and her cheeks to the "blushing cloud" or "silver-crimson shroud" further enhances the theme of divine beauty. These images convey a sense of delicate beauty, purity, and the ability to affect the world around her, including the divine beings themselves. Lodge's skillful use of imagery here suggests that Rosalynd's beauty is not static but dynamic, capable of evoking strong emotions and reactions, both in mortals and gods.

Rosalynd's lips, likened to "two budded roses" surrounded by "ranks of lilies," and her neck compared to "a stately tower," symbolize her allure and the lofty admiration she commands. The floral and architectural metaphors underscore her natural beauty and the structured, almost sacred, reverence she inspires. This reverence is heightened by the description of her as a tower where Love himself is imprisoned, watching for a glance from her "divine and sacred eyes," further mystifying the connection between the observer and the observed.

The poem then delves into more intimate imagery, describing Rosalynd's "paps" and "breasts" as centers of delight and heavenly orbs, respectively. This shift to a more erotic description remains elevated through the use of celestial imagery, suggesting that her entire being is a paragon of perfection, crafted from the most exquisite materials and capable of inspiring both desire and awe.

The concluding stanzas reinforce the idea of Rosalynd as a marvel of Nature, adored by gods and men alike, with Love itself captivated by her beauty. Lodge's portrayal of Rosalynd culminates in a universal admiration that borders on worship, suggesting that her beauty and virtues are so profound that they disrupt the natural and divine order.

"Rosander's Description of Rosalynd" transcends a mere description of physical beauty to explore themes of longing, divine beauty, and the power of love. Through his elaborate and evocative use of imagery, Lodge crafts an idealized image of Rosalynd that is both deeply personal and universally admirable, showcasing the Elizabethan era's fascination with the intersection of the natural, the divine, and the human in the realm of romantic love. The speaker's repeated exclamations of "Heigh-ho, would she were mine!" encapsulate the longing and admiration that Rosalynd inspires, highlighting the emotional depth and complexity of this poetic tribute.

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