Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

“His Mistress, the Queen of Bohemia," is a poem written by Henry Wotton, an English diplomat and writer, in the early 17th century. Wotton was a prominent figure in the court of King James I and later served as ambassador to Venice. He was also known for his literary works, which included poetry, essays, and letters..

Context:

The poem was written during a period of political and religious turmoil in England. King James I, who ruled from 1603-1625, was known for his attempts to reconcile the religious factions within his kingdom. One of his strategies was to marry his daughter, Princess Elizabeth, to Frederick V, the Elector Palatine of the Rhine, in order to form an alliance between England and the Protestant states of Europe. The marriage took place in 1613 and was celebrated with great fanfare, including the publication of numerous poems and other works of literature.

Content:

In "His Mistress, the Queen of Bohemia," Wotton praises Elizabeth Stuart, the Queen of Bohemia, for her beauty and grace. The poem is structured as a series of comparisons between the Queen and various natural and celestial objects, such as the stars, the sun, and the wind. Wotton employs a variety of poetic techniques, such as alliteration, metaphor, and personification, to create a vivid and captivating portrait of the Queen.

Form:

The poem is written in rhymed couplets and is composed of nine stanzas, each containing two lines. The poem's form is simple and elegant, which reflects the beauty and grace that the speaker attributes to the Queen. The use of rhymed couplets also creates a sense of order and balance in the poem, emphasizing the perfection of the Queen's beauty.

Poetic Elements:

Wotton makes use of a variety of poetic devices in “His Mistress, the Queen of Bohemia,." One of the most striking is his use of metaphor, in which he compares the Queen to various natural and celestial objects. For example, he describes her eyes as "brighter than the starres," her hair as "more gold than gold," and her voice as "more free than the north wind." Wotton also makes use of alliteration, assonance, and other forms of repetition to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem.

Summary:

Overall, "His Mistress, the Queen of Bohemia," is a beautifully crafted tribute to the Queen's beauty and grace. While the poem may seem somewhat superficial in its focus on physical beauty, it should be understood in the context of the cultural and political values of its time. The poem was written during a period when the beauty and virtue of women were highly prized, and Wotton's portrayal of the Queen reflects these values. Moreover, the poem is a testament to Wotton's skill as a poet, showcasing his ability to use language and imagery to create a powerful emotional impact.

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