THe Poems of Lady Mary Wroth

Publication date: 1992

Edited, with an Introduction and Notes: Josephine A. Roberts

Lisandra’s Thoughts:

The Poems of Lady Mary Wroth is a comprehensive collection of all 192 of her poems, expertly annotated by Josephine A. Roberts. This edition highlights works that often went unrecognized, underscoring Wroth’s significance as a voice for women during the Renaissance.

Lady Mary Wroth, noted as one of the most distinguished women writers of the English Renaissance, explored the social expectations placed on women through her sonnet sequences and romantic poetry. Her most renowned work, Pamphilia to Amphilanthus, published in 1621, examines “the conflict between passionate surrender and self-affirmation from the perspective of a female persona.” This reflects the internal struggles women faced in choosing between marriage for love or wealth, revealing their quest for integrity amidst societal pressures.

Wroth also authored The Countesse of Montgomery’s Urania, recognized as one of the first works of prose fiction by an English woman. This narrative allows for rich exploration of 17th-century fashion, as Wroth intricately describes the clothing of her fictional characters. Through her detailed portrayals, she critiques social expectations and the patriarchal system. Notably, her vivid depictions led to backlash from contemporary noblemen, who felt their lives were being mirrored in her work, as well as criticism for her own controversial romantic involvement with her cousin.

Despite the restrictive norms of her society, Wroth articulated her discomfort and the hypocrisy within the court. This complete edition stands as a testament to the internal battles faced by 17th-century women, navigating the choice between marriage and independence. Wroth’s themes of self-discovery and societal critique remain relevant, allowing readers to engage with the historical context of her poetry.

One poignant excerpt encapsulates these struggles:

“From a long way, and pilgrimage for love,
I am return’d wear’d with travels paine,
Not finding ease, or those vexations moove;
First, to my soule they are, where to remaine
They vow to setle; then alas, can I
Thinke of a rest, but travell ill I die.”

This passage illustrates how a woman embarks on her own pilgrimage for love, often sacrificing her spiritual journey for the sake of affection. Such social expectations persist today, and Wroth’s bravery in addressing them provides an opportunity for reflection and research.

Recommendation

The Poems of Lady Mary Wroth is a compelling read for those interested in the struggles faced by women during the Renaissance, particularly within the royal court and patriarchal hierarchy. It’s also an excellent choice for poetry lovers and fans of pastoral romance, offering insights into the emotional and social dynamics of the time.

Sources:

Wroth, Mary, and Josephine A. Roberts. The Poems of Lady Mary Wroth: Edited, with Introduction and Notes, by Josephine A. Roberts. Louisiana State University Press, 1983.