Epithalamion
A poetic form celebrating a wedding or marriage, often commissioned for the occasion. Epithalamia typically employ elevated, celebratory language and formal structures, praising the bride, groom, and their union.
Real World
Edmund Spenser wrote 'Epithalamion' (1595) to celebrate his own wedding, making it unusual for the form — the groom praising his own bride rather than a commissioned poet praising another's.
Exam Focus
Distinguish the epithalamion's public, ceremonial purpose from private love poetry; this context shaping tone is rewarded in AO3 contextual marks.
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