The fellas get the short end of the stick in "Spring." It seems like everyone and everything is having a great time in the poem except the married dudes. They're getting mocked and being made to feel downright paranoid about what their wives might be getting up to. Shakespeare suggests that the natural scheme of things is sort of emasculating. Nature is a constant reminder to the guys that their wives' fidelity is a tenuous thing, making it pretty tough for the men to feel, well, manly.
Questions About Men and Masculinity
- Is Shakespeare's portrayal of men as dupes meant to be cautionary, humorous, or both? Why do you think so?
- Does "Spring" contain any positive images of men or masculinity? If yes, what are they? If no, why not?
- If you were tasked to write a third stanza for "Spring" in which things turn out a bit sunnier for the guys, what would it include? Is it even possible? If not, why not?
- Do you feel sorry for the men in "Spring?" Why or why not?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
In "Spring," Shakespeare suggests that men are fools. Um, he's totally right.
"Spring" is not critical of men or masculinity, rather it is an indictment of the unnatural nature of marriage.