The Amoretti sonnets were written to Elizabeth Boyle, Spenser's second wife, during their courtship. Because the sonnets were all written to one woman, this was unusual. Also, many Petrarchan sonnets of the day were written to unattainable women, some of who were married to other men. The poets didn't actually expect to win the hearts of these women, but rather worshiped them from afar. Spenser, however, clearly adored Elizabeth and focused every poem upon her. In addition, other sonnets of the time displayed moods of despair over ever winning the woman's heart, but Spenser's honest feelings for just one attainable woman sets these sonnets apart.