21 min read“What man is he that boasteth of his strength, that his heart can endure the resistless force of love?” Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queene asks us to ponder how virtues, chivalry, and moral convictions guide us in the face of life’s trials.
1. Holiness as the Foundation of Virtue
The journey of Redcrosse, the Knight of Holiness, reveals the struggle to uphold faith, purity, and moral strength as he battles dragons, deception, and human frailty.
Redcrosse’s adventure begins with a quest to save Una's parents’ kingdom from a fearsome dragon. Carrying the banner of holiness, he battles an array of challenges that test his spiritual resolve. His first obstacle, defeating the beast Error, symbolizes humanity's need to confront ignorance and sin in the pursuit of righteousness. Throughout his journey, he faces moral dilemmas and spiritual weakness, such as when he is seduced and tricked by Duessa, a figure symbolizing falsehood.
Despite abandoning Una in a moment of doubt and falling prey to Duessa, Redcrosse eventually regains his strength through divine grace at the House of Holiness. His faith is renewed, preparing him for his ultimate battle with the dragon that has plagued Una’s land. Over three days and nights, Redcrosse's perseverance and spiritual fortitude sees him victorious, both in battle and in his quest for personal growth.
Examples
- Redcrosse’s first trial: slaying Error, a serpent-woman beast.
- Archimago manipulates Redcrosse into doubting Una's chastity.
- Revival at the House of Holiness to gain the strength needed for the final battle.
2. Temperance as the Path to Harmony
Sir Guyon’s story underscores the balance of temperance: the need for restraint and control in a world full of temptation.
Guyon’s quest to destroy Acrasia’s Bower of Bliss is riddled with enticements that challenge his ability to act with moderation. For example, the temptress Lady Phaedria tries to lure him with idleness on her magical island, but his steadfastness helps him resist. He is later tested in the underworld by Mammon, who tempts him with wealth and power, yet Guyon refuses to give in.
Supported by the wise Palmer, who serves as a moral compass, Guyon learns to regulate his desires and impulses. This journey helps him overcome Acrasia, symbolizing unchecked passion, and destroy her bower, releasing those enslaved by indulgence.
Examples
- Lady Phaedria’s attempt to lull Guyon into sloth reflects emotional distractions.
- Mammon tempts Guyon with treasures in his lair.
- Acrasia’s Bower of Bliss is dismantled to end her corrupting influence.
3. Chastity as Inner Strength
Britomart, the warrior maiden, shows how chastity can serve as both protection and a driving force in fulfilling destiny.
Britomart’s quest begins with a vision of Arthegall, her destined love, in an enchanted mirror. Enchanted both by love and promised glory, she pursues her journey wearing purity like armor. Throughout her path, hostile forces try to exploit her, but Britomart remains undeterred. Her triumphs, such as defeating the sorceress Acrasia and saving Lady Amoret from captivity, demonstrate her inner strength and commitment to virtue.
Her actions not only secure her future with Arthegall but also reinforce the idea that chastity is more than abstention from desire – it is a source of transformative power. Her unwavering focus counters the fear and chaos perpetuated by villains.
Examples
- Britomart unhorses Sir Guyon in a joust, heralding her prowess.
- She defeats Marinell and overcomes Acrasia’s traps.
- Rescuing Lady Amoret from the evil Busirane shows her sense of justice.
4. Friendship as the Virtue of Trust
The bond between characters such as Britomart and Amoret highlights how friendship is built on mutual respect and loyalty.
After rescuing Amoret from Busirane, Britomart provides her with protection and companionship. This relationship contrasts sharply with the false alliances forged through manipulation and ambition in the poem. Their trust and shared virtues strengthen their resolve as they continue their journey.
The poem also addresses the challenges friendship faces. Betrayals, jealousy, and misunderstandings test bonds, but the true nature of virtue always prevails. Amoret openly admires Britomart's virtue, and the integrity of their connection remains untarnished by external conflict.
Examples
- Britomart rescues Amoret and travels with her dressed as a knight.
- Blandamour and Paridell’s rivalry over false Florimell highlights weak ties.
- Lady Belphoebe helps Timias after misunderstanding his intentions.
5. Justice as Universal Balance
Sir Arthegall’s mission to bring justice to Faeryland shows how fairness, compassion, and truth are the pillars of society.
Guided by his companion Talus, a figure representing unyielding law, Arthegall resolves disputes and restores equilibrium to troubled lands. For instance, he defeats Pollente, who enforces unfair tolls, returning freedoms to travelers. In another encounter, he denies the giant who erroneously sought to redistribute resources equally, arguing for a divine balance of merit and effort.
Arthegall’s chivalric ideals become evident in his encounters with Radigund, a warrior queen. Though his sense of duty brings him into conflict with her, his hesitation to harm her highlights the ongoing tension between justice and mercy.
Examples
- Pollente’s tyranny over the bridge ends with Arthegall’s intervention.
- Arthegall demonstrates fairness over land and treasure disputes.
- Conflict with Radigund explores questions of mercy in justice.
6. Courtesy as a Virtue of Everyday Living
Calidore's quest against the Blatant Beast reveals how courtesy binds individuals and preserves harmony despite chaos.
Focusing on slander and calumny - the effects of thoughtless words - his journey illustrates how words and actions form the foundation of civility. By showing kindness to others, such as aiding the shepherdess Pastorella and reuniting her with her family, Calidore exemplifies respect and graciousness as pivotal forms of heroism.
Calidore’s challenges emphasize respect for all endeavors, not just martial ones. Whether defeating the Brigants or caring for Pastorella, his ability to uphold good manners and respect turns the tide in favor of restoration and unity.
Examples
- Pastorella’s family welcomes Calidore due to his chivalrous manner.
- Calidore’s confrontation with the Brigants demonstrates his gentleness juxtaposed with strength.
- His continued pursuit of the Blatant Beast upholds the values of respect and justice.
7. Love: A Force for Transformation
The many forms of love depicted underscore its ability to inspire, heal, and guide.
From the romantic bond of Redcrosse and Una to the camaraderie of Britomart and Amoret, love is portrayed as a dynamic force. Belphoebe’s care for Timias showcases the healing power of compassion. Meanwhile, unholy examples, like Acrasia’s ensnaring passion, reveal how love misused leads to ruin.
Examples
- Divine love strengthens Redcrosse against the dragon.
- Britomart and Arthegall’s bond fuels their individual quests.
- Belphoebe nurses Timias back to health, changing their relationship.
8. Virtue Through Adversity
Every knight’s journey shows how trials refine and define virtue.
Examples
- Redcrosse rises above despair in Orgoglio's dungeon.
- Guyon emerges morally stronger from Mammon's lair.
- Each knight experiences growth as challenges reinforce their virtuous qualities.
9. Allegory of Elizabethan England
Faeryland reflects political and religious tensions of Spenser’s era.
Examples
- Redcrosse represents Anglicanism’s struggle against Catholicism.
- Britomart symbolizes Elizabeth I’s virtues.
- The Blatant Beast echoes societal discord during Spenser's time.
Takeaways
- Embrace challenges as opportunities for personal growth, just as the knights grow stronger through their quests.
- Seek balance in all aspects of life, prioritizing virtues like temperance, holiness, and courtesy.
- Use creativity, such as allegory, to convey deep ideas and inspire reflection in others.
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