The Faerie Queene

Definition

The Faerie Queene is an epic poem written by Edmund Spenser, published in 1590 and expanded in 1596. It is considered one of the greatest works of English literature and is a quintessential example of the medieval dream vision genre, featuring allegorical narratives that explore themes of virtue, morality, and the nature of good and evil.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Faerie Queene was originally published in two versions: the first in 1590 with six books and a later version in 1596 with an additional book, making it a total of seven.
2. The poem uses a unique stanza form called the Spenserian stanza, which consists of nine lines with a specific rhyme scheme (ababcbcdc).
3. Each book of The Faerie Queene focuses on a specific virtue represented by different knights: holiness, temperance, chastity, friendship, justice, courtesy, and truth.
4. The character of the Faerie Queene herself symbolizes Queen Elizabeth I, representing both the ideal ruler and the virtues associated with her reign.
5. The poem blends various genres and traditions, including chivalric romance, epic poetry, and classical mythology, creating a rich tapestry of narrative and symbolism.

Review Questions

• How does The Faerie Queene exemplify the characteristics of the medieval dream vision genre?
  • The Faerie Queene embodies the medieval dream vision genre through its allegorical structure and exploration of moral themes. The poem presents a dream-like journey through fantastical landscapes where characters represent virtues or vices. This aligns with the genre's focus on the inner workings of the soul and moral dilemmas faced by individuals in pursuit of virtue.
• In what ways do the characters in The Faerie Queene serve as representations of various virtues, and how does this reflect societal values during the time it was written?
  • The characters in The Faerie Queene are designed to embody distinct virtues such as holiness, temperance, and justice. Each knight's journey showcases their struggles against opposing vices, mirroring the societal values of Spenser's time which emphasized moral integrity and ethical conduct. This representation allows readers to engage with ideas about morality while reflecting on their own lives within a broader cultural context.
• Evaluate the significance of The Faerie Queene in relation to both its literary contributions and its commentary on Elizabethan society.
  • The Faerie Queene holds great significance as it not only showcases Spenser's innovative use of language and form but also serves as a critique of Elizabethan society. By intertwining allegory with the ideals of chivalry and virtue, Spenser comments on contemporary issues such as governance, national identity, and moral responsibility. The work positions itself as both a celebration of Elizabeth I's reign and a subtle examination of her leadership qualities, encouraging readers to consider the qualities of true nobility in their rulers.

Related terms

Allegory:

A narrative technique where characters and events symbolize broader concepts, often moral, political, or spiritual in nature.

Epic Poetry: A lengthy narrative poem that typically details heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation.

Chivalric Romance: A genre of literature that focuses on the adventures and exploits of knights, often emphasizing ideals such as honor, bravery, and courtly love.