Spenser's the Faerie Queen Analysis

He draws a lot from myth and history but with so much drawn from legendary more so the Arthur (Spenser and Winstanley 256). The adventures in each and every knight was symbolic and representing a virtue – courtesy, justice, friendship, chastity, temperance and holiness. These adventure knights also reveal the qualities that are tested by the plot. Edmund also presents an allegorical work in his epic poem book, the Faerie Queene, praising Elizabeth 1 who Gloriana represents. The book also depicts the virtue notions of Elizabeth 1. In fact, it is through characters that the poem can be dramatized. The woodgods are presented as characters that help in watching over nature, forest is their home and they are kind to Una but from the poem, it is evident that they are not pure nature – they are semi-human.

These are mythological creatures of the Roman and the Greek. They are seen worshiping Una but they are a representation of idolatrous and primitive believes of the old ages. Una is a representation of Christianity but this doesn’t make any sense to the woodgods, they still bow down to Una. It is also Spenser’s intentions to have him appear briefly in each Canton because of his ability of saving the day especially in hopeless situations and when people are desperate for help. King Arthur, in 5th century, was uplifted to a timeless hero from a semi-king by Spenser. This indeed helps in furnishing and developing his audience during the 16th century. The Britain golden age is represented by Arthur but Spenser is for the opinion that, during his time, this age would return to England.