The Faerie Queene: An Allegorical Masterpiece

The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser is a long epic poem written in an elevated style, and for good reason. The language used in this work is archaic, containing words and expressions that have become ancient in common speech. This contributes to the poem’s formal, high-toned style, which aims to revive medieval chivalric romance. But The Faerie Queene is more than just a complex work of language, it is also a romance, a fictional narrative that takes place in a world far removed from realism. Why, you might ask? Because, in typical romance fashion, we encounter improbable adventures, including battles against mythical creatures like dragons.

What truly sets The Faerie Queene apart is its allegorical nature. Every character in the poem is allegorical, representing a specific moral or virtue. For instance, Red Crosse Knight, one of the protagonists, symbolizes holiness. Una stands for truth, while the Red Crosse Knight represents evil. Prince Arthur, another key figure, embodies various moral virtues, including manhood and true knighthood. Gloriana, the queen of the Faerie Land, stands as the embodiment of all moral virtues. The clash between Una and the dragon is a battle between good and evil, a central theme of the work.

The setting of the poem is remote and fantastical, existing in a world that is not real, and in many ways, The Faerie Queene aligns itself with tendencies that oppose realism. The poem, though a monumental piece of literature, was never completed. While Spenser originally intended to write an even more extensive work, we only have six books of the planned twelve. In line with this incomplete vision, the work captures the essence of the allegorical genre, exploring a series of adventures through a deeply mythical lens.

Purpose and Themes of The Faerie Queene

According to literary scholar M.H. Abrams, Spenser used archaism in The Faerie Queene to craft a poetic style that would revive medieval chivalric romance. But what was Spenser's purpose in writing this epic? Primarily, Spenser sought to elevate Queen Elizabeth and offer subtle anti-Catholic propaganda. By drawing on themes of virtue, nobility, and chivalry, the poem indirectly promotes Protestant values while criticizing Catholic doctrines.

At the start of the poem, Spenser includes a letter to Sir Walter Raleigh, which serves as a preface to the work. In this letter, he states that the entire poem is an allegory. The poem’s purpose, Spenser notes, is didactic; he aims to teach and instruct, with the moral lessons being far more important than the literary flourishes. He mentions “dark conceit,” which refers to obscure or difficult poetic figures, or extended metaphors where one thing is said, but another is meant. Spenser makes it clear that the message of the poem will not be obvious, nor will it be delivered in a straightforward manner.

The Allegorical and Religious Undertones

In The Faerie Queene, Spenser utilizes allegory not only as a literary device but as a tool for moral and religious instruction. His Protestant leanings are evident throughout, particularly in his criticism of Catholicism. In the poem’s introduction, Spenser acknowledges that some readers may find his method displeasing. He notes that many would prefer straightforward instruction, rather than the allegorical complexities he uses. Spenser points out that Protestants value clarity in religious teaching, whereas Catholics tend to embrace more elaborate or embellished language.

One of the key allegorical figures in the poem is King Arthur, who represents noble ideals and virtues. Spenser chooses Arthur, a figure from the past, to avoid criticism from contemporary figures who may feel threatened or jealous by his portrayal. By using a historical figure, he shields himself from criticism while still making a powerful statement about morality.

Classical Conventions and Epic Features

Spenser’s work is steeped in classical conventions, particularly those of epic poetry. One notable convention is the invocation to a muse. In the second stanza of the poem, Spenser calls upon the "holy Virgin chief of nine" (the muse), asking for inspiration to guide his poetic endeavors. The muse he refers to is often believed to be Clio, the muse of history. By invoking the muse, Spenser ties his work to the epic traditions of ancient Greece and the medieval conventions of chivalric romance.

Furthermore, Spenser makes use of other epic conventions, such as the introduction of a hero on a quest. In the opening lines of the poem, we meet a "Gentle Knight" who embarks on a journey, encountering numerous challenges along the way. This is an example of the in medias res technique, where the story begins in the middle of the action. The Knight's armor, symbolizing his role as a warrior, is another key feature of epic literature.

The Faerie Queene is a work that blends allegory, epic conventions, and moral lessons with the complex ideologies of the Renaissance. Through his use of archaism, myth, and classical references, Spenser creates a world that is both timeless and fantastical, while also serving as a vehicle for the transmission of Protestant ideals and criticism of Catholicism. At its core, the poem is about the journey toward moral perfection, an allegorical quest that reflects Spenser’s vision of the ideal Christian knight and the virtues he must embody.

In Spenser’s world, the line between reality and myth is blurred, inviting readers to embark on an epic journey where anything is possible.