How does Lady Una inspire the Red Cross Knight?
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Answer
How does Lady Una inspire the Red Cross Knight?
In Spenser’s (1552/53-1599) “The Faerie Queene, Book I, Canto I” (1590), the Red Cross Knight and Lady Una face a terrible monster on their journey. The knight fights against the monster in her cave. Lady Una inspires him with her wisdom and faith.
Fight with Monster Error: When the Red Cross Knight and Lady Una arrive near the cave, she says the cave belongs to the vile Monster Error. The monster looks like half-woman and half-serpent. She warns the knight about the monster:
“A monster vile, whom God and man does hate:”
Lady Una knows it is a dangerous place and tells him not to go. But the Knight is young and brave. He does not listen and fights Monster Error.
Lady Una’s Inspiration: During the fight, the Red Cross Knight struggles. Error wraps him with her tail and makes him weak. The monster is about to strike him with her deadly sting. He cannot move, and he is in great danger. At this moment, Una inspires him and gives him courage. She cries out,
“Add faith unto your force, and be not faint:”
Lady Una tells the knight to believe in himself and use his faith. This inspires the knight. He gets new strength, frees one hand, and begins to fight back. The knight strangles Error and finally cuts off her head. After this hard fight, Lady Una is proud. She praises the knight’s strength and courage.
In short, Lady Una inspires the knight with her wisdom and faith. She encourages him and boosts his confidence. Una becomes the spiritual guide for him to fight against evil.