Write a Short Note on Queen Gloriana in “The Faerie Queene”.

Answer

Write a short note on Queen Gloriana in “The Faerie Queene”. 

Queen Gloriana is a central figure in Edmund Spenser’s (1552/53-1599) epic poem, “The Faerie Queene,” which was first published in the late 16th century. She is the ruler of the Faerie Land and symbolizes Queen Elizabeth I of England. Gloriana represents the ideal of virtue and nobility.

Benevolent Queen: In the poem, Queen Gloriana does not appear directly in many scenes, but her influence is felt throughout the narrative. She sends out knights on quests to uphold and spread her values of justice, courage, and chivalry. The ultimate goal of these quests is to achieve a harmonious and just society under Gloriana’s benevolent rule.

In Book I of this epic poem, Queen Gloriana appoints the Redcorsse Knight on a quest to defeat a dragon and save a princess named Una. As the poet says,

Upon a great adventure he was bond,

That greatest Gloriana to him gave,

That greatest Glorious Queene of Faerie lond,

Representative of Holiness:  The journey of the Knight and Lady Una highlights the moral and ethical lessons that Gloriana’s reign inspires.

Allegorical Significance: Queen Gloriana’s character is an allegory for Queen Elizabeth I’s reign. The poet portrays Queen Gloriana as an ideal monarch who brings order and prosperity to her kingdom. Spenser uses Gloriana to explore themes of good governance, the struggle between good and evil, and the pursuit of personal and societal virtue.

In conclusion, Queen Gloriana in “The Faerie Queene” symbolizes

 the perfect ruler. She guides her people toward moral excellence and represents the ideals that Spenser believed a true queen should embody.