The Character and Role of Archimago
The Faerie Queene is a notable literary work by Edmund Spenser. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of The Faerie Queene.
Answer
Comment on the character and role of Archimago.
Archimago, introduced as “the Sire,” plays a climactic role in Edmund Spenser’s “The Faerie Queene”. Archimago is a master of deception and a symbol of evil and hypocrisy. His actions and character are integral to the development of the plot and the thematic exploration of good versus evil. Archimago meets the Knight and Lady Una on their return journey in the forest.
Deceptive Nature: Archimago, initially introduced as “the Sire,” is a master of deception. He presents himself as a pious and benign figure, masking his true nature as an evil wizard. But he offered Red Cross Knight and Una to rest for the night as they travelled for a long time.
Manipulative Tactics: Archimago’s primary weapon is his ability to manipulate and create illusions. This is illustrated through his use of false dreams. Archimago sends one of the spirits to the house of Morpheus, the God of Sleep. He asks for an evil dream of love and lust. The spirit returns with an evil dream. Then Archimago turns the other spirit, who looks like Una, with his magic spell. Now, the magician sends the lustful dream into the Knight’s head and sends the disguised spirit to his bed. This reveals Archimago’s manipulative tactics. The false dream is found in the following lines,
He bids thee to him send for his intent
A fit false dreame, that can delude the sleepers sent.
Symbolism and Allegory: Archimago represents the negative aspects of Roman Catholicism as perceived by the Protestant Reformation. His character critiques the deceit and corruption Spenser attributed to the Catholic Church. Through Archimago’s actions, Spenser allegorizes the spiritual and moral battles between the true faith (Protestantism) and falsehood (Catholicism). His false appearance is said,
A little lowly Hermitage it was,
Downe in a dale, hard by a forests side,
The Catalyst for Conflict: Archimago’s deceptions drive the plot forward. By tricking the Red Cross Knight into leaving Una, he creates a significant conflict that tests the Knight’s virtue and resolves. This separation leads to trials and misadventures, each designed to challenge and strengthen the Knight’s character.
An Embodiment of Hypocrisy and Falsehood: Archimago embodies the false appearances and deceitfulness of evil as a symbol of hypocrisy. His interactions with the protagonists highlight deception. He calls multiple evil spirits. Among them, he chooses the two evilest spirits for his plot to delude the Knight and Lady Una. He made false illusions to Knight. The Red Cross Knight struggle against Archimago’s illusions. His falsehood is portrayed here,
To aide his friends, or fray his enimies:
Of those he chose out two, the falsest twoo,
Conflict With Virtue: Archimago’s character starkly contrasts the virtues embodied by the Red Cross Knight and Una. While the Knight represents holiness and Una symbolizes truth, Archimago stands for everything that opposes these values. This contrast enhances the allegorical depth of the narrative, illustrating the ongoing battle between good and evil and the challenges faced by those who pursue virtue.
Archimago’s character and role in The Faerie Queene are central to the poem’s allegorical and thematic structure. Through Archimago, Spenser explores the complexities of morality, faith, and the human condition.