Discuss Spenser’s treatment of good and evil in The Faerie Queene Book 1, Canto 1
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.
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Discuss Spenser’s treatment of good and evil in The Faerie Queene Book 1, Canto 1.
In “The Faerie Queene” Book 1, Canto 1, Edmund Spenser (1552/53-1599) explores the conflict between good and evil through the actions and characters in an allegorical framework. He creates a world where virtues and vices take the form of knights, ladies, monsters, and sorcerers. Spenser’s wonderful use of these virtues and vices makes the abstract ideas of good and evil easier to understand.
The Representation of Good: The Redcrosse Knight, representing holiness, is the central figure of good in this canto. He is on a mission to defeat a dragon. The dragon symbolizes sin and evil. Spenser portrays the knight as brave and devoted to his faith, signified by the bloody cross on his shield and chest. Spenser writes:
“But on his brest a bloudie Crosse he bore,
The deare remembrance of his dying Lord,”
This cross represents the sacrifice of Christ and serves as a reminder of the knight’s higher purpose. His journey with Lady Una, who symbolizes truth and purity, shows that good must be guided by faith and truth to succeed.
The Evil (Error): On the other hand, Spenser introduces evil through characters like the monster Error and the deceitful magician Archimago. Error, a hideous creature half-woman and half-serpent, represents false teachings and moral corruption. The Redcrosse Knight’s battle with Error is a literal fight against evil. The fight is a symbolic struggle against the dangers of falsehood and sin. Monster Error vomits books, papers, and venomous creatures:
“Therewith she [Monster Error] spewd out of her filthy maw
A floud of poyson horrible and blacke,”
Here, Spenser suggests how lies and false doctrines can spread and cause harm. However, when the knight finally defeats Error by strangling her, it shows that faith and holiness can triumph over evil.
The Evil (Archimago): Archimago is a sorcerer who uses deception and trickery to lead the Redcrosse Knight astray. He is another character representing evil. While Error represents the more obvious and physical dangers of evil, Archimago symbolizes a subtler form of wickedness: hypocrisy and false appearances. Archimago disguises himself as a pious old man to gain the knight’s trust. He seems to pray and repent even when walking:
“And all the way he [Archimago] prayed, as he went,
And often knockt his brest, as one that did repent.”
However, Archimago uses magic to manipulate the knight’s thoughts and creates a conflict between the Knight and Lady Una. This illustrates how evil often hides behind a mask of goodness.
Christian Ideology in the Struggle: Spenser’s treatment of good and evil is also deeply rooted in Christian ideology. The Redcrosse Knight’s mission reflects the Christian journey of spiritual growth and redemption, where one must overcome sin and temptation. Una, as a symbol of truth, plays a crucial role in guiding the knight. It shows that faith alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by wisdom and righteousness to defeat evil. The contrast between the Redcrosse Knight and the forces of evil highlights the constant battle between virtue and vice.
In conclusion, Spenser presents the struggle between good and evil as a central theme in Book 1, Canto 1 of “The Faerie Queene”. Through the allegorical figures of the Redcrosse Knight, Error, and Archimago, he shows that good is rooted in faith, truth, and moral strength, while evil thrives on lies, deception, and corruption.