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, and various study materials 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 theUnlock this study guide now