What Do you Know About the Red Cross Knight?
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.
Answer
Who is the Red Cross Knight? Give your impressions of the Knight.
Or, What do you know about the Red Cross Knight?
The Red Cross Knight is the hero of “The Faerie Queene, Book 1” (1590) by Edmund Spenser (1552/53-1599). He is a brave and young knight who goes on a long journey with Lady Una to save her kingdom from a terrible dragon. He is called “Redcrosse” because he has a red cross on his shield and armor.
Symbol of Holiness: The Red Cross Knight is not just a character. He is the symbol of holiness. The red cross on his chest is a reminder of his dear lord, Jesus Christ. Spenser writes:
“On his brest a bloudie Crosse he bore”
So, the knight represents a true Christian hero. Spenser uses him to show how a good Christian must fight against sin, lies, and evil to become holy.
The Knight’s Mission: The Red Cross Knight is on a mission to defeat a dragon and save Lady Una’s parents. The dragon symbolizes sin and evil. This mission is a symbol of a Christian’s fight to defeat evil with the help of truth (Una) and faith.
The Knight’s Journey: During his journey, the knight faces many problems. He fights Monster Error, who looks like half-woman and half-serpent.
“A monster vile, whom God and man does hate:”
Monster Error is the symbol of falsehood. Moreover, the knight is tricked by the evil magician Archimago. Archimago is the symbol of hypocrisy and lies of false religion. Even though the knight becomes weak and confused sometimes, he finally learns to stay strong in his faith. He understands that he needs truth (Lady Una) and faith to stay holy.
In fine, the Red Cross Knight is a symbol of a Christian hero. His journey teaches us that becoming holy is not easy. But with truth and faith, a person can win against all evils.