The Faerie Queene: Difference between revisions
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Epic poem by Edmund Spenser. | [[Epic| Epic poem]] by [[Edmund Spenser]]. Planned to contain 12 books, as Spenser himself informs Sir [[Walter Ralegh]] in a prefatory letter. The first edition, however, consisted of three books, the second of six books. In each book a knight represents one important virtue and experiences several adventures. These adventures can be read on at least two levels: as exciting and entertaining stories and as allegories on [[Elizabeth I|Elizabethan]] (court) culture. | ||
In the allegorical dimension of the text, Gloriana (the eponymous "Faerie Queene" and the epitome of glory) represents Queen Elizabeth. The protagonists Belphoebe (a beautiful woman who spends her time in the woods hunting, away from any amorous advances by men) and Britomart (a chaste female knight) also represent virtues that are ascribed to Elizabeth in idealising iconography (beauty, virginity, England's military strength etc.) | |||
Latest revision as of 23:26, 19 November 2012
Epic poem by Edmund Spenser. Planned to contain 12 books, as Spenser himself informs Sir Walter Ralegh in a prefatory letter. The first edition, however, consisted of three books, the second of six books. In each book a knight represents one important virtue and experiences several adventures. These adventures can be read on at least two levels: as exciting and entertaining stories and as allegories on Elizabethan (court) culture.
In the allegorical dimension of the text, Gloriana (the eponymous "Faerie Queene" and the epitome of glory) represents Queen Elizabeth. The protagonists Belphoebe (a beautiful woman who spends her time in the woods hunting, away from any amorous advances by men) and Britomart (a chaste female knight) also represent virtues that are ascribed to Elizabeth in idealising iconography (beauty, virginity, England's military strength etc.)