Edmund Spenser's epic poem, The Faerie
Queene, is largely a symbolic tale, dedicated to Elizabeth
I.
Spenser
needed a patron to provide for his support while he worked, and patrons expect that the
artists they support will write flattering words. This was certainly the case with
Spenser's work, The Faerie Queene, which is meant to celebrate
Elizabeth I and, oftentimes, flatter
her.
In the poem, Spenser
creates the the premise that Elizabeth I is descended from King Arthur of the Round
Table.
Arthur is presented as himself, however he is
enamored of the Faerie Queene, rather than Guinevere. He worships and pursues the Queene
when not helping the other knights of the Round
Table.
Prince
Arthur is the Knight of Magnificence, the perfection of all
virtues.
The Redcrosse Knight
(an allusion, perhaps, to the knights of the Crusades with a red cross on a white
"robe," as well as symbolizing piety and morality) represents the country of England.
(He is shown the future to learn that, one day, he will be the patron saint of England,
Saint George.) He travels with Una who represents the "True
Church."
The dragon (that, according to some sources,
represents Death) is attacking Una's parents' castle, and the Redcrosse Knight has
joined her to battle the dragon. Una defeats the false church and the recreated Mary
Queen of Scots, Elizabeth I's archenemy (who is already dead, executed for treason
against the British
Crown).
Additional
Source:
http://www.jstor.org/pss/3187985
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