The Faerie Queene | Edmund Spenser | Book-1, Canto-1 | Study Guide

Author: Edmund Spenser

Year: 1590–96

Type: Epic Poem

Genre: Allegory, Fantasy

About Title

“The Faerie Queene” is an imaginary realm of Faery Land. Gloriana is the “Faerie Queene” who represents the real Queen Elizabeth of England (1533–1603). She is the leader for whom Spencer wrote the poem.

Characters

The Redcrosse Knight: He is the Hero of Book 1 who has not been given any name. He is known by his designation which is “The Red Cross Knight”.  He represents the virtue of Holiness. He is on a quest to protect Una, the personification of Truth, and defeat the dragon, symbolizing evil.

Una: She represents truth in the poem. She is the daughter of the king whose country has been ravaged by the Dragon, and whose own life is now in danger from beast. Una is a damsel in distress and represents Truth. She seeks the Redcrosse Knight's assistance to reclaim her kingdom from the dragon.

Gloriana: She is the Faerie Queene spelled by Spencer. She is the ruler of the mystical land of Faerie and represents Queen Elizabeth I. She is often seen as the ultimate symbol of virtue and goodness.

Monster Error: The monster Error allegorically stands for Error. Error, of course, means all kinds of mistakes that human beings make in the course of their lives. It is represented as a horrible creature, with the face of a woman and the hind part of a serpent. The fight between the Red Cross Knight and the monster Error symbolizes the conflict between Protestantism and Catholicism.

Archimago: The name Archimago means “arch-magician”. He is the most dynamic character in Book 1 of The Faerie Queene. An evil sorcerer who tries to deceive the Redcrosse Knight through illusions and trickery. He represents falsehood and deception.

The Dragon: A fearsome creature that terrorizes Una's kingdom. It represents the forces of evil and chaos that the Redcrosse Knight must overcome.

Duessa: A false and deceitful character who initially appears as a beautiful lady but is later revealed to be ugly and evil. She represents falsehood and temptation.

Summary

"The Faerie Queene" by Edmund Spenser is an epic poem set in the fantastical realm of Faerie, where knights embark on noble quests and encounter various allegorical figures. Book 1, Canto 1 introduces readers to the Redcrosse Knight, the protagonist of the story. The knight, representing the virtue of holiness, sets out on a journey to aid Una, a beautiful maiden who symbolizes truth and true religion.

As the story begins, Una, accompanied by a dwarf as her guide, seeks help to free her parents from a fierce dragon who holds them captive. She encounters the Redcrosse Knight, who pledges to assist her on her quest. The knight is portrayed as valiant and righteous, adorned in shining armor emblazoned with a cross, representing his commitment to holiness.

Together, Una and the Redcrosse Knight venture into the perilous wilderness, facing various trials and challenges along the way. They encounter dangerous creatures and deceitful enemies who seek to thwart their mission. Despite the obstacles, the Redcrosse Knight remains steadfast in his resolve to uphold virtue and protect Una.

One significant encounter is with the wicked arch-mage, Archimago, who uses illusions and trickery to try to dissuade the Redcrosse Knight from his quest. However, with Una's guidance and unwavering faith, the knight sees through the deceptions and remains true to his noble cause.

Throughout Canto 1, Spenser employs vivid imagery and allegory to convey deeper moral and spiritual themes. The journey of the Redcrosse Knight symbolizes the quest for spiritual enlightenment and the struggle against evil forces. Una represents truth and righteousness, while the Redcrosse Knight embodies the virtues of courage and devotion to God.

As the canto concludes, the Redcrosse Knight and Una continue their journey, determined to confront the dragon and rescue Una's parents. Their quest is not only a physical adventure but also a spiritual pilgrimage, as they seek to overcome temptation and uphold their faith in the face of adversity.

In summary, Canto 1 of "The Faerie Queene" introduces readers to the heroic Redcrosse Knight and his noble quest to aid Una in her battle against evil. Through allegory and vivid storytelling, Spenser explores themes of virtue, truth, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

Symbol

The Redcrosse Knight: Represents Holiness and the Christian Knight.

Una: Symbolizes Truth or the True Church.

The Dragon: Represents Evil or the Devil.

The Forest: Symbolizes the World or Life's Challenges.

The House of Pride: Represents Hubris and Excessive Self-Importance.

The Lion: Symbolizes Courage or the True Faith.

The Dwarf: Represents Human Weakness or Frailty.

The Cave of Despair: Symbolizes Spiritual Desolation or Doubt.

The Lady of the Lake: Represents Spiritual Guidance or Providence.

The Castle of Holiness: Symbolizes Salvation or Spiritual Purity.

Themes

Quest for Holiness: The characters embark on journeys symbolizing the pursuit of spiritual purity and virtue.

Good vs. Evil: The poem explores the conflict between righteousness and wickedness, with characters representing both sides.

Allegiance and Loyalty: Themes of fidelity and loyalty to one's duty or ruler are prevalent, testing the characters' resolve.

The Power of Appearance: Characters often deceive others through their appearances, highlighting the theme of perception versus reality.

Trials and Temptations: The protagonists face various challenges and temptations that test their moral strength and resolve.

Divine Intervention: Throughout the narrative, divine forces play a significant role in guiding and protecting the characters on their quests.

Love and Chivalry: The poem explores romantic and chivalric ideals, emphasizing the virtues of love, honor, and courtly behavior.

In conclusion, "The Faerie Queene" by Edmund Spenser, particularly Book 1, Canto 1, stands as a masterpiece of English literature, rich with allegory, symbolism, and intricate poetic craft. Through the adventures of the Redcrosse Knight and his encounters with various characters and challenges, Spenser weaves a tapestry of moral and spiritual lessons that continue to resonate with readers centuries after its publication. As we delve into the epic poem, we are not only entertained by its captivating narrative but also prompted to reflect on timeless themes of virtue, temptation, and the quest for truth.