Faerie Queene as an Allegory

“Faerie Queene” as an Allegory

 

What is Allegory in Literature?

An allegory is a literary device and a metaphorical depiction of one subject as another, conveying an abstract or spiritual meaning through physical or material forms. It serves as a tool to portray or symbolize ideas and thoughts via the use of characters or events. In all genres of art throughout history, allegory has been extensively used.

This is due, in part, to the great potential of allegory to convey difficult ideas and concepts in a simple-to-understand manner. The allegory conveys a message using symbolic objects, behaviours, or representations. It might also be described as a narrative with an underlying moral lesson. Its goal is to pleasantly impart some moral and religious lessons. The readers receive both education and entertainment at the same time.

 

Types of Allegory in “Faerie Queene”

There are three different kinds of allegories that are combined in "Faerie Queene." Following is a brief discussion of them with the help of text context.

 

v Moral And Spiritual Allegory

Keynote: An illustration of how virtue and vice act and interact morally or spiritually.

The book's good characters represent the many virtues, while the antagonists stand for the corresponding vices. Holiness is symbolized by the Red Cross Knight, while Lady Una stands for goodness, truth, and wisdom. Her parents stand in for Humanity, while the dragon holding them captive represents Evil. The goal of Holiness (Red Cross Knight) is to assist Lady Una in her battle against Evil (Dragon) so that Truth can reclaim its proper place in people's hearts.

To complete its task, Holiness must overcome numerous challenges and evils. It must first confront the horrible beast known as Error. Any force of Evil can be vanquished by Holiness as long as Truth aids it. The symbol of hypocrisy- Archimago, is successful in dividing truth from holiness (the Red Cross Knight) (Lady Una). The Red Cross Knight falls in love with Duessa, who stands for Falsehood, while Lady Una wanders in quest of her ally. When Holiness is cut off from Truth, it loses its ability to withstand Falsehood. As a result, Duessa (Falsehood) is now in control of the Red Cross Knight and treats him like a puppet.

 

v Religious Allegory

Keynote: A religious allegory addressing the significant religious occurrences of the day.

This moral and spiritual allegory combines with the work's use of religion as a metaphor. The many characters also serve as representations of major religious events and senior figures. The Reformation, which Spenser allegorically portrayed in this epic, was the most important theological movement at the time. He is vehemently opposed to the papacy and the Catholic Church and staunchly in favour of the Reformed Church of England, which he regards as the only authentic church. For instance, in the fight against corruption, the Red Cross Knight stands in for the Reformed Church or the Manhood of England.

Una's parents stand in for Humanity, while the evil dragon holding them captive represents the Pope of Rome. Archimago stands for Papacy's deceit and dishonesty.

 

v Political and Personal Allegory

Spenser created his epic to benefit Queen Elizabeth and her courtiers. She plays the role of Gloriana the Fairy Queene in Spenser's epic, sending her knights, who stand in for the Queen of England's courtiers, on various adventures. Moreover, numerous other personal and historical references are present as an allegory.

 

Criticism/Arguments on Spenser’s Allegory

The usage of allegory by Spenser has drawn a lot of criticism. The device is fundamentally a vision technique, but Spenser uses it in a way that confuses and perplexes the readers rather than bringing clarity. Nothing is plain and understandable; everything is muddled and unclear. Too many tangents make the readership even more perplexed. They might provide diversity to the epic, but the action becomes disjointed, discursive, and meaningless as a result. Therefore, the book's didactic goal is not fulfilled.