Notes on Unit 2 Lecture

Overview of Unit 2

• Features an unfinished masterpiece similar to Unit 1.
• Focuses on a writer's attempt to elevate English into a major literary language.

Spencer vs. Chaucer

• Spencer's goal: Create a major national poem for England.
• The Fairy Queen: A bid to establish England's literary presence.
• Spencer consciously aims to be the great English poet, unlike Chaucer or Shakespeare.

Characteristics of The Fairy Queen

• Epic Poem: First successful attempt in English literature.
  • About heroes, gods, supernatural beings.
  • Encodes cultural values (e.g., Achilles, Aeneas).
  • Role models: Gloriana or Prince Arthur.

Epic Tradition

• Spencer imitates classic epic poets (Homer, Virgil).
• References to Iliad, Odyssey, and Aeneid are homages, not plagiarism.

Romance vs. Epic

• Romance: Different narrative genres focusing on personal growth.
  • Characters face personal challenges and grow.
  • Not just national figures; often junior members of the elite.
  • Example: Wife of Bath’s Tale.

Combining Genres

• The Fairy Queen merges both epic and romance styles.
• Reference to Orlando Furioso by Ariosto.
  • Britomart as a direct imitation of Ariosto's heroine, Bratamante.

Allegorical Aspects

• Allegory: Characters embody ideas or virtues.
  • Britomart represents chastity; her journey shows how virtue triumphs over sin.
  • Malbecco symbolizes jealousy.

Structure of the Poem

• Planned 12 books with each containing 12 cantos.
• Only 6 books completed; each book has its own hero representing Christian virtues.
• Spencer's Protestant beliefs influence the virtues depicted.

Notable Characters

• Red Cross: Knight of Holiness (St. George's version).
• Guyon: Knight of Temperance.
• Prince Arthur: Represents magnificence and comes to assist other heroes.

Themes and Aesthetics

• The poem is about English nationalism and set in fairyland.
• Characters often from fairyland, but main heroes are Britomartish, emphasizing national identity.
• Emphasis on beauty and aesthetics in descriptions—"maximally pretty."

Narrative Style

• Slow progression of the plot; focus on character growth.
• Intertwining plots as characters encounter each other.
• Enjoyment of the lush descriptions and exploration of the fantasy world.

Conclusion

• The Fairy Queen serves as both a national epic and a personal journey, emphasizing the growth of characters while embedding rich allegorical meanings.