The Faerie Queene (Edmund Spenser)

"The Faerie Queene" is an epic poem by Edmund Spenser, published in the late 16th century. It celebrates virtues such as holiness, temperance, and justice through the adventures of knights representing these qualities. The narrative unfolds in a mythical, allegorical landscape, where each book focuses on a different virtue and knight’s quest, intertwined with themes of chivalry, morality, and the nature of good and evil. It also reflects Spenser’s views on politics and the Elizabethan era, particularly through the figure of the Faerie Queene, who symbolizes Queen Elizabeth I. The poem’s intricate structure and rich language mark it as a significant work in English literature.