When we look at texts like the Faerie Queene it’s hard to imagine that there is anything there besides the religious implications and imagery that are so apparent in the text. We can see the obvious religious equivalents of the time, like the fact that Elizabeth is Una and the monster is the Virgin Mary. But I wonder if there is anything more to the text. Was this written to say nothing more than Protestants are great and we will conquer the Catholics?
I know Spencer also wrote this poem as patronage to Elizabeth but it seems like the piece lacks in depth. When there is only one obvious interpretation I don’t know it poem can truly be called great. I must admit to being a little disappointed by this overly lauded text. Do any of you see something more to the text? Do you agree that there should be multiple interpretations to a truly great work?
Kindle,
ReplyDeleteYes, there are are layers, but the layers of interpretation are pretty thin and pretty obvious.