In the 'Letter to the Authors,' Spenser explains that he chose which historical/mythological figure as the subject of his poem because he was 'furthest from the danger of envy'?
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Correct answer: King Arthur
Spenser chose Prince Arthur because he was a legendary figure whose history was distant enough to allow for allegorical flexibility. Arthur was also considered a national hero who could represent the ideal Protestant gentleman.
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More The Faerie Queene questions
- Book V follows Sir Artegall, who represents Justice. Who is his iron squire that carries a flail to enforce the law?
- Which monster, representing slander and discord, is the primary antagonist in Book VI (Courtesy)?
- In Book I, the Redcrosse Knight is imprisoned in a dungeon by which giant, representing pride or carnal arrogance?
- Which location in Book III represents the site of generative nature and the source of all living things?
- Sir Calidore is the protagonist of which book, representing the virtue of Courtesy?
- Which character in Book I represents the 'False Church' and is stripped to reveal her true, withered, and foul form?