How do you think Spencer’s view of the Bible influenced this poem? [MEG 101 SPENSER]

Edmund Spenser's religious views were complex, and it is not entirely clear how they influenced his poem, "The Faerie Queene." However, some scholars have suggested that Spenser's biblical knowledge and his Protestant faith may have played a role in shaping the poem's themes and allegories.


For example, the poem's central themes of morality, virtue, and the struggle between good and evil reflect many of the teachings of the Christian Bible. The Redcrosse Knight's journey through the poem is often interpreted as a spiritual quest for salvation, and his battles against various monsters and villains can be seen as allegories for the struggle between sin and righteousness.


At the same time, Spenser's religious views were not always orthodox, and he was known for his interest in esoteric and mystical ideas. Some scholars have suggested that the poem's use of allegory and symbolism reflects this interest, and that Spenser saw the poem as a way to convey spiritual truths in a way that was accessible and engaging to a wide audience.


Overall, while it is difficult to say exactly how Spenser's religious views influenced "The Faerie Queene," it is clear that the poem reflects many of the concerns and values of the Protestant Reformation, and that it engages with biblical themes and motifs in complex and nuanced ways.