Question:
Faerie Queene help!?
Hi there. I would like to know, taking into account that many characters in The Faerie Queene are allegorical, if the LION always portrayed beside UNA has a relevant, specific reference, meaning or allegorical content. Really appreciate your answer.
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Okay, let me start by saying that I am not a big fan of Spenser. This is not one of my favorite pieces of literature but I will do what I can to help you out.
The lion is the protector of the church. Who is the church? Una. Do you follow? Let's look at the events that unfold in the story:
Una and the lion are invited into the House of Corseca. (The allegory behind Corseca is irrelevant for sake of this question). They agree to stay the night. In the middle of the night, Kirkrapine (a church robber) enters. What does the lion do? The lion kills him. Why? To protect the church.
What happens next? Archimago (the nemesis of England) confronts Una disguised as The Redcrosse Knight (England). Sansloy reveals Archimago's true identity and the lion attacks Sansloy and is killed in the process. (Sansloy is another enemy of the church and England). The lion fails in his role as protector of the church and it results in Una (the church) being kidnapped (overthrown) by Sansloy.
So who is traditionally thought of as the "protector of the church?" God? Nature? Man?
It's really open for interpretation.
I hope that helps answer your question in some way.
Happy reading!!!