Editing The Faerie Queene (section)

=== Archetypes ===
In ''The Faerie Queene'', Edmund Spenser employs archetypal patterns to reinforce the actuality of his narrative. Spenser integrates these patterns to focus the meaning of the past on the present, emphasizing the significance of Elizabeth's reign by converting myth into event rather than the other way around. This approach blurs the lines between archetypal and historical elements within the poem. For instance, the British Chronicle, which Arthur reads in the House of Alma, serves as a poetical equivalent for factual history despite its partially imaginary nature. This kind of poetical history is distinct from myth, as it consists of unique events recorded in chronological order. This distinction is evident in the political allegory of Books I and V, where the reality of interpreted events becomes more apparent when the events are closer to the time of the poem's composition.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gottfried |first=Rudolf B. |title=Our New Poet: Archetypal Criticism and 'The Faerie Queene' |journal=PMLA |volume=83 |issue=5 |pages=1362–1377 |year=1968 |publisher=Modern Language Association |jstor=1261309 |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/1261309}}</ref>

Throughout ''The Faerie Queene'', Spenser's use of archetypal patterns includes numerous mythological equivalents that enhance the narrative's depth and complexity. For example, the characters Florimell and Marinell are related to the myths of Proserpine and Adonis, respectively. Florimell, much like Eurydice, represents the pursuit of the unattainable, highlighting themes of purity and chastity. Marinell's link to Adonis underscores the fragility and vulnerability inherent in beauty and desire.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gottfried |first=Rudolf B. |title=Our New Poet: Archetypal Criticism and 'The Faerie Queene' |journal=PMLA |volume=83 |issue=5 |page=1374 |year=1968 |publisher=Modern Language Association |jstor=1261309 |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/1261309}}</ref>

Similarly, the characters Una and Redcross can be seen as archetypal representations of divine grace and the Christian Church in England. Una, equated with Dante's Beatrice, embodies the archetype of divine wisdom and truth, guiding Redcross on his spiritual journey. This alignment with Beatrice also emphasizes Una's role as a symbol of divine grace leading to salvation. Redcross, representing the archetypal Christian Everyman, embarks on a quest that mirrors the soul's journey toward holiness. His ultimate victory over the dragon symbolizes the archetypal triumph of good over evil and the attainment of spiritual purity.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gottfried |first=Rudolf B. |title=Our New Poet: Archetypal Criticism and 'The Faerie Queene' |journal=PMLA |volume=83 |issue=5 |page=1365 |year=1968 |publisher=Modern Language Association |jstor=1261309 |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/1261309}}</ref>