Heroines of Spenser.

In the Faerie Queene Spenser has created numerous women worthy of study. Though this particular aspect of the poem has been largely overlooked, the creations of Una, Britomart, Florimel, and even the unsavory Duessa are among Spenser's strongest legacy. Since the Faerie Queene is dedicated to Queen Elizabeth, many of the heroines are likenesses of her. Though Spenser's work is epic poetry, his heroines are discernible types possible to any era, but so ideal that their occurrence is rare. In true Renaissance tradition, Spenser glories in the discovery of women as if they were the new hemisphere of the Americas. Una's earnest wisdom and heartbreak are beyond her tender years. Britomart masters the difficulties of love with nobility of character. Florimel's singular beauty begets her endless troubles, but her virtuous character triumphs at last. What makes Spenser's heroines immortal is that they are not merely beautiful, but each one is exposed to intense trials that bring forth qualities of character.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

1965

Author dc:creator

• McMillen, Roberta Ann, 1935-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Smith, Charles G. (Professor)

• Spenser, Edmund, 1552?-1599 -- Characters -- Women.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/14425

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/14425