THE UNCHAINED BOAR: A STUDY OF MASTERY IN THE CENTRAL BOOKS OF "THE FAERIE QUEENE"

MAMIE IRENE ATKINS, Purdue University

Abstract

This dissertation analyzes Spenser's theme of mastery in the relations between the sexes in Books III, IV, and V of The Faerie Queene. Because feminine characters, symbols, and personifications dominate these Books, this study concentrates upon the functions of these feminine portrayals in the development of Spenser's theme. The crucial allegorical "cores" of the central Books (the Garden of Adonis, Busirane's Castle, the Temple of Venus, and Isis' Temple) aid in understanding the function of Spenser's major female characters and mythic deities within his theme of mastery and its effect upon the female's potential for generation. Thus the opening chapter explores the significance of the most important of these "cores," the Garden of Adonis. By drawing upon the rich literary and pictorial traditions to which the poet was heir, an examination of the icon of the boar chained in the Mount of Venus shows it to be a symbol of the feminine desire for sexual mastery. The second chapter examines the roles of Amoret and Belphoebe as females most negatively affected by the presence of the boar in the central Books. A psychological reading of these characterizations reveals the difficulties the female encounters in attempting to accommodate her destructive impulses. The third chapter discusses Britomart as Spenser's exemplum of the female actively confronting and putting to positive use the force symbolized by the boar. Because of her destiny as progenetrix of kings, Britomart's ability to accommodate the force of the boar and to establish a healthy relationship with Artegall is central to the poem. Thus, her role in the allegory provides a key to understanding the larger themes and visions of The Faerie Queene. The dissertation also explores Florimell's role as embodiment of feminine beauty. The characterization of Florimell presents the female confronted by the paradox of beauty and its power to master the male. Finally, the betrothal of Marinell and Florimell, and the analogous river marriage, links Spenser's theme of mastery with the multivalent structures of the poem to create a vision of order out of chaos, an order made possible by the female's ability to master her destructive impulses and to put the energy inherent in them to use as a generative force.

Degree

Ph.D.

Subject Area

British and Irish literature

COinS