The Faerie Queene MCQs and summary

Summary:

The Faerie Queene is an epic poem written by Edmund Spenser, first published in 1590 and expanded in 1596. It tells the story of a series of knights, each representing a different virtue, who undertake heroic quests to uphold righteousness in a mythical world. The central figure, Redcrosse Knight, represents holiness, and his journey is an allegorical representation of the Christian struggle for salvation. Throughout the poem, the knights confront various temptations and challenges that symbolize the virtues and vices of human nature. The poem also explores themes of chivalry, religious righteousness, and political allegory, as Spenser subtly addresses the tensions of the Protestant Reformation in England.

The poem is divided into six books, each focusing on a particular knight’s quest. While Redcrosse Knight’s tale of holiness is central, other knights such as Sir Guyon, who represents temperance, and Britomart, who represents chastity, also undertake their respective quests. Through allegory and detailed descriptions, Spenser creates a vivid portrayal of an idealized world where virtue triumphs over vice, and the knights emerge victorious in their endeavors.

MCQs:

1. Who is the central protagonist in The Faerie Queene? a) Sir Guyon
   b) Redcrosse Knight
   c) Britomart
   d) Archimago
   Answer: b) Redcrosse Knight
2. Which virtue does Redcrosse Knight represent in The Faerie Queene? a) Courage
   b) Chastity
   c) Holiness
   d) Temperance
   Answer: c) Holiness
3. What does Sir Guyon represent in The Faerie Queene? a) Chastity
   b) Courage
   c) Justice
   d) Temperance
   Answer: d) Temperance

   

4. What is the primary setting of The Faerie Queene? a) The city of London
   b) A mystical, fairy-tale realm
   c) Ancient Greece
   d) A medieval castle
   Answer: b) A mystical, fairy-tale realm
5. Which character in The Faerie Queene symbolizes chastity? a) Sir Guyon
   b) Redcrosse Knight
   c) Britomart
   d) Archimago
   Answer: c) Britomart
6. What is the theme of The Faerie Queene? a) The conflict between love and hate
   b) The triumph of virtue over vice
   c) The fall of a great kingdom
   d) A romantic tragedy
   Answer: b) The triumph of virtue over vice
7. What kind of literary work is The Faerie Queene? a) Sonnet cycle
   b) Epic poem
   c) Tragedy
   d) Comedy
   Answer: b) Epic poem
8. What is the main conflict in The Faerie Queene? a) The knights’ pursuit of their respective virtues
   b) A war between kingdoms
   c) A dispute over inheritance
   d) The fall of an empire
   Answer: a) The knights’ pursuit of their respective virtues
9. Who does Archimago represent in The Faerie Queene? a) Virtue
   b) Falsehood
   c) Chastity
   d) Courage
   Answer: b) Falsehood
10. How many books are there in The Faerie Queene? a) 4
    b) 6
    c) 12
    d) 9
    Answer: b) 6