Which poet wrote "The Faerie Queene"?

Prepare for the ETS Major Field Test in British Literature. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Boost your confidence for exam day!

The poet who wrote "The Faerie Queene" is Edmund Spenser. This epic poem, first published in 1590 and expanded in 1596, is a landmark of Renaissance literature and represents the allegorical tradition in English poetry. Spenser crafted a complex narrative that intertwines themes of virtue, chivalry, and the moral allegory reflecting Elizabethan society and its values.

Spenser's distinctive use of the sonnet form contributed to the development of English poetic structure, and his integration of mythological materials and allegorical characters influenced subsequent poets and writers. The work is notable for its rich imagery, elaborate language, and symbolically charged characters, which embody various virtues.

Other poets mentioned, such as Sir Walter Ralegh, Christopher Marlowe, and Geoffrey Chaucer, each made significant contributions to English literature, but they did not author "The Faerie Queene." Ralegh is known for his poetry and exploration, Marlowe for his dramatic works, and Chaucer for "The Canterbury Tales," which is a different literary work entirely. Therefore, recognizing Spenser as the author of "The Faerie Queene" connects students to an essential work in the canon of British literature.

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