Based on my few years of part-time study, it seems to me that
Spencer's personal ambition (to live in London as a 'member' of
the Queen's court) and possible jealousy (others had what he
wanted, while he himself was exiled among the 'savages' of
Ireland) conflicted and interfered with his artistic vision, and
ultimately had a detrimental effect on the art he produced.
For example, in the sections of the Faery Queene where Spencer's
attempt to impress/flatter the Queen is most overt, the writing
is less exalted, less complex, less beautiful, and less
universal (less relevant for future readers like us). This is an
artistic failing, if true.
Is this a generally accepted historical view of Spencer? Are
there critical works that discuss this?
Kevin Farnham
[Note: I am not a professor -- just someone who likes Spencer.
If it's inappropriate for me to ask questions on this list,
please let me know and I won't do it again.]
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