I have been compiling commentary on the last two books of Paradise Lost,
and am wondering if Spenser criticism has much to say about the phrase
"bevy of fair ladies" that shows up at the House of Alma (FQ II.9.34) and
also in the April Shepheardes Calendar (118). Both of the these mentions
are positive, yet Milton uses "Beavie of fair women" at PL XI.582 to
describe the seductive, fair atheist female offspring of Cain who
marriages to the sons of Seth will produce monstrous, morally defective
children and, ultimately, the Deluge.
I am specifically wondering if the phrase "bevy of fair ladies" was not
perhaps formulaic in Spenser's time rather than specifically Spenserian,
and if so if it were still considered formulaic in Milton's. Is there any
sort of reception history for this line?
Thanks for any help any of you can give.
--
Jameela Lares
Associate Professor of English
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5037
+(601) 266-6214 ofc
+(601) 266-5757 fax
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