Monsters and the Poetic Imagination in the Faerie Queene

Focusing on the concept of monstrosity, this study explores the role of monsters in The Faerie Queene, drawing on Thomas Cooper's sixteenth-century definition. It examines how Spenser uses physical deformities and violations of nature to create meaningful symbols within the narrative. These monstrous beings serve as ciphers in a broader allegorical framework aimed at shaping virtuous and noble characters, highlighting the intricate relationship between monstrosity and moral education in Spenser's work.