The Faerie Queene · Chapter
Book III: The Legend of Britomartis, or of Chastity explained
The narrator invokes the theme of chastity, praising Queen Elizabeth as its living embodiment.
What happens
The narrator invokes the theme of chastity, praising Queen Elizabeth as its living embodiment. Sir Guyon and Prince Arthur depart from Alma's castle, sending the captive Acrasia to Faery court. They encounter a knight bearing a lion shield; Guyon jousts and is unseated. Britomart, having learned of Artegall from the Redcrosse Knight, grows pensive and travels to the sea-coast, where she laments her love like a storm-tossed ship. At Castle Joyous, she is welcomed by the lustful Lady Malecasta, who attempts to seduce her. Britomart, disguised as a knight, resists Malecasta's advances and retires to her chamber.
Themes in this chapter
Gender and Chastity
The chapter centers on chastity as the 'fayrest vertue,' embodied by Britomart and contrasted with Malecasta's lust, exploring female virtue and disguise.
Love and Desire
Britomart's lovesick pining for Artegall and Malecasta's carnal lust represent two poles of desire—noble versus base.
Truth and Deception
Britomart's disguise as a knight and Malecasta's feigned hospitality highlight themes of hidden identity and deceit.
Characters to notice
- Britomart
The titular knight of chastity; she learns of Artegall from the Redcrosse Knight, grows lovesick, and resists Malecasta's seduction at Castle Joyous.
- Sir Guyon
Travels with Prince Arthur; jousts with a knight bearing a lion shield and is thrown from his horse.
- Prince Arthur
Accompanies Guyon after leaving Alma's castle; observes the joust and continues the quest.
- Redcrosse Knight
Meets Britomart and informs her of Artegall's estate and chivalric appearance.
- Malecasta
The lustful lady of Castle Joyous who attempts to seduce Britomart, revealing her incontinence.
- Florimell
Mentioned as being chased; her flight is a key event in the chapter.
- Duessa
Referenced in the canto argument as part of the 'traines' that are defaced.
- Acrasia
Captured by Guyon and sent under guard to Faery court.
Key passages
“It falles me here to write of Chastity, The fayrest vertue, far above the rest”
The narrator announces that the subject of this book is chastity, the greatest virtue.
Opening invocation establishing the central theme.
“But if in living colours, and right hew, Thy selfe thou covet to see pictured, Who can it doe more lively, or more trew, Then that sweete verse, with Nectar sprinckeled”
If you wish to see yourself truly portrayed, no painter can match the sweet verse that depicts Cynthia (Queen Elizabeth).
The narrator praises Elizabeth I through the metaphor of poetic portraiture.
“Huge sea of sorrow and tempestuous griefe, Wherein my feeble barke is tossed long Far from the hoped haven of reliefe”
Britomart compares her lovesick heart to a small ship tossed on a stormy sea, far from safe harbor.
Britomart's lament on the seashore, expressing her emotional turmoil over Artegall.
“For this was not to love, but lust, inclind; For love does alwaies bring forth bounteous deeds, And in each gentle hart desire of honor breeds.”
Malecasta's feelings are not true love but lust; true love inspires noble actions and honor.
The narrator contrasts virtuous love with base lust, condemning Malecasta's behavior.
