Canto X: The House of Holinesse explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Religion and Morality

  The entire canto is a systematic allegory of Christian repentance, virtue, and the path to salvation, with characters like Fidelia, Speranza, and Charisma embodying theological virtues.

• Allegory and Symbolism

  The House of Holinesse, the seven Bead-men, and the mountaintop vision of the New Jerusalem are rich allegorical representations of spiritual discipline and divine reward.

• Chivalry and Knighthood

  The Redcrosse Knight's spiritual education redefines knighthood as a holy calling, culminating in his destiny as Saint George, the patron saint of England.

Characters to notice

• Una

  Guides the Redcrosse Knight to the House of Holinesse to restore his strength and faith.

• Redcrosse Knight

  Receives instruction in repentance, virtue, and faith; granted a vision of the New Jerusalem and told he will become Saint George.

• Celia

  The matron of the House of Holinesse, mother of Fidelia, Speranza, and Charissa.

• Fidelia

  Daughter of Celia, teaches faith and holds a silver cup and a book.

• Speranza

  Daughter of Celia, embodies hope and supports the knight's spiritual education.

• Charissa

  Daughter of Celia, represents charity and instructs the knight in love and righteousness.

• Mercilla

  An ancient matrone who guides the Redcrosse Knight through the narrow way and to the hospital.

• Contemplation

  A holy aged man who leads the knight to the mountaintop and reveals the vision of the New Jerusalem.

Key passages

• “What man is he, that boasts of fleshly might And vaine assuraunce of mortality, Which, all so soone as it doth come to fight Against spirituall foes, yields by and by, Or from the fielde most cowardly doth fly!”

  No one should rely on physical strength or mortal confidence, for when facing spiritual enemies, such pride quickly fails or flees.

  Opening stanza emphasizing the weakness of human pride against spiritual challenges.

• “Each goodly thing is hardest to begin; But, entred in, a spatious court they see, Both plaine and pleasaunt to be walked in;”

  Every worthy endeavor is difficult at first, but once inside, they find a spacious and pleasant courtyard.

  Describes the initial difficulty of entering the House of Holinesse and the reward of a welcoming space.

• “Faire Knight, (quoth he) Hierusalem that is, The new Hierusalem, that God has built For those to dwell in that are chosen his, His chosen people, purg'd from sinful guilt With pretious blood, which cruelly was spilt On cursed tree, of that unspotted lam, That for the sinnes of al the world was kilt:”

  The holy man says that the city is the New Jerusalem, built by God for his chosen people, purified by the blood of the Lamb sacrificed for the world's sins.

  Contemplation reveals the identity of the heavenly city to the Redcrosse Knight.

• “For thou, emongst those Saints whom thou doest see, Shalt be a Saint, and thine owne nations frend And Patrone: thou Saint George shalt called bee, Saint George of mery England, the signe of victoree.”

  You will become a saint among those you see, a friend and patron of your nation, called Saint George of merry England, the emblem of victory.

  The prophecy that the Redcrosse Knight will become Saint George, England's patron saint.