Sir Raphael refers to a character within Edmund Spenser’s epic poem, The Faerie Queene. He is the Knight of the Book II, representing the virtue of Temperance. This allegorical figure embodies reason and moderation, guiding the protagonist, Sir Guyon, on his quest to destroy the Bower of Bliss. The Bower, ruled by the sorceress Acrasia, represents intemperance and sensual indulgence. Within this context, the term represents the specific object of Sir Guyon’s quest: the destruction of Acrasia and her Bower. This symbolic act highlights the importance of reason and moderation in overcoming temptation and achieving inner harmony.
Spenser’s work offers a complex exploration of moral virtues through allegorical narratives. The narrative of Sir Guyon’s journey, aided by Sir Raphael and culminating in the destruction of Acrasia’s realm, provides a powerful depiction of the struggle against excess and the pursuit of temperance. This struggle resonated with Elizabethan audiences concerned with moral and societal order, reflecting the philosophical and religious discourses of the time. Understanding this specific quest within The Faerie Queene offers valuable insights into Renaissance literature and the exploration of virtue ethics.
