God's Only Daughter: Spenser's Una as the Invisible Church

Kathryn Walls challenges the standard identification of Una with the post-Reformation English Church, arguing that she is instead Augustines City of God, the invisible Church, whose membership is known only to God. Her transformation depends on the intervention of the lion as Christ, and she embodies divine perfection. Walls offers fresh interpretations of Abessa, the fauns and satyrs, and Unas dwarf, as well as reinterprets Spensers marriage metaphor.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2021
Publisher: Manchester University Press

In this captivating study, Kathryn Walls takes a bold stance by challenging the conventional association of Una with the post-Reformation English Church. Instead, she presents a compelling argument that Una aligns more closely with Augustine's concept of the City of God – an invisible Church, whose membership is solely known to God. This unique perspective allows Una's story to encompass a vast tapestry, encompassing the era preceding the Incarnation, the time of Christ, and the subsequent centuries. Furthermore, Una's narrative becomes an allegory, symbolizing the redemptive journey that sustains the true Church.

While Una may exhibit human imperfections in the first canto, her transformation is remarkable as she gradually embodies divine perfection. This remarkable journey is facilitated by the intervention of the lion, representing Christ, who plays a pivotal role in her metamorphosis.

Walls' meticulous analysis of Spenser's allegory is evident throughout her work, as she offers fresh interpretations of various characters and themes. She delves into the significance of Abessa as the Synagogue, explores the role of the fauns and satyrs as the Gentiles, and reinterprets Una's dwarf as symbolic forms of worship. Additionally, Walls sheds light on Spenser's marriage metaphor, clarifying the role of the Red Cross as Una's spouse in the final canto.

Through her meticulous research and insightful interpretations, Kathryn Walls has enriched our understanding of Spenser's masterpiece, The Faerie Queene. Her study not only deepens our appreciation for the poem's intricate allegory but also provides valuable insights into the broader cultural and theological implications of its themes. This work is a testament to the power of literary analysis and its ability to shed new light on ancient texts.

Weight: 326g
Dimension: 139 x 218 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526151773