Topic for Paper #5

Paper Topic: The Faerie Queene

Maximum number of words: 315. Shoot for 300 max. and leave room for titles, your name, etc.

Study the tapestry of Venus and Adonis in FQ, III, I, 34-38.  Your notes on the text calls it “the operative symbol” in Book III—why?  How does its representation and its placement in the book (consider where the scene takes place) speak to Spenser’s particular concerns, influences, and the context in which he writes?  In short, what is particularly Spenserian about the representation of the tapestry?  

Grading Rubric:

Thoughtful, insightful argument about the text: 30%

Clear and perhaps compelling writing, effective movement from idea to idea: 30%

Effective use of evidence, including close-reading of specific moments from text: 20%

Correct use of relevant keywords from lecture and readings: 10%

Correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, diction: 10%