The Faerie Queene Coming of Age Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Book, canto, stanza

Quote #4

Much wondred Guyon at the faire aspect/ Of that sweet place, yet suffred no delight/ To sincke into his sence, nor mind affect. (II.xii.53)

We can see Guyon's growth over the course of Book II when he successfully braves the temptations of the Bower of Bliss—temptations particularly enticing to young male knights—without getting sidetracked.

Quote #5

Faire Sir, I let you weete, that from the howre/ I taken was from nourses tender pap,/ I haue beene trained vp in warlike stowre,/ To tossen speare and shield, and to affrap/ The warlike ryder to his most mishap. (III.ii.6)

Britomart's childhood and knightly upbringing is a major part of our understanding of her character—and Britomart's education is the most important part of her identity.

Quote #6

Which [three children: Priamond, Diamond, and Triamond] [Agape] with her long fostred in that wood,/ Till that to ripenesse of mans state they grew:/ Then shewing forth signes of their fathers blood,/ They loued armes, and knighthood did ensew,/ Seeking aduentures, where they anie knew. (IV.ii.46)

For Agape, the realization that her three sons are showing an inclination toward knighthood is not particularly comforting, since it means a greatly increased chance of doom and death.