The Faerie Queene
During "The Faerie Queene's" inception, Spenser worked as a civil servant, in "relative seclusion from the political and literary events of his day". As Spenser laboured in solitude, "The Faerie Queene" manifested within his mind, blending his experiences into the content of his craft. Within his poem, Spenser explores human consciousness and conflict, relating to a variety of genres including sixteenth century Arthurian literature. "The Faerie Queene" was influenced strongly by Italian works, as were many other works in England at that time. "The Faerie Queene" draws heavily on Ariosto and Tasso.