(DIS)EQUILIBRIUM AND (DIS)ORDER: FRIENDSHIP AND DISCORD IN THE FAERIE QUEENE BY EDMUND SPENSER

Abstract

This article analyzes the meaning of two allegories from Book IV of The Faerie Queene (1590 and 1596/1609) by Edmund Spenser (1552?–1599). These are the characters Ate and Triamond. The first is described as a goddess of discord; marked by monstrosity and dualism, even the parts of her body do not agree with each other. Thus, she represents an allegory of disequilibrium and disorder. When invoked by Duessa, she begins to sow disagreement, especially between Paridell and Blandamour, since their friendship is based on self-interest and pleasure. Triamond, on the other hand, thanks to an agreement made by his mother, Agape, unites within himself the souls of his brothers, Priamond and Diamond, after their deaths. In this way, Spenser reworks philosophical concepts that defend friendship as a communion of souls, in which the friend is considered another self. Thus, there is an allegory of equilibrium and order, since different souls coexist harmoniously within the same body. Moreover, Triamond becomes a friend to Cambell; being both virtuous, they form a sincere bond. With this, Spenser draws two quartets: one composed of Duessa, Ate, Paridell and Blandamour, occasional allies, and the other of Triamond, Cambell, Canacee and Cambina, true and virtuous friends. Through these allegories, this article examines two fundamental concepts in the poem: the fear of chaos and the search for virtue, specifically friendship, as a means of confronting it. To support the analysis, two authors are essential: Aristotle (c. 384 BC–322 BC) and Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BC–43 BC).