One of the first traits of the text we will be analyzing that is noticeable is the archaic character of Spencer's language1. Allegedly, this is an imitation of Chaucer's style, but, in my opinion, there are several other issues to be considered. First of all, using archaic language (Chaucer wrote some 200 years previously) allows the reader to perceive more than one sense to a certain word or phrase. This permits an incredible freedom in understanding the text: while the author is writing so as to transmit a message, the reader has the possibility of discovering new images in a phrase, due to a different individual perception in each case. The second explanation for the use of archaic language would be the actual theme of the poem: knights, allegories, all leading to the idea of the present presented through mythical intermediaries. In order to achieve the mythical perception of the reader, Spencer is endowed to often use Greek derivatives or words out of use, referring to a period that is virtually out of time.

             A close examination on the text will give us a closer perception of Spencer's intentions. The entire passage deals with the description of the castle, but the way Spencer achieves a realistic conceptualization of the building is what should be noticed. Indeed, the main issue is perhaps not the perception of the castle as it is, but the perception of a hollow castle, a castle that has a solid exterior, but a rotten and empty interior. As previously mentioned, the entire poem on the Faerie Queene is based on allegations and allegories and this is not an exception.

             The first verse of the passage analyzed practically gives no clue of the future development of the description: "a stately Palace built of square bricke". The image is casual, there are two main characteristics we gather from this verse: the palace is stately (hence, it has a certain importance in the world) and it is built of square bricks.