Temperance

Definition

Temperance is the practice of self-control, moderation, and restraint, particularly in relation to desires and appetites. It embodies the idea of balance, promoting a harmonious life that avoids excess and encourages virtue. In literature, especially in moral allegories like The Faerie Queene, temperance serves as a key virtue that influences character development and moral lessons.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In The Faerie Queene, temperance is personified by the character of Temperance, who guides other characters in their pursuit of virtue.
2. Temperance is closely associated with the knight Sir Guyon, who embodies self-control and restraint throughout his journey.
3. The theme of temperance emphasizes the importance of balance in human nature and decision-making, contrasting it with the dangers of excess.
4. Spenser uses temperance as a critical virtue that not only shapes personal character but also contributes to societal harmony and justice.
5. The allegorical nature of The Faerie Queene presents temperance as an essential quality for achieving true nobility and moral integrity.

Review Questions

• How does the character of Temperance in The Faerie Queene illustrate the concept of moderation?
  • The character of Temperance serves as a guiding force in The Faerie Queene, representing moderation through her interactions with other characters. She teaches them the importance of self-control and the avoidance of excess, highlighting how true strength comes from the ability to resist temptation. Her presence reinforces the idea that achieving balance is essential for moral development and personal growth.
• Discuss the role of Sir Guyon in relation to temperance and how it affects his journey.
  • Sir Guyon is depicted as the embodiment of temperance in The Faerie Queene, showcasing self-restraint as he navigates various challenges. His commitment to this virtue not only shapes his actions but also influences his decisions when confronted with temptations. By adhering to temperance, Guyon ultimately achieves success in his quest, reinforcing the idea that moderation leads to virtuous outcomes and spiritual fulfillment.
• Analyze how Spenser uses the theme of temperance to critique societal values and promote moral integrity.
  • Spenser employs the theme of temperance in The Faerie Queene to critique societal values that often prioritize excess and indulgence over self-control and virtue. Through allegorical characters and their journeys, he illustrates how temperance fosters moral integrity and contributes to a just society. This critique resonates with contemporary issues by emphasizing that true nobility lies not in wealth or status but in one's ability to practice moderation and uphold virtuous behavior.

Related terms

virtue: A quality considered morally good or desirable in a person, which in the context of literature often refers to traits that lead to moral excellence.

excess: The state of exceeding normal limits, often associated with indulgence or overindulgence in desires, which temperance seeks to counteract.

moderation: The avoidance of excess or extremes, promoting a balanced approach to desires and behaviors, closely linked to the concept of temperance.