Question

What religious and political stance is evident in Spenser’s The Shepherd’s Calendar?

• A. An open endorsement of the Catholic Church and its hierarchical structure
• B. A critique of all organized religion, advocating for atheism
• C. A veiled support of Puritanism and militant Protestantism
• D. A neutral stance, devoid of any religious or political commentary

Answer 1

Answer:

C. A veiled support of Puritanism and militant Protestantism

• The Shepherd’s Calendar covertly praises Archbishop Grindal, who was suspended for his Puritan sympathies.

• Spenser was closely tied to militant Protestant figures like the Earl of Leicester and used poetry to subtly express religious dissent.