English Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What type of poem is Spenser's Faerie Queene?

1. Epic

2. Drama

3. Lyrical

4. Narrative

The correct answer is: Epic

Spenser's Faerie Queene is classified as an epic poem. An epic poem is a long, narrative poem that typically tells the story of a hero or the history of a nation or culture. This is in contrast to a drama, which is typically a play that is acted out, a lyrical poem that expresses emotions or feelings, or a narrative poem that recounts events in a straightforward manner. While Spenser's Faerie Queene does contain elements of drama, lyricism, and narrative, it is primarily considered an epic due to its length, structure, and focus on heroic themes.