The poem’s stated purpose is to represent Aristotle’s virtues through the journeys of knights and women. While Aristotle’s morals don’t fall under one particular religious domination, Spenser links them to Christianity, so virtue and Christianity square off against irreligion and wickedness. Spenser establishes the central theme of the poem with the first knight. As his name implies, Redcrosse is a believer. The speaker uses imagery to describe the “bloudie Crosse” (1.1.2.1) on his chest and shield out of “deare remembrance of his dying Lord” (1.1.2.2). Redcrosse cements his Christian virtues when he repents at Caelia’s house and wants to stay with the holy man.

In Book 2, Guyon bonds Christianity and virtue when he resists Mammon’s ultra-materialistic underworld and destroys the hedonistic Bower of Bliss. Through chastity, Belphoebe and Britomart tie virtue to Christianity—although the male knights must remain chaste and faithful too. Arthegall appropriates King Solomon and, like Guyon and his palmer, has a sidekick, Talus, that reflects Christian judgment—albeit a harsh interpretation of Christian judgment. Calidore’s journey is perhaps the least overtly Christian. In keeping with the formula of the theme, he’s virtuous and saves Pastorella, so he’s on the side of Christianity. Arthur, too, becomes a Christian symbol due to his connection to the Christian knights.