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Cover of The complete works of John Gower, volume 2 : $b The English works

The complete works of John Gower, volume 2 : $b The English works

Written by John Gower

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Poetry

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About this book

"The Complete Works of John Gower, Volume 2: The English Works" by John Gower is a collection of literary works written in the late 14th century. This volume primarily features "Confessio Amantis", which is a poetic narrative exploring themes of love, morality, and societal issues through a confessional dialogue between a lover and the priest Genius. Gower's work stands as a significant contribution to early English literature, often placed alongside the works of Chaucer. The opening of the volume includes a detailed introduction and a prologue that sets the tone for "Confessio Amantis". Gower begins by reflecting on the challenges of moral storytelling amid societal discord, expressing his intention to blend wisdom and pleasure in his writing. He outlines the central theme of love while critiquing the state of temporal rulers and the clergy of his time. This sets the stage for the dialogues that address the complexities of love and human behavior, as the narrator prepares to confess his feelings and experiences to Genius, highlighting the influence of love on individual lives and societal morals. The established context promises a rich exploration of medieval thought and values through compelling narratives.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The complete works of John Gower, volume 2 : $b The English works, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • didactic
  • philosophical
  • moralistic

John Gower's "The Complete Works, Volume 2: The English Works" primarily presents "Confessio Amantis," a monumental late 14th-century poetic narrative. This work unfolds as a confessional dialogue between a lovelorn narrator, Amans, and the priest of Venus, Genius, who imparts moral lessons through a vast array of illustrative tales. Gower meticulously explores the complexities of love, morality, and societal corruption, using the framework of the seven deadly sins to critique temporal rulers, the clergy, and human behavior. The volume begins with a detailed prologue where Gower articulates his intention to blend wisdom with pleasure, reflecting on the challenges of moral storytelling amidst widespread societal discord. "Confessio Amantis" stands as a significant contribution to early English literature, showcasing Gower's didactic purpose and narrative skill, often drawing comparisons to his contemporary, Geoffrey Chaucer.

“Forthi good is that we also / With newe thinges bothe two / Miht make us merie, and to the lore / Of hem that writen us tofore / In sondri wise our tale telle.”

Key themes

Love (Courtly, Moral, and Spiritual)
Love is the overarching theme, explored in its myriad forms. Gower dissects courtly love conventions, examining its pitfalls and virtues. He moves beyond romantic love to consider love's moral dimensions, particularly how it intersects with the seven deadly sins, and ultimately elevates it to a spiritual, philosophical plane, advocating for a love aligned with reason and divine order.
Morality and Vice
The poem is fundamentally a moral treatise, structured around the seven deadly sins. Gower meticulously examines each sin (Pride, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, Avarice, Gluttony, Lechery) through Amans's confession and Genius's illustrative tales, demonstrating how these vices corrupt individuals and society. The work advocates for virtuous conduct as essential for personal well-being and societal harmony.
Wisdom and Didacticism
Gower explicitly states his intention to blend wisdom ('lore') with pleasure ('merie') in his writing. The entire poem serves as a didactic vehicle, aiming to instruct its audience on moral principles, human nature, and the path to a virtuous life. Genius, as the principal narrator, is the embodiment of this didactic purpose, imparting knowledge through stories.

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How does Gower's approach to moral instruction in 'Confessio Amantis' compare to other didactic works of the medieval period?

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