The Gnostic Paradigm: Forms of Knowing in English Literature of the Late Middle Ages.
- Author/Editor
- Elias, Natanela.
- Title
- The Gnostic Paradigm: Forms of Knowing in English Literature of the Late Middle Ages.
- Published
- Elias, Natanela. The Gnostic Paradigm: Forms of Knowing in English Literature of the Late Middle Ages. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2015.
- Review
- Elias analyzes "a representative section of medieval English literary texts from the late fourteenth century in terms of [identified gnostic tenets], showing how the texts adapt them through the use of a specifically chosen genre (the dream vision), the technique of subversion, and the overall function of art as 'The possibility of making the invisible visible, [and] of giving presence to what can only be imagined,' to create what I call the 'late-medieval gnostic moment'" (3). In the chapters not focused on Gower, Elias discusses the "Pearl"-Poet's oeuvre and "Piers Plowman" (the first chapter and introduction sets up her "gnostic paradigm" framework). The fourth and final chapter of her book, "Gower's Bower of Bliss: A Successful Passing into Hermetic Gnosis," offers readers a thought-provoking interpretation of Gower's "Confessio Amantis," particularly in the relationship of glossing and marginalia as representing both knowledge and nonknowledge (119). Elias argues, "the scope of the 'Confessio' is not necessarily socially oriented but rather a specifically individual endeavor for the salvation in a kind of mystical progress of the soul. In this manner, social change may become possible through personal and individual reflection, which may be attained through a reawakening of the self via the regaining of dormant knowledge (i.e., gnosis)" (120). Elias focuses on the duality of Genius in the poem to make her argument. She suggests this duality of Genius leads to a convergence that then causes Amans to self-reflect, ultimately leading into a gnostic Passing. Elias explains the manuscript and production history of the CA, even inserting her gnostic framework into Gower's formulation of the text to suggest Venus as some sort of Gnostic savior--a "guiding hand" (121). She then explains how "the digressive book (Book 7)" is actually the logical line of the poem to facilitate such Passing. Elias transitions into her chronological close reading of Gower's poem, offering insightful analyses of lines of specific tales in support of her argument. Upon reaching Book 7, Elias reiterates her opinion of the book's Hermetic nature that brings Amans into a sort of spiritual rebirth that takes shape in Book 8 (142-45). Through his introspection in Book 8 initiated by Venus, Amans gains "an epiphanic moment of revelation that culminates in the passing of the spirit into knowledge, a spiritual salvation, a poetic closure" (146). [JGS. Copyright. John Gower Society. eJGN 43.1]
- Date
- 2015
- Gower Subjects
- Confessio Amantis
Manuscripts and Textual Studies