"A gret ensample thou schalt finde": On the Artistry and Ethics of the "Confessio Amantis."
- Author/Editor
- Chatten, N. M. L.
- Title
- "A gret ensample thou schalt finde": On the Artistry and Ethics of the "Confessio Amantis."
- Published
- Chatten, N.M.L. "A gret ensample thou schalt finde": On the Artistry and Ethics of the "Confessio Amantis." Ph.D. Dissertation. The University of Wales College of Cardiff, 1999. Dissertation Abstracts International C70.23. Abstract available via ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.
- Review
- "This thesis explores John Gower's English work, the 'Confessio Amantis,' from three primary perspectives. This produces an interpretation of the work that emphasizes the completeness of Gower's vision therein whilst also explaining the methods by which he made that original 'intentio' manifest. Chapters I and IV focus on the physical structure and framework of the text: the design, the schema of the Seven Deadly Sins, the prologue and epilogue, and the metre. To demonstrate the significance of the structure of the 'Confessio Amantis,' the thesis analyzes the relationship of these elements to the text's 'intentio' and its reception. Chapters II and V examine the 'Confesssio Amantis' in its social, political and cultural context. The history of the Church's original appropriation of 'auctoritas' is explored, along with Gower's subsequent reappropriation of it as a lay political concept and his narrative justifications for this. As a parallel to this, Gower's own references to the contemporary domestic political situation are examined for the insight which they offer into his reactions to the cultural climate and his motivation in writing the text. Chapter III demonstrates the underrated narrative artistry of the 'Confessio Amantis,' and discusses failings of the prevailing critical tradition. Comparison with some key texts from Gower's contemporary, Chaucer, explores possible reasons for Gower's poor reputation by examining narrative in terms of factors such as theme, genre and 'intentio' rather than the stylistics and characterization that have attracted most attention in the past. This chapter also explores the effect of those factors on the alterations which Gower made to his source narratives, and how this emphasizes Gower's commitment to a distinctive 'middel weie'. The thesis concludes by emphasizing the sustained and coherent nature of Gower's vision for his work and the literary significance which this affords him."
- Date
- 1999
- Gower Subjects
- Confessio Amantis
Sources, Analogues, and Literary Relations