The Seven Deadly Sins: An Introduction to the History of a Religious Concept, with Special Reference to Medieval English Literature
- Author/Editor
- Bloomfield, Morton
- Title
- The Seven Deadly Sins: An Introduction to the History of a Religious Concept, with Special Reference to Medieval English Literature
- Published
- Bloomfield, Morton. "The Seven Deadly Sins: An Introduction to the History of a Religious Concept, with Special Reference to Medieval English Literature." East Lansing: Michigan State College Press, 1962
- Review
- According to Bloomfield, "Gower is an important figure in the story of the seven deadly sins in English literature . . . [T]hey constitute a basic element of his worldview" (196). In all three major works, Gower demonstrates the kind of "proliferation of detail" (196) and propensity for symbolism in describing and classifying sin that is characteristic of late medieval and renaissance culture. For instance, Gower's references to alchemy and astrology are reminiscent of the classical linkage of the sins with their planets and metals. Likewise, Gower's association of the sins with particular animals and diseases (especially in the MO) demonstrates his systematic approach to life. [CvD]
- Date
- 1962
- Gower Subjects
- Backgrounds and General Criticism
- Sources, Analogues, and Literary Relations
- Vox Clamantis
- Confessio Amantis
- Mirour de l'Omme (Speculum Meditantis)