The complete works of John Gower, volume 2

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

71162

Title

The complete works of John Gower, volume 2

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this volume of John Gower's *Confessio Amantis*, the Lover confesses his sins to a Confessor, exploring vices like Sloth, Avarice, and False-Semblant. Through allegorical tales and classical examples, the text examines how love, virtue, and human frailty interact, offering moral instruction wrapped in poetic narrative.

Summary up to 500 words

In Volume 2 of *The Complete Works of John Gower*, the allegorical narrative continues as the Lover seeks absolution from the Confessor for his sins of love and other vices. The text unfolds through a series of *exempla*—short tales drawn from history, mythology, and literature—that illustrate profound moral lessons. The Confessor addresses the vice of Sloth, represented by Somnolence and Tristesce, which lead to despair and wretchedness. Through tales of Ceix and Alceone, Iphis and Araxarathen, and Midas, the work demonstrates the consequences of neglecting duty, despairing of love, and the folly of greed. The narrative also delves into the vice of Envie, specifically its manifestation as False-Semblant, where individuals hide their true intentions behind a mask of friendship. The Lover admits to feigning companionship to gather intelligence on rivals for his lady's affection, a practice the Confessor warns against as deceitful. The volume emphasizes that true gentilesse stems from virtue rather than wealth or lineage, critiquing the corruption of society and the dangers of pride. The text blends medieval morality with classical references, creating a rich tapestry of ethical reflection. It concludes with a prayer for King Richard II, reflecting the author's loyalty and desire for peace and justice. The work serves as a comprehensive guide to ethical living, warning against the pitfalls of avarice, which enslaves its possessor, and the treachery of hypocrisy. By weaving together biblical allusions, classical myths, and contemporary social commentary, Gower constructs a compelling argument for truth, charity, and the cultivation of inner virtue over external appearances.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/71162.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg71162.epub

Removed after upload

Downloaded at

2026-07-01 21:00 UTC

Categories

• Poetry