John Gower, a contemporary of Geoffrey Chaucer, is renowned for the moralistic nature of his poetry, an attribute so pronounced that Chaucer himself coined him "the moral Gower." Gower's didactic approach, while typical of medieval literature, is particularly consistent and thematic across his major works. His trilogy—Mirour de l’Omme, Vox Clamantis, and Confessio Amantis—explores the degeneracy of society, the role of love and law, and the responsibilities of both individuals and rulers, painting a vivid picture of the societal values and challenges of his time.

Gower's Didactic Approach

In the medieval age, didacticism was a common characteristic of imaginative writing. However, Gower’s emphasis on morality was so distinct that it has defined his literary identity. His primary focus was on theme rather than form, as he saw himself primarily as a moralist. His works echo traditional perspectives, particularly those of the upper middle class, and stress the degeneration attributed to the distortion of universal, divine love—a concept popularized by thinkers such as Boethius and Macrobius.

The Role of Love and Law

Gower’s poetry stresses that love and order are inseparable, with the laws of society ideally reflecting the love and harmony of natural law. According to Gower, human reason should recognize and emulate this divine order. His works suggest that the moral order of society should be preserved through individual virtue and legal justice, with kingship playing a vital role in maintaining this structure. Gower’s shifting allegiance from Richard II to Henry IV illustrates his belief in the importance of royal responsibility to uphold this order.

Mirour de l’Omme

The Mirour de l’Omme, Gower’s earliest major work, is an extensive poem composed of over 28,000 lines of French verse. The poem allegorically explores the impact of sin on society, beginning with a manual of vices and virtues and depicting the offspring of Sin and Death as the seven deadly vices. Gower paints a bleak portrait of a world under the power of sin, contrasting it with the virtues attempting to restore order. His critique of human society is evident as he examines the corruption within every societal class, from clergy to commoners. The poem concludes with a call for human responsibility and repentance, emphasizing that the chaos of the world reflects human sinfulness.

Vox Clamantis

Written in Latin, Vox Clamantis consists of seven books and is noted for its allegorical depiction of the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381. This work, more public in nature than Mirour de l’Omme, examines the consequences of individual morality on society. Gower’s vivid depiction of the revolt serves as a metaphor for the chaos resulting from societal sins. He critiques the three estates of society and stresses the king’s duty to uphold justice and moral order. The poem reflects a growing conviction in Gower’s belief in the king’s moral responsibility to maintain societal harmony.

Confessio Amantis

In his most popular work, Confessio Amantis, Gower shifts to writing in English, using the framework of courtly love to address themes of individual moral responsibility. Commissioned by Richard II, the poem is a confessional manual illustrating sins against love through tales, emphasizing the role of reason in governing passion. The work’s prologue echoes the broader societal decay observed in Gower’s earlier works, linking personal love with the larger theme of societal harmony. While the poem appears less moralistic, its underlying message remains focused on the responsibilities of the individual and the king in restoring order and love to society.

The Moral and Aesthetic Legacy of Gower’s Works

Gower’s poetry, while fundamentally moral in nature, is also marked by a deep compassion for humanity and a keen interest in the societal implications of individual actions. His storytelling in Confessio Amantis is characterized by a plain, yet effective style that emphasizes action over ornate language. This approach not only serves his moral purposes but also enhances the aesthetic quality of his tales, resulting in a lasting appeal to readers. Today, Gower is celebrated for his storytelling prowess, particularly in Confessio Amantis, where his moral themes are woven into engaging narratives that continue to resonate with audiences.