John Gower (c. 1330 – October 1408) was an influential English poet who lived during the same period as renowned writers like Geoffrey Chaucer and the Pearl Poet. He was also a close friend of Chaucer. Gower is best known for three significant works: Mirour de I'Omme, Vox Clamantis, and Confessio Amantis. What makes these poems remarkable is that they were written in three different languages – French, Latin, and English respectively. Despite the prevailing belief that English was too crude for literary expression, Gower defied this notion and became one of the earliest poets to write in Middle English.
Mirour de l'Omme (The Mirror of Mankind), also known as Speculum Meditantis (The Mirror of Meditation) in its Latin title is a poem of 29,945 lines written in iambic octosyllables. This poetic masterpiece deals with the profound theme of man's salvation, offering a rich exploration of religion and morality. Through vivid storytelling and intricate verses, Gower painted a detailed picture of human nature, guiding readers on a journey toward understanding the complexities of life.
Vox Clamantis (The Voice of One Crying Out), written in Latin and divided into seven books, is another significant work by Gower. This poetic creation spans 10,265 lines in elegiac couplets. The first book of this poem transports readers into a dream vision, vividly recounting the historical event of the Peasants' Rebellion of 1381. Gower strongly takes the side of the aristocracy, and appears to have admired the tactics Richard II used to suppress the revolt. The remaining books provide a deep insight into the societal conditions and the diverse strata of humanity. It examines the three estates of the realm—the nobility, the clergy, and the commoners—criticizing each group and offering extensive guidance on their respective responsibilities.
Confessio Amantis (The Lover's Confession) is another significant Middle English poem comprising 33,000 lines. Framed within the structure of a Christian confession, the poem deals with the story of an ageing lover confess to the chaplain of Venus, incorporating other shorter narrative poems. According to its prologue, it was composed at the request of Richard II. The poem stands alongside the works of Chaucer, Langland, and the Pearl poet as a masterpiece of late 14th-century English literature. Remarkably, in an era without printing presses, it was extensively copied, with 59 manuscripts, attesting to its enduring popularity alongside Canterbury Tales (72 copies) and Piers Plowman (63 copies).
In his later years, Gower penned minor works in English, French, and Latin. Notable among these were the Cinkante Ballades, a collection of fifty ballads exploring romantic themes. He also composed poems dedicated to the new monarch, Henry IV- in appreciation which Gower received an annual wine allowance as a pension.
Gower's poetry has evoked varying opinions among critics. In the 15th century, he was esteemed as a pioneer of English poetry, akin to Chaucer. Yet, over time, his reputation declined due to perceived didacticism and lack of excitement. In the 20th century, scholars like C.S. Lewis, in The Allegory of Love, offered him more recognition. Despite this, he hasn't attained the same widespread acclaim as some of his contemporaries.
