The Tale of Iphis (CA, IV, 451-505)
- Author/Editor
- Stasko, Nicolette
- Title
- The Tale of Iphis (CA, IV, 451-505)
- Published
- Stasko, Nicolette. "The Tale of Iphis (CA, IV, 451-505)." In John Gower's Literary Transformations in the Confessio Amantis: Original Articles and Translations. Ed. Beidler, Peter G. Washington, D. C.: University Press of America, 1982, pp. 33-35. ISBN 081925962
- Review
- Stasko summarizes Ovid's story of Iphis ("Metamorphoses" 9.666-797) and identifies ways that Gower alters Ovid's version in his own account in CA 3.2145-2307. Gower changes Ligdus from a commoner to a king, making him seem crueler; he reduces the role of the goddess Isis, eliminates Iphis's lament, and renders the love of Iphis and Ianthe more innocent--in all, changing Ovid's "story about the rewards of prayer and obedience into one about the wonders wrought by enduring and uncomplaining love." [MA]
- Date
- 1982
- Gower Subjects
- Sources, Analogues, and Literary Relations
- Confessio Amantis