The Tale of Ceyx and Alceone (CA, IV, 2927-3123)

Author/Editor
Gaston, John B

Title
The Tale of Ceyx and Alceone (CA, IV, 2927-3123)

Published
Gaston, John B. "The Tale of Ceyx and Alceone (CA, IV, 2927-3123)." 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. 41-43. ISBN 081925962

Review
Gaston summarizes Ovid's story of Ceyx and Alceone ("Metamorphoses" 11.410-748) and identifies ways that Gower alters Ovid's version in his own account in CA 4.2927-3123. Generally compressing plot by eliminating "unnecssary detail," Gower retains an extensive description of the house of Sleep and he "builds sympathy" for Alceone, thereby focusing on the "recipient of the vision and on the mechanism by which the dream vision is bestowed on her." [MA]

Date
1982

Gower Subjects
Sources, Analogues, and Literary Relations
Confessio Amantis