The Tale of Iphis and Araxarathen (CA, IV, 3515-3684)

Author/Editor
Stasko, Nicolette

Title
The Tale of Iphis and Araxarathen (CA, IV, 3515-3684)

Published
Stasko, Nicolette. "The Tale of Iphis and Araxarathen (CA, IV, 3515-3684)." 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. 51-54. ISBN 081925962

Review
Stasko summarizes Ovid's story of Iphis's death and Araxarathen's transformation ("Metamorphoses" 14.698-761) and identifies ways that Gower alters Ovid's version in his own account in CA 4.3515-3684. Generally expanding the plot, Gower radically alters the two protagonists by reversing their "social and moral positions" and thereby converts Ovid's story "into one which criticizes men for despairing." [MA]

Date
1982

Gower Subjects
Sources, Analogues, and Literary Relations
Confessio Amantis