SUMMERS, KAREN CRADY, Ph.D. Reading Incest - The University ...

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able, clear-eyed, to answer her: “John Gower” (VIII. 2321). Not only can he answer with
reason, he can at last hear her when she tells him that he is too old to be engaged in the
pursuit of courtly love. Realization of the truth dawns upon him;
A cold me cawhte sodeinly,
For sorwe that myn herte made
Mi dedly face pale and fade
Becam, and swoune I fell to grounde.
And as I lay the same stounde,
Ne fully quik ne fully ded
(VIII.2446-2451)
Echoing the Christian theme of redemption through confession and repentance, this death
scene is followed by Aman’s rebirth; like Apollonius he was tested, and both resisted the
slide into depravity. Both had their kingdoms restored to them; Apollonius reclaimed the
throne of Pentapolis and Amans was restored to his reason and his self-awareness.
Through his new eyes he can see himself without distortion—gray hair, tired eyes, and
paunch. He knows that Venus is correct when she tells him that he is no longer fit to
serve in her court. The fiery dart is removed; Amans asks for absolution from his sins
and Venus gives him a soothing balm, placing “A peire of Bedes blak as Sable” (VIII.
2904) about his neck. He will now serve in the court of charitable love.
After eight books it becomes clear that most of the Confessio Amantis is dedicated
to teaching Amans, the Everyman of the late 14 th century, the responsibility of the
individual to pursue reason over sensuality and the supremacy of the spirit over the flesh.
In other words, he should strive to live in the spiritual world rather than the secular one
and pursue charity instead of cupidity. He must be master of his own self, or else he
becomes slave to his desires. The poem is also an exposition on the education and duties