John Gower: A Political Poet Grétar Skúlason

John Gower Ca Lived in Southwark, London Wrote poetry in three languages – Anglo-Roman – Latin – English

Confessio Amantis (The Lover’s Confession) Written in Middle-English: Meeting in 1385 with Richard II on the Thames? First recension: 1390(?) – “A bok for king Richardes sake” (Prol. 24*) Second recension: (?) – “A bok for Engelondes sake” (Prol. 24) Third recension: (?) Gower’s shift of allegiance

Gower’s Kings King Richard II ( ) Rule: King Henry IV ( ) Rule:

Pierre Bourdieu ( ) Habitus Field Capital – Economic – Cultural – Symbolic Illusio

Gower, Richard, Henry et al. What are they after? Which “game” are they playing? What are the fields? What is their status and what is it based on? How skilled are they at getting what they want?

Thank you!