Book Description
Medieval authors manifest their interest in mirrors both literally and metaphorically, for two reasons in particular: the analogical element in the mirror metaphor, which combines with the pervasive allegorical mode, and the ethical function attributed to poetry. The mirror's ambivalent role of reflecting appearances and of revealing an intimation of the invisible behind them should also be borne in mind to understand its influence.Fifteenth century poetsmay be seen as interesting examples of this ambivalence. On the one hand they imitate Chaucer, and their poetry reflects his works; on the other they endeavour to offer a new image of form and content. Professor Torti first explores the constituent elements of the metaphor by analysing its major sources; she then discusses its presence in the work of Chaucer (Troilus and Criseyde), John Lydgate (Temple of Glas), Thomas Hoccleve, and John Skelton (Bowge of Courte and Speke Parott). ANNA TORTI is AssociateProfessor of English, University of Verona.