< Previous Page | Next Page >

Chapter 4

Death is the central character in The Assembly of Gods. He precipitates the important transitions and brings a resolution not only to the various episodes of the poem, but also to the discord between reason and sensuality. The idea that reason and sensuality accord in death could mean many things. As Reason and Doctrine explain, both the reasonable and sensitive aspects of the soul counsel people to fear death. And as the second episode of the poem illustrates, at death the conflict between reason and sensuality is resolved. But perhaps more importantly, in this poem reason and sensuality accord in the allegory of Death. The poem is filled with references to conventional allegorical images of death. The poet uses these allegories to take advantage of their popularity and to highlight the role of reason and sensuality in the poem, but also to construct an original character who learns for himself the importance of bringing reason and sensuality together to see past the outer surface to a higher truth.

< Previous Page | Next Page >

Introduction

Chapter 1
a. Reason and Sensuality in Medieval Literature
b. Reason and Sensuality in The Assembly of Gods

Chapter 2
a. Reason, Sensuality and Allegory
b. Reason, Sensuality and Allegory in The Assembly of Gods

Chapter 3: Literary, Visual and Dramatic Allegories
a. Literary
b. Visual
c. Dramatic

Chapter 4: Death and the accord of Reason and Sensuality
a. The Allegory of Death
b. The Accord of Reason and Sensuality in Death

Conclusion

Appendix 1
a. The Poem
b. Authorship and Date
c. Manuscripts
d. Title

Appendix 2: Critical response to The Assembly of Gods

Works Cited

Chapter 4

Contents