Chaucer's House of Fame

1338 Words6 Pages
The House of Conflation Chaucer’s dream vision the House of Fame arguably presents a tantalizing problem of interpretation. The frequently repeated claim against the House of Fame that it lacks a clear purpose inspires a general attitude of perplexed discontent with it. However, I argue that the first book of the House of Fame portrays a story of courtly love in which Fame, akin to Fortune, has an essential role in the lives of two lovers. Additionally, the second book, which maintains the aura of a quest, provides the reader with an illustration of the universe where Fame plays a part. Lastly, the third book, appeasing the demands of a quest, discloses the actual distribution or withholding of glory. The initial enigma of the House of Fame is present in the first book, with its attention upon the story of Queen Dido and Aeneas. Because the entirety of this book is devoted to the story of the Aeneid, it is quite reasonable that the reader should conclude that the poem is a love-vision. However, this begs the question why the poem is entitled the House of Fame. Moreover, the relationship between the activities of Venus and those of her sister Fortune must be further deciphered. It appears that Chaucer’s formation of the Goddess Fame was very much influenced by the notions of the goddesses of Love and Fortune. Fortune is never fully relinquished from the accusations of individuals who are dissatisfied with their fame. Furthermore, her gifts include glory, consequently we hold her responsible for our reputation, whether good or bad. Ultimately, these divinities, Love and Fortune, become adequately identified for Venus to take over the traits of her sister goddess. In other words, the roles of the three goddesses are so similar their activities and the effects of their influence over men become analogous. By structural analogy with the Book of the Duchess and
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