'Parfite Blisses Two': January's Dilemma and the Themes of Temptation and Doublemindedness in the 'Merchant's Tale'

Author / Editor
Tucker, Edward F. J.

Title
'Parfite Blisses Two': January's Dilemma and the Themes of Temptation and Doublemindedness in the 'Merchant's Tale'

Published
American Benedictine Review 33 (1982): 172-81.

Description
The character of January is indebted to the doctrine of "doublemindedness" promulgated in the Epistle of James, especially as interpreted by Bede. The tale demonstrates the inner temptation undergone by those who waver between charity and cupidity; Justinus and Placebo are "allegorical representations of the inner division of January's mind."

Chaucer Subjects
Merchant and His Tale.