"Readership: Scholars and students of medieval literature and ethical and religious thinking." "'Nature' is a significant term in medieval ethical discourse. This book examines the idea of the natural in the work of major writers, including Jean de Meun, Gower, and Chaucer. Often understood to be on the side of reason and the good, nature can also be associated with the animal, the non-rational, and as such can be seen as encouraging immoral behaviour."--BOOK JACKET.