William Langland

Definition

William Langland was a 14th-century English poet best known for his allegorical poem 'Piers Plowman,' which reflects the social, political, and religious issues of medieval England. His work is significant in the context of the historical backdrop of the time, the development of the Middle English language, and the alliterative revival that marked a change in poetic forms during this period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. William Langland wrote 'Piers Plowman' in an innovative alliterative verse style that was distinct from the rhymed couplets more common in other contemporary works.
2. His poem is divided into sections called 'passus,' which means 'steps' in Latin, each addressing different moral and social issues.
3. Langland's work serves as a critique of the social injustices of his time, including the corruption within the church and the plight of the poor and working class.
4. He uses dream vision as a literary device, allowing readers to engage with complex themes through allegorical characters such as Lady Holy Church and Piers.
5. Despite being less known than his contemporaries like Chaucer, Langland's influence on English literature is significant due to his innovative use of language and form.

Review Questions

• How does William Langland's use of allegory in 'Piers Plowman' reflect the social concerns of medieval England?
  • William Langland's 'Piers Plowman' employs allegory to address critical social issues, such as poverty, corruption within the church, and social justice. Through characters like Piers, who represents Christ-like virtues, Langland illustrates the struggle for righteousness amid societal challenges. This method not only engages readers with complex ideas but also critiques the existing social order, reflecting broader concerns in medieval society.
• Discuss how Langland's poetry contributes to the development of Middle English as a literary language.
  • Langland's poetry significantly contributes to the development of Middle English by employing an innovative alliterative verse that contrasts with other poetic styles of his time. His choice to write in this form made literature more accessible to a broader audience and helped establish Middle English as a legitimate literary language. Additionally, Langland's use of dialect and varied vocabulary enriched the linguistic landscape, showcasing the potential of Middle English for expressive literary art.
• Evaluate the significance of the alliterative revival in relation to William Langland's works and its impact on subsequent English literature.
  • The alliterative revival was crucial for William Langland’s 'Piers Plowman,' as it allowed him to innovate within a traditional poetic form while addressing contemporary issues. This revival marked a departure from the dominant rhyme schemes used by poets like Chaucer, demonstrating that alliterative verse could convey profound themes. Langland’s success influenced later poets to explore this form further, ultimately contributing to a richer diversity in English literature and paving the way for future literary experimentation.

Related terms

Piers Plowman: An allegorical narrative poem written by William Langland that explores themes of social justice and the Christian journey, presenting a series of dream visions.

Alliterative Verse: A poetic form characterized by the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words in a line, commonly used in Middle English literature during the alliterative revival.

Allegory: A narrative technique in which characters and events symbolize broader moral or political meanings, allowing for deeper commentary on society, as seen in Langland's work.