Piers the Plowman

Definition

Piers the Plowman is a Middle English allegorical poem attributed to William Langland, written in the 14th century. It presents a series of dream visions experienced by the narrator, representing a quest for truth and spiritual fulfillment, addressing themes of social justice, morality, and the complexities of faith.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Piers the Plowman is divided into sections called 'passus,' each representing different aspects of life and societal issues.
2. The poem employs a unique alliterative verse form, distinguishing it from other contemporary literature of its time.
3. Langland's work highlights the contrast between social classes, emphasizing the struggles of the common people against corruption and greed.
4. The character Piers serves as a Christ-like figure, representing the ideal of a humble yet virtuous man who seeks to bring about social reform.
5. The poem is notable for its exploration of the Seven Deadly Sins and virtues, illustrating the moral journey of individuals in search of salvation.

Review Questions

• How does Langland use allegory in Piers the Plowman to convey messages about society and morality?
  • In Piers the Plowman, Langland employs allegory through characters like Piers, who embodies virtues like humility and diligence. The various figures encountered by the narrator symbolize different societal roles and moral qualities, allowing Langland to critique social injustice and advocate for ethical living. By framing these themes within a dream vision format, Langland invites readers to reflect on their own lives and societal responsibilities.
• Discuss the significance of the character Piers in relation to the themes of social justice and spirituality within the poem.
  • Piers serves as a pivotal figure in Piers the Plowman, representing an ideal of Christ-like humility and service to others. His role as a plowman symbolizes hard work and connection to the earth, contrasting with the corruption found in higher social classes. Through his actions and interactions with other characters, Piers embodies the quest for spiritual truth while also advocating for social reform, illustrating how personal virtue can lead to broader societal change.
• Evaluate how Piers the Plowman reflects the socio-political context of 14th century England and its impact on contemporary literature.
  • Piers the Plowman reflects the socio-political context of 14th century England by addressing prevalent issues such as class struggle, corruption within the Church, and economic disparity. The poem's critique of societal norms resonates with contemporary movements for justice and equality, influencing later literary works that explore similar themes. Langland's use of vernacular language and innovative narrative structure paved the way for future writers, emphasizing literature's role as a vehicle for social commentary and change.

Related terms

Allegory: A literary device where characters and events symbolize broader concepts and ideas, often conveying moral or political messages.

Dream Vision: A genre in medieval literature where the narrative is presented as a dream experienced by the protagonist, often used to explore philosophical or theological themes.

Social Critique: A commentary that examines societal issues, such as inequality or injustice, often found in literary works that challenge the status quo.