Piers Plowman

Definition

Piers Plowman is an allegorical narrative poem written by William Langland in the 14th century, known for its exploration of social and spiritual themes through dream visions. This work reflects the historical context of medieval England by addressing the moral and social issues of the time, while also being significant in the alliterative revival, showcasing a distinct poetic form that blends elements of allegory and social commentary.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Piers Plowman is divided into a series of dream visions experienced by the narrator, each exploring different themes such as justice, truth, and the nature of Christian faith.
2. The poem is notable for its use of alliterative verse, which became popular during the alliterative revival in the 14th century, challenging the dominance of rhyme in medieval poetry.
3. Langland employs a range of allegorical characters such as Piers, who represents Christ-like qualities and serves as a guide for the narrator on his spiritual journey.
4. The work critiques contemporary society, addressing issues like corruption in the church and the social inequities faced by the poor, making it relevant to its historical context.
5. Piers Plowman had a significant influence on later English literature, paving the way for future allegorical works and contributing to the development of English prose.

Review Questions

• How does Piers Plowman use allegory to reflect the social issues of medieval England?
  • Piers Plowman uses allegory through its characters and dream visions to tackle pressing social issues of medieval England, such as corruption within the church and societal inequalities. Characters like Piers embody moral ideals and serve as agents of change, guiding the narrator toward truth and justice. By presenting these themes in an allegorical format, Langland critiques the status quo and encourages readers to reflect on their own moral responsibilities within society.
• Discuss the significance of alliterative verse in Piers Plowman and its impact on medieval poetry.
  • Alliterative verse is significant in Piers Plowman as it marks a revival of this poetic form during the 14th century. This technique emphasizes rhythm and sound, creating a musical quality that enhances the poem's thematic depth. By employing alliteration instead of relying solely on rhyme, Langland contributed to a distinct literary movement that reshaped medieval poetry, inspiring other writers to explore similar forms in their works.
• Evaluate how Piers Plowman addresses both individual spiritual journeys and broader social commentary, and its influence on later literary movements.
  • Piers Plowman intricately weaves individual spiritual journeys with broader social commentary by depicting personal quests for salvation alongside critiques of societal structures. This dual focus allows readers to engage with universal questions about faith while reflecting on the injustices of their time. The poem's complex narrative style and thematic richness laid groundwork for future literary movements such as the Reformation literature and early modern allegory, influencing writers like John Bunyan and Geoffrey Chaucer in their exploration of similar themes.

Related terms

Allegory: A literary device in which characters and events symbolize deeper meanings and abstract concepts, often used to convey moral or political messages.

Alliterative Verse: A type of poetic form that relies on the repetition of initial consonant sounds in closely positioned words, prominent in medieval English poetry, including Piers Plowman.

William Langland: An influential Middle English poet best known for Piers Plowman, whose works reflect the social and spiritual concerns of 14th-century England.