Will

Definition

In the context of 'Piers Plowman,' will refers to the concept of volition or the human capacity to choose, act, and pursue moral and ethical decisions. This notion is essential in understanding the characters' motivations and their interactions with allegorical figures as they navigate the complexities of faith, social justice, and personal integrity throughout the poem.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The theme of will is central to the moral journey of characters as they confront their desires, ambitions, and responsibilities within the framework of Christian ethics.
2. Will is often depicted as a battleground where spiritual conflict occurs, illustrating the struggle between divine guidance and human inclination towards sin.
3. The poem presents will not just as a personal choice but also as a collective human experience, reflecting societal issues such as greed and injustice.
4. Characters like Piers embody the ideal use of will, demonstrating how it can lead to righteous action and social betterment when aligned with divine purpose.
5. The concept of will ties into the broader themes of redemption and salvation, suggesting that individuals can choose paths that lead to spiritual fulfillment or moral failure.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of will manifest in the character development throughout 'Piers Plowman'?
  • In 'Piers Plowman,' the concept of will is evident as characters make choices that reflect their moral integrity or failings. For instance, characters who actively pursue virtue are often portrayed positively, while those who succumb to greed or selfishness illustrate the negative consequences of poor choices. This dynamic showcases how will serves as a driving force in their journeys, influencing their ultimate fates within the allegorical narrative.
• Discuss the role of Lady Holy Church in shaping the characters' understanding of will in 'Piers Plowman.'
  • Lady Holy Church plays a pivotal role in 'Piers Plowman' by guiding characters toward a deeper understanding of will and its moral implications. As a personification of divine authority, she emphasizes the importance of aligning one's will with spiritual truths and ethical living. Her presence challenges characters to reflect on their choices, encouraging them to embrace a path that leads to redemption rather than condemnation.
• Evaluate how the exploration of will in 'Piers Plowman' reflects larger societal issues of its time and contributes to its enduring relevance.
  • The exploration of will in 'Piers Plowman' highlights significant societal issues such as social justice, corruption, and ethical responsibility that resonate with contemporary readers. By examining human agency in the context of moral choices, the poem critiques societal norms that prioritize material gain over spiritual well-being. This timeless message encourages readers to reflect on their own wills and choices within modern societal frameworks, emphasizing that individual actions have profound impacts on both personal salvation and communal harmony.

Related terms

Allegory: A narrative technique in which characters and events symbolize deeper moral or spiritual meanings, often used to convey complex ideas in a more accessible manner.

Lady Holy Church: A personified figure in 'Piers Plowman' representing the divine authority of the Church and guiding characters toward spiritual truth and righteousness.

Human agency: The capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own choices, which plays a crucial role in discussions about morality and responsibility in literature.