Piers Plowman: Analysis of Major Characters
"Piers Plowman" is a medieval allegorical poem that explores the complex relationship between humanity and divine truth, primarily through its major characters. The protagonist, Piers, embodies the ideals of hard work, sincerity, and honesty, emerging as an incarnation of Christ throughout the narrative. His journey includes leading a group to seek Holy Truth and understanding the concepts of Do-Well, Do-Better, and Do-Best. The character of William, the Poet, serves as the narrator and catalyst for the visions, addressing themes of sin, virtue, and the interplay between the clergy and laity in medieval society.
Other significant characters include Lady Mede, who symbolizes both just reward and corruption, and Conscience, who represents moral awareness amidst societal challenges. The allegorical figures of Reason and False expand the narrative's examination of human behavior and ethics. Additionally, Piers' family members, including Dame-Work-While-I-Am-Able, his wife, and his children, Do-This-Or-Thy-Dame-Shall-Beat-Thee and Suffer-Thy-Sovereigns-To-Have-Their-Wishes-Dare-Not-Judge-Them-For-If-Thou-Dost-Thou-Shalt-Dearly-Abide-It, add depth to the exploration of individual roles within the broader societal and spiritual context. Together, these characters create a rich tapestry that reflects the moral and theological concerns of the time.
Piers Plowman: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: William Langland
First published: The Vision of William, Concerning Piers the Plowman, A Text, c. 1362; B Text, c. 1377; C Text, c. 1393
Genre: Poetry
Locale: England
Plot: Social
Time: Fourteenth century
Piers the Plowman, the hardworking, sincere, and honest plowman who with each appearance in the poem becomes more clearly an incarnation of Christ. In the poet's second vision, Piers volunteers to lead the assembly of the seven deadly sins to Holy Truth and thus earns a pardon for himself and his heirs forever. The third vision of the poet concerns Piers's quests for the states of Do-Well, Do-Better, and Do-Best. Piers also explains the Tree of Charity and the nature of the Trinity of God to the poet and appears as the Good Samaritan, as the builder of the Church, and as God's champion against Satan.
William, the Poet, who has a series of visions, each concerned with human relationships to God in every aspect of medieval life. The first vision relates the contest between Lady Mede and Conscience; the next two dreams are visions of Piers the Plowman. In addition to the quest for Truth (God), the poet also digresses on the topics of sin and virtue, the value of learning, the clergy and the laity, and Christian tradition.
Lady Mede, an allegorical character representing both just reward and bribery. She appears in the first vision as the proposed, but unwanted, bride of Conscience.
Lady Holy Church, who explains the first vision to the poet.
Conscience, Reason, and False, allegorical characters.
Dame-Work-While-I-Am-Able, the wife of Piers.
Do-This-Or-Thy-Dame-Shall-Beat-Thee, Piers's daughter.
Suffer-Thy-Sovereigns-To-Have-Their-Wishes-Dare-Not-Judge-Them-For-If-Thou-Dost-Thou-Shalt-Dearly-Abide-It, Piers's son.