William Langland (ca. 1330-1400)
William Langland (ca. 1330-1400) was a medieval English poet best known for his allegorical masterpiece, Piers Plowman. There is a little about his background life, Langland have been raised in England about the year 1330, in the regions of Shropshire or Worcestershire. Considering his common background and having little formal education, his writing and speaking skills shows his deep knowledge of literature and theology.
Piers Plowman is a long narrative poem using West Midlands dialect of English that follows the main character, Will, on his spiritual journey for truth and redemption through the form of a dream vision. The work is known for its incisive critique of various domains such as the church and society, in addition to its deft application of symbolism and allegory.
Langland is tackles moral and spiritual themes using a visceral storytelling style, reflecting the social and religious tensions in 14th century England. Piers Plowman became an important part of the English literary tradition and provided a deep insight into the lives and beliefs of medieval society.
Piers Plowman's Review
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Introduction
William Langland's Piers Plowman is among the most well-known pieces of literature from the fourteenth century. This allegorical poem provides an in-depth analysis of the culture and spirituality of the era. Known for its incredible length and complexity of allegory, Piers Plowman provides a compelling picture of the spiritual journey of a man named Will.
Language and Style Analysis
The language Langland uses in Piers Plowman is Middle English, which was quite common at the time. However, Langland has a distinctive style that utilizes the technique of "alliterative verse." This means that he uses patterns of consonant sounds. This means that he uses patterns of consonant sounds at the beginning of words to create a cohesive and musical rhythm. For example, phrases like "blissful beaute" or "great and glorious" show the use of this technique that brings the poem to life with distinctive, repetitive sounds.
Langland also had a special way of choosing words that gave the poem an allegorical and symbolic feel. He often used language that was direct yet loaded with meaning, creating deep layers of meaning without the need to use overly complex vocabulary. This helped readers of the time to understand moral and spiritual messages more easily.