Plan: Introduction

Alliteration and Assonance
The entire poem is alliterative. One example: “Prunella Proudheart fell prostrate and prone,”
2.2 Allusions of the poem and their functions
There are numerous religious, literary, historical allusions in the poem:
Saint Paul, Satan, Christ, Peter, The devil, Caesar, Adam, Eve, Cain, Judas, Saint Luke, Lucifer, God, Satan, Beelzebub, Solomon, Mary, King David, Matthew, Saul, Samuel, Agag the Amalechite, Moses, Benedict, Bernard, Francis, Robin Hood, The Earl of Chester, Luke, Matthew, Mark, Saint Paul, Saint Peter of Rome, Saint James, Cato, Saint Gregory, John, Comestor, Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar, Joseph, Pope Gregory, Aristotle, Noah, John the Baptist, Mary Magdalene, Augustine, Emperor Trajan, Plato, Socrates, Ambrose, Saint Avery, Zacchaeus, Isidore, Saint Bernard, John Chrysostom, Friar Geoffrey, Friar John, King Edward the Confessor, King Edmund, Saint Anthony, Saint Giles, Mahomet, Benedict, Bernard, Dominic, Francis, Constantine, Hosea, Moses, The Holy Ghost, Abraham, Isaiah, Gabriel, Judas, John the Baptist, Joshua, Judith, Judas Maccabaeus, The Samaritan, Paul the Apostle, Lazarus, Magi, Caiaphas, Thomas of India, Thaddeus, Antichrist, Seneca.
Piers Plowman contains the first known reference to the tales of Robin Hood.
2.3 Allegory in the poem “Piers Plowman”
The Parliament of Rats (Allegory)
The Parliament of Rats allegorical fable is likely drawn from the Good Parliament of 1376, which tried to address royal corruption. This reference helps date the text. The cat represents the worst of royal tyranny. The text argues, through a mouse, that while the Cat may be corrupt and cruel, the solution is not for the Rats to revolt. If they gained power, they would be incapable of ruling, since they are cowardly, selfish creatures. The poem points out corruption, but never advocates structural reform, instead insisting that an ideal society results from everyone playing their assigned role honestly for the common good.
Do-well, Do-better, and Do-best
Thought teaches Will that Do-well is one part of a triad that also includes Do-better and Do-best. He describes Do-well as honest labor, Do-better as compassion, and Do-best as the reprimand of sinners. What these three mean allegorically is a point of critical contention. Some theories have equated them with the Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; the Illuminative, Purgative, and Unitive stages of mysticism; the Active, Contemplative, and Mixed lives; and Faith, Hope, and Charity. It’s clear that there is a relationship between the three, and that they have an order. Intelligence expands upon Thought’s definition. Do-well is self-focused, emphasizing personal obedience to God’s law. Do-better places the individual in the context of the community, and calls for love. Do-best acts on that love through good works to help others.
Allegory, a key aspect of Langland's narrative in Piers Plowman, is the technique through which characters are imbued with symbolic meaning and represent abstract concepts. The allegorical characters serve as embodiments of various moral, religious, and social principles, providing readers with a vehicle through which they can explore an array of complex issues. The use of allegory in the poem not only conveys deeper meanings but also engages the reader in a thought-provoking manner.
Understanding the allegorical nature of characters in Piers Plowman is essential for exploring the poem's moral and spiritual messages. Several allegorical roles of the essential characters include:
• Will, as a representation of humanity and its struggles, offers a viewpoint for readers to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and moral dilemmas
• Piers the Plowman embodies humility, charity, and hard work, providing a model of virtuous behaviour for other characters and the reader
• Lady Holy Church symbolises the institution of the Church, allowing Langland to examine both its positive and negative aspects, as well as the role of faith in society
For instance, in the character of Conscience, Langland explores the importance of moral integrity. Conscience undergoes trials and temptations, much like the human soul, and through his decisions and personal growth, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own spiritual compasses and ethical values.
In conclusion, the allegorical nature of characters in Piers Plowman is integral to the poem's thematic and narrative richness. By familiarising themselves with these characters and their symbolic meanings, readers can glean deeper insights into the social, religious, and moral issues explored throughout the text, enhancing their overall comprehension and appreciation of this literary masterpiece.