Plot Summary

Piers Plowman

William Langland
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Piers Plowman

Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Adult | Published in 1377

Book Brief

William Langland

Piers Plowman

Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Adult | Published in 1377
Book Details
Pages

672

Format

Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction

Period
Setting

England • 14th Century

Publication Year

1377

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Piers Plowman by William Langland, Will embarks on a spiritual quest within dream visions to seek Truth, encounter various allegorical figures, and learn essential Christian virtues. The poem critiques the corruption of secular and religious figures by greed through its stages, or passus, detailing Will's dreams of Holy Church, his conflict with False, his efforts to understand Dowel, and the ultimate search for Piers Plowman as a Christ-like figure.

Contemplative

Mysterious

Inspirational

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

3.8

3,092 ratings

48%

Loved it

33%

Mixed feelings

19%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Piers Plowman by William Langland offers readers a complex allegory depicting a spiritual journey. Appreciated for its rich use of language and vivid imagery, it challenges readers with its dense, alliterative verse and intricate narrative structure. While praised for its exploration of medieval society and human morality, some find it verbose and difficult to follow.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Piers Plowman?

Readers who enjoy Piers Plowman by William Langland are typically interested in medieval literature, allegorical narratives, and social critique. They may also appreciate works like The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer and The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri for their rich, historical context and complex themes.

3.8

3,092 ratings

48%

Loved it

33%

Mixed feelings

19%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

672

Format

Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction

Period
Setting

England • 14th Century

Publication Year

1377

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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