Piers Plowman Essay Questions

How many quests are there in Piers Plowman? Who embarks on them and what do they seek?

There are at least three quests in the poem: In the beginning, Will seeks Truth. Then his focus shifts to find Do-well, Do-better, and Do-best. Then the folk go on a quest to find Truth, and ask Piers Plowman to lead them. Finally, at the end, Conscience sets out to find Piers Plowman and to find work for the friars.

What is the central crisis in the Church that the poem identifies? What are the proposed solutions?

According to the poem, the central crisis in the Church is corruption. When the clergy sells easy absolution, Christians are not offered the opportunity to save their souls through the sacrament of penance. Contained in the quest of Conscience at the end lies two solutions to the problem: First, a return to humble agrarian values, represented by Piers Plowman. Second, for friars to get reacquainted with their consciences, and thus recover their true calling.

How does the character of Piers Plowman change throughout the poem?

At first Piers Plowman seems to be a simple peasant who knows the way to Truth. As the poem progresses, he is revealed to be at various points: a priest, Christ, and Peter, founder of the Church.

Is Miss Money a purely evil character in the poem?

No. She is complex, representing both bribery and just reward. Her dual nature is represented by her parents: Her father is False and her mother is Amends.

How does alliteration affect the tone of the poem?

Alliteration in Piers Plowman often adds a playful comedy to otherwise serious themes.

For example, when Repentance preaches to the folk, bringing Will to tears, the next lines about Prunella Proudheart lighten the tone by combining alliteration and hyperbole:

"Then Repentance appeared and repeated the message,

So that Will’s eyes watered and wept with a will.

Prunella Proudheart fell prostrate and prone,

And lay a long time, till she looked up at last."