The earliest manuscript copy of this alliterative, allegorical poem dates from 1362. In subsequent years, various differing editions appeared, though each was probably drawn from one of the three permutations of the text known as Versions A, B, and C. This critical edition of the poem presents all three Versions with helpful notes. The poem regards the dream vision the poet William has of Piers the Plowman, an allegory about the simple life exploring the seven deadly sins via vivid personified portraits with social and ...
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The earliest manuscript copy of this alliterative, allegorical poem dates from 1362. In subsequent years, various differing editions appeared, though each was probably drawn from one of the three permutations of the text known as Versions A, B, and C. This critical edition of the poem presents all three Versions with helpful notes. The poem regards the dream vision the poet William has of Piers the Plowman, an allegory about the simple life exploring the seven deadly sins via vivid personified portraits with social and political relevance specific to the conditions of 14th-century London, including the wicked Lady Bribery. Though tempted by a cast of dangerous characters, Piers stays focused on the farming tasks at hand. When nearby Easter bells chime, William is awakened back into his real life.
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