Piers Plowman the A Version: Passus 1, lines 129-158

Abstract

My selected passage resides in passus one, lines 129-158. Will, still in his dream state, basks in the uncertainty of the landscape he sees in the prologue, the field of folk between the tower on the hill and the prison-like setting. The scenery produces a sense of anxiety for him, but luckily enough, he is awoken by his first teacher, Holy Church. Will asks her what to make of scenery, to which she responds that the people in between are everyday people whose actions on Earth are scrutinized and influenced by Truth (God), in the tower on the hill, and by Wrong (likely Satan or the devil), in the Castle of Care. The information brings Will to reflect on what will guarantee his salvation, and he looks to Holy Church for advice. She advises him to love Truth, practice His doctrine, and habitually commit to the dual responsibility of loving and learning. Ultimately, Holy Church reaffirms to Will that knowledge resides intangibly within us and must be kept alive through our constant and consistent commitment to learn and practice communal love and care until our final days.