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William Langland William Langland威廉·兰格伦(1330?—1400?) Introduction 1.The Middle Ages was full of darkness, and there were not many great works, known as barrenness. 2. But there was a popular literature named Piers the Plowman 《农夫皮尔斯》which was written by William Langland. William Langland Piers the Plowman《农夫皮尔斯》 Alliteration:头韵 Piers the Plowman sets forth a series of wonderful dreams, showing a picture of feudal England. A Picture of Feudal England 1. The Exposure of the Ruling Classes The author saw in his dream all sorts of parasites (寄生虫). A Picture of Feudal England 2. The Story of the Cats and Rats If the cat was killed, another would come in its place. Let that cat be. The cat is the symbol of the ruling class. No intention to upset the feudal society, only set it on a proper course. A Picture of Feudal England 3. The Marriage of Lady Meed(贿赂夫人) Three major characters: Lady Meed, the King, Conscience Why did Conscience refuse to marry Lady Meed? Give examples. “Woe(苦恼) betide(降临) me, if such a wife I wed.” But the King bids (orders) them to be reconciled ( 和解). A Picture of Feudal England 4. The Condition of the Peasants What is the description of the life of the poor peasants? Give some examples. prisoners in dungeon (地牢) babies, continually cry for food narrow room few pennies come in, eat the pennies up a farthing’s worth(毫无价值的) of cockles(乌哈) The Search for Truth A Picture of Feudal England 6. The Class Nature of Piers Piers is a representative of the most oppressed section of the peasantry. He shows the conservatism of his political attitude. He has no intention of upsetting the feudal society, just setting it on a proper course. A Picture of Feudal England 7. Social Significance The poem is a classic of popular literature throughout the 14th and the 15th century. It played an important role in the Rising of 1381 and the calls of John Ball. Artistic Features 1) Piers the Plowman is written in the form of a dream vision. The author