A study of Christian mysticism in the b-text of Piers Plowman

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Mary Morris Wasson (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Charles Tisdale

Abstract: Most twentieth-century criticism of Christian mysticism in the B-text of William Langland's Piers Plowman focuses on manuscript divisions and their equations with pre-existing mystical triads, particular scenes, or significant dreams. Most interpreters have neglected the fact that the whole scope of the poem is a gradual development toward mystical Union for Will, the folke of the field. Piers, and Conscience. The purpose of this thesis is to substantiate the validity of one particular mystical reading of the poem —a reading that views Piers Plowman as a mystical guide to Inclusive and exclusive mystical salvation through Truth for infill, the folke, and Conscience—and to show afresh how such an interpretation reveals the artistic unity of the whole poem. The basic theme and recurring pattern throughout the eight successive dream visions in Piers Plowman is the Journey or quest for exclusive and Inclusive mystical perfection on earth. The more important quests for Truth are undertaken by the poet-dreamer Will, the folke, Piers, and Conscience. The method of these pilgrimages is not linear but allegorically dramatic.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 1970
Subjects
Langland, William, $d 1330?-1400? $x Criticism and interpretation
Langland, William, $d 1330?-1400? $x Religion
Langland, William, $d 1330?-1400? $t Piers Plowman

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