Piers Plowman Passus 2
A mystery story typically includes a complicated crime and a clever detective. The crimes often involve murder or another horrendous crime that society collectively looks down upon. These mysteries are complex because the clues do not align with the usual evidence found at a crime scene. Most of the mystery stories I have read include a confusing crime scene and at least one "normal" character commenting on how perplexing the case is. These mysteries force the characters to think outside of the box because the clues do not directly lead to the answer. Mystery stories appeal to audiences because the format of the crime and the distribution of evidence form the illusion that no normal person would be able to solve the case.
The mystery in the story involves the evidence dispersed throughout the story. A mystery story clearly lays out clues for the detective to piece together to solve the crime. Similarly, the mystery in the story provides evidence, but in this case, the reader must interpret the evidence to form a conclusion about the written work. The conclusion will be about the author's purpose for the writing. A writer will provide the reasons for writing the text throughout the story, but the reader must evaluate the work and gather the evidence to understand the author's intention. Therefore, all written work will have a "mystery in the story" because every author has a purpose for writing.
Piers Plowman is not a mystery story. However, it still supplies evidence, which allows the reader to analyze this information and form a conclusion. Piers Plowman follows a man who falls asleep and dreams about the Christian faith. The author personifies qualities such as Truth and Care and even introduces a woman who represents the Holy Church. The reason for the personification and the selection of specific ideas/characteristics remains unknown. These unknowns contribute to the mystery in the story and encourage the reader to think about the perception of the church, religion, and vices in the Middle Ages.
The mystery in the story involves the evidence dispersed throughout the story. A mystery story clearly lays out clues for the detective to piece together to solve the crime. Similarly, the mystery in the story provides evidence, but in this case, the reader must interpret the evidence to form a conclusion about the written work. The conclusion will be about the author's purpose for the writing. A writer will provide the reasons for writing the text throughout the story, but the reader must evaluate the work and gather the evidence to understand the author's intention. Therefore, all written work will have a "mystery in the story" because every author has a purpose for writing.
Piers Plowman is not a mystery story. However, it still supplies evidence, which allows the reader to analyze this information and form a conclusion. Piers Plowman follows a man who falls asleep and dreams about the Christian faith. The author personifies qualities such as Truth and Care and even introduces a woman who represents the Holy Church. The reason for the personification and the selection of specific ideas/characteristics remains unknown. These unknowns contribute to the mystery in the story and encourage the reader to think about the perception of the church, religion, and vices in the Middle Ages.
I agree with your thoughts on how all literature has a sort of mystery, as you have to understand the author's intentions. This applies to Piers Plowman, even to the extent that reading the text itself can be a mystery. I would say the mystery for the narrator is how he can be a better and more pious person, and the woman is giving him the evidence.
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