Piers Plowman Passus 6-9
I am fairly sure that I am insane because I actually love reading this poem. It does not make sense half the time, but I think that is the beauty of it.
The author continues to talk about the idea of forgiveness and sin, for at the end of Passus 6, Piers explains to the cutpurse, thief, and waferer that they need the help of Mercy, her maiden named Mary, and Mary's son (A. 6. 119-122). The author of this poem personifies these abstract concepts for reason, so every situation involving them must have a reason behind it. Those who believe in the Christian faith often talk about this idea of mercy. In this context, it means God not giving people the what they deserve (punishment for their sins). The author could be indicating here that he believes forgiveness is possible because of Mary and Jesus rather than a different reason.
Passus 7 and 8 veer in a different direction and begin addressing the subject of God-given gifts and people's role in society. The author alludes to Luke 19:22 (A. 7. 222). This verse is a part of The Parable of Ten Minas. In this parable, a man gives his servants varying amounts of money when he goes away on a trip. When he comes back, he finds that two of his servants invested the money and earned more while the third servant did nothing with the money. The man rewards the two who used the money wisely and confiscates the money from the third servant because he did not use it as he should have. This parable is supposed to explain how God gives people gifts, and He will continue to bless those who use these gifts wisely. In the beginning of Passus 7, Piers describes all the ways the people can contribute and help him. This seems to represent how the author believes that God gives everyone different talents, but they all have the ability to work for the kingdom of God. However, the people in the story do not use their gifts all the time and exhibit laziness. Passus 8 also talks about the different ways people can use their ability for good like the kings and knights who protect the holy church (A. 8. 9). The author constantly addresses the topics of sin and repentance, but these two passus specifically focus on the importance of people's actions.
In Passus 9, the friars talk about sin, but the narrator responds, "'I have no kinde knowyng...to conseyve thi wordes'" (A. 9. 49). This seems to be playing into the idea of what a mystery is. The dictionary describes mysteries as involving religion and a question/concept that humans cannot understand. Though these friars know what they are talking about, this idea of mystery lives in the narrator and his quest to find Dowel. The narrator says he does not have the natural capability to understand this concept, and this directly relates to the definition of mystery.
Basically, this story is extremely complex, and I could talk about this poem forever.
The author continues to talk about the idea of forgiveness and sin, for at the end of Passus 6, Piers explains to the cutpurse, thief, and waferer that they need the help of Mercy, her maiden named Mary, and Mary's son (A. 6. 119-122). The author of this poem personifies these abstract concepts for reason, so every situation involving them must have a reason behind it. Those who believe in the Christian faith often talk about this idea of mercy. In this context, it means God not giving people the what they deserve (punishment for their sins). The author could be indicating here that he believes forgiveness is possible because of Mary and Jesus rather than a different reason.
Passus 7 and 8 veer in a different direction and begin addressing the subject of God-given gifts and people's role in society. The author alludes to Luke 19:22 (A. 7. 222). This verse is a part of The Parable of Ten Minas. In this parable, a man gives his servants varying amounts of money when he goes away on a trip. When he comes back, he finds that two of his servants invested the money and earned more while the third servant did nothing with the money. The man rewards the two who used the money wisely and confiscates the money from the third servant because he did not use it as he should have. This parable is supposed to explain how God gives people gifts, and He will continue to bless those who use these gifts wisely. In the beginning of Passus 7, Piers describes all the ways the people can contribute and help him. This seems to represent how the author believes that God gives everyone different talents, but they all have the ability to work for the kingdom of God. However, the people in the story do not use their gifts all the time and exhibit laziness. Passus 8 also talks about the different ways people can use their ability for good like the kings and knights who protect the holy church (A. 8. 9). The author constantly addresses the topics of sin and repentance, but these two passus specifically focus on the importance of people's actions.
In Passus 9, the friars talk about sin, but the narrator responds, "'I have no kinde knowyng...to conseyve thi wordes'" (A. 9. 49). This seems to be playing into the idea of what a mystery is. The dictionary describes mysteries as involving religion and a question/concept that humans cannot understand. Though these friars know what they are talking about, this idea of mystery lives in the narrator and his quest to find Dowel. The narrator says he does not have the natural capability to understand this concept, and this directly relates to the definition of mystery.
Basically, this story is extremely complex, and I could talk about this poem forever.
Wow, I didn't realize there were that many Biblical references. Good job catching those! I think it is much easier to read and understand the poem when you take into account the allusions it uses. I also agree with you that this poem is very complex. I also agree with what you said about how Piers Plowman actually relates to mystery.
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