The Statute of Labourers and The Letter of John Ball

Please read the STATUTE of LABOURERS, 1351, and the very short THE LETTER OF JOHN BALL (ROYAL MS). In the latter, pay attention to the reference to Piers Plowman and the note on the subject.

Then, please read Book VI of Piers Plowman (in your translation), where Langland's ideological attitude towards the peasantry is largely revealed.

Please write 300 words concerning your understanding of the importance of the Statute and Ball's Letter in understanding the text of Book VI. Email to me and to your group.