| This dissertation investigates a utopian trend in late Medieval English texts. I argue that allegory and dream-vision can open up utopic spaces that lead to moments in traditional discourse where theories of social change can be articulated. In other words, allegory and dream vision are literary genres where contemporary ideas can be expressed, condensed, and otherwise toyed with. Quite often, this allows the author to better understand his or her historical conditions and point toward novel social and economic ideas. I begin by discussing the theoretical background of utopian studies generally and within Medieval Studies in particular. I investigate five dream visions from the late 14th century: House of Fame, Pearl, Wynnere and Wastoure, Piers Plowman, and The Regiment of Princes. These texts show that late medieval allegory was useful for arguing against the older social order in favor of marginalized groups---indeed, in this case, groups who would one day become the bourgeoisie. House of Fame discusses the potential inherent in both art and language to shape a better world in birth. Pearl critiques the "equality" of heaven and demands proper compensation for labor; although the Dreamer ultimately accedes to heaven, he has shown that it is possible to fight for change. Wynnere and Wastoure proposes a society in which avarice and prodigality both have a valuable role to play. The visio section of Piers Plowman, meanwhile, advocates a return to caritas as the guiding virtue of society, while reconciling that caritas to the existence of money. Finally, Regiment of Princes illustrates a shift in utopian thought away from social plans and toward individualized hope. I conclude by noting a few of the ways that the issues raised by this study played out in the centuries following and suggest a few ways this study might be useful today. |
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