Hunger is a threatening (albeit, not evil) man who Piers Plowman calls upon to make those who are faking injury to start working again. Hunger is a natural consequence that comes about because of the fakers’ refusal to work. Although Hunger’s presence spurs the fakers to resume work, he has a negative impact on all people in society—including those who worked dutifully the whole time.
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Hunger Character Timeline in Piers Plowman
The timeline below shows where the character Hunger appears in Piers Plowman. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Passus VI
As a last resort, Piers Plowman calls upon a man named Hunger for help. Hunger punishes the fakers harshly, and they quickly begin to work and do...
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Hunger refuses to leave until he is fed, forcing Piers Plowman and the other poor peasants...
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