In somnium in visionem: The Figurative Significance of Sleep in Piers Plowman., in visionem: The Figurative Significance of Sleep in Piers Plowman.

Although WL at times clearly exploits the negative metaphorical valence of sleep in PPl, he also employs both the idea of neutral sleep (Hugh of St. Cher’s neutral sleep of nature) and an understanding of sleep in bono that allows for some form of revelation. B.11.405-09 shows Will having made up his mind on the positive value of sleep and dreaming; the opening lines of B.18 describe the sleep of the contemplative (as defined by Gegory in Moralia in Job), which allows his dreams of the Passion and Resurrection. Whether his visions derive naturally from his meditations or are the undeserved gifts of grace, Will receives them and learns from them.