In 1334, the early signs of the Black Death began to emerge in Asia, with reports of a devastating plague spreading through trade routes. This pandemic would eventually reach Europe, causing widespread mortality and social upheaval. The impact of the Black Death on society, culture, and literature would be profound, as it led to a questioning of faith and the human condition, themes that would resonate in poetry for generations.

The Black Death influenced poets like Geoffrey Chaucer, who reflected on mortality and the fragility of life in works such as 'The Canterbury Tales.' The plague's societal impact prompted a shift in literary themes, leading to a focus on existential questions and human suffering. This period marked a transition in poetry, as writers began to explore darker themes and the complexities of human emotions in the face of tragedy.