The Black Death, which began in 1347, led to significant labor shifts across Europe as the plague decimated populations. The resulting labor shortages caused wages to rise and contributed to the early breakdown of feudal obligations. This transformative period marked a turning point in European history, paving the way for social and economic changes that would shape the modern world.

The Black Death and subsequent labor shifts in 1347 influenced the works of Chaucer and Langland, depicting social upheaval and emerging material ambitions. Poets began to explore the complexities of class and the human condition in a changing world, reflecting on the impact of plague on society and individual lives.