Answer:

The Black Death, also known as the bubonic plague that swept through Europe in the 14th century, arrived from Asia in late 1348 and caused multiple epidemics in England. The reign of Edward III witnessed the outbreak of this plague, which was termed the Black Death.  It had a profound impact, particularly during the years 1348 to 1350, when it claimed the lives of 1.5 million people in a population of approximately 4 million. The lack of medical knowledge made it impossible to combat the disease. Towns were sometimes entirely depopulated, and many laborers who survived the plague left the country. This drastic reduction in population created a labor shortage and increased demand for higher wages. Exploiting this situation, some individuals abandoned their masters and sought a freer life, leading to the parliament’s intervention. The parliament enacted laws to restrict laborers from demanding higher wages and imposed severe punishments on those who defied these laws.

In conclusion, The Black Death not only altered the socio-economic landscape but also influenced landownership and the broader course of English history. It serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of societies in the face of catastrophic events. Also, It gave rise to a genre of writing that explored the social, cultural, and psychological effects of the epidemic and shaped the way writers expressed themselves in the aftermath of the outbreak.