How did the "black death" alter society in the Late Middle Ages?

The
"black death," the name by which bubonic plague was known, altered society
dramatically.  Some historians estimate that as much as 40% of the population died in some
countries as a result of the plague.  The disease spread along trade routes, beginning in Asia
and moving along to Europe via ships, which stopped in ports and spread the disease. 
 

Given how many people died, all life was disrupted. There were not enough
people to grow food and care for livestock, so in addition to people dying from the plague,
people died from the lack of food. The cost of food and labor rose, as one would expect, given
the laws of supply and demand.  Since there were not enough people to tend to agricultural
needs, many people moved from country to town, disrupting the feudal system, particularly in
England.  Another consequence was the result of the attempt to stop the spread of the disease,
leading to isolation, paranoia, and superstition.  Still another consequence was the questioning
of the authority of the Church, which was, of course, powerless to prevent the plague from
occurring.  This set the state for the Reformation because people began to have doubts about the
infallibility of the Church. 

There is considerable information available
about this transformational period of history.  I have provided a link below that is one source
of information.  Many novels have been written about this period of history, as well.  Check
with your English teacher for a few suggestions.