7.1 Morality Plays: Themes and Conventions
4 min read•july 29, 2024
Morality plays were a popular form of medieval drama that focused on the spiritual journey of an "" character. These plays used allegorical figures to represent virtues, vices, and abstract concepts, teaching moral lessons through entertaining storytelling.
was central to morality plays, with characters like Vice and Virtue guiding the protagonist. These plays served a didactic purpose, emphasizing the importance of living virtuously and preparing for the afterlife while using to convey complex spiritual ideas.
Key Themes and Characters in Morality Plays
The Spiritual Journey of the Everyman
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- Morality plays typically focus on the spiritual journey of a central character, often called "Everyman," who represents all of humanity
- The protagonist faces temptations and challenges that test their moral character throughout the play
- The theme of repentance and is central, with the protagonist ultimately seeking forgiveness for their sins and salvation for their soul
- The Everyman's journey is symbolic of the human soul's path through life, facing spiritual challenges and the need for redemption
The Struggle Between Good and Evil
- The main theme of morality plays is the struggle between good and evil, with the protagonist caught in the middle
- Allegorical characters, such as Vice, Virtue, and Death, personify abstract concepts and engage with the protagonist, guiding or misleading them on their spiritual journey
- The Seven Deadly Sins (Pride, Greed, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Wrath, and Sloth) often appear as characters, tempting the protagonist away from the path of righteousness
- The characters' names and attributes serve as clear indicators of their symbolic roles, such as "Good Deeds," "Knowledge," or "Confession"
Didactic Purpose and Religious Messages
Teaching Moral and Religious Lessons
- Morality plays were designed to teach religious and moral lessons to the audience, serving as a form of didactic entertainment
- The plays emphasize the importance of living a virtuous life, resisting temptation, and adhering to Christian values and beliefs
- The consequences of sin and the need for repentance are highlighted, with the protagonist's journey serving as a cautionary tale for the audience
- Morality plays promote the idea that salvation can be attained through faith, good works, and the intercession of divine figures such as Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary
Focusing on the Afterlife and Spiritual Matters
- Morality plays often depict the transience of earthly possessions and the inevitability of death, encouraging the audience to focus on spiritual matters and the afterlife
- The plays emphasize the importance of preparing one's soul for judgment and the consequences of leading a sinful life
- The protagonist's ultimate goal is to achieve salvation and enter Heaven, while avoiding the eternal punishment of Hell
- The plays serve as a reminder of the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the importance of prioritizing one's spiritual well-being
Personification and Symbolism in Morality Plays
Personification of Abstract Concepts
- is a key literary device in morality plays, with abstract concepts and ideas represented as characters on stage
- Allegorical characters, such as Vice, Virtue, and Death, embody moral qualities or spiritual forces that influence the protagonist's journey
- The Seven Deadly Sins are often personified as characters, each representing a specific temptation or moral failing
- Personification allows complex moral and spiritual concepts to be presented in a tangible and relatable manner for the audience
Symbolic Objects and Stage Representations
- Symbolic objects, such as books, crosses, or scales, are used to represent spiritual concepts or the weighing of the protagonist's moral character
- The stage itself can be symbolically divided to represent different spiritual realms, such as Earth, Heaven, and Hell
- Costumes and props are used to visually convey the allegorical nature of the characters and their roles in the play
- The use of symbolism reinforces the didactic purpose of morality plays and helps the audience grasp the deeper spiritual meanings behind the story
Influence of Morality Plays on English Drama
Bridging Liturgical and Secular Theatre
- Morality plays emerged in the late 14th century and gained popularity throughout the 15th and early 16th centuries, serving as a bridge between liturgical drama and secular theatre
- The plays incorporated religious themes and characters while also introducing more secular elements and entertaining storylines
- Morality plays helped to popularize theatre as a form of public entertainment and education, reaching a wider audience beyond the confines of the church
- The success of morality plays contributed to the growth of vernacular English drama and the development of a distinct theatrical tradition
Shaping Dramatic Structure and Character Development
- The use of allegorical characters and the focus on moral themes in morality plays influenced the development of the English dramatic tradition
- Morality plays introduced the concept of a central protagonist who undergoes a transformative journey, a structure that would be adapted in later dramatic works
- The plays' didactic purpose and the use of personification paved the way for the exploration of more complex themes and character development in English drama
- The allegorical nature of morality plays inspired later playwrights to create multi-dimensional characters that embodied both virtues and vices, reflecting the complexity of human nature
Key Terms to Review (18)
Allegory: Allegory is a narrative technique in which characters, events, and details within a story symbolize deeper meanings, often moral, political, or spiritual in nature. This technique allows for complex ideas to be communicated through metaphorical storytelling, encouraging audiences to look beyond the surface and grasp underlying messages. In various forms of drama, allegory serves as a powerful tool to convey moral lessons and comment on human nature and society.
Catharsis: Catharsis refers to the emotional release and purification that an audience experiences during a dramatic performance, particularly in tragedy. This concept is significant in understanding the purpose of Greek tragedy and its impact on viewers, as it aims to evoke feelings of pity and fear, leading to a sense of relief and emotional clarity by the play's conclusion.
Dialogue: Dialogue refers to the spoken exchanges between characters in a play, serving as a primary means of conveying the story, character development, and thematic elements. In the context of morality plays, dialogue is particularly important as it articulates the moral lessons and choices faced by characters, often highlighting the struggle between good and evil. The way characters speak to one another can also reveal their motivations and conflicts, making it a crucial element in engaging the audience.
Didactic vs. Entertainment: Didactic refers to works intended to teach or instruct, particularly in moral or ethical lessons, while entertainment focuses on providing enjoyment and amusement without a primary educational purpose. In the context of theatrical works, especially morality plays, these two aspects often intersect, with many plays serving both didactic purposes and entertaining audiences through engaging storytelling and characters.
Didacticism: Didacticism refers to the approach in literature and art aimed at teaching or instructing the audience, often imparting moral lessons or ethical principles. This concept is closely tied to the belief that art should serve a purpose beyond mere entertainment, often encouraging reflection on moral choices and human behavior.
Epilogue: An epilogue is a concluding section of a literary work, often reflecting on the events that have taken place and providing closure to the narrative. It serves to summarize key themes, offer insights into the characters’ futures, or comment on the overall message of the story. In theatrical contexts, especially in satirical comedy and morality plays, an epilogue can also serve to directly engage the audience, enhancing the experience and reinforcing the play's themes.
Everyman: Everyman is a late 15th-century English morality play that personifies the journey of a typical human being facing death and seeking salvation. This play illustrates the universal themes of mortality, the importance of good deeds, and the struggle for redemption, encapsulating the human experience in a way that resonates across cultures and eras. Everyman represents not just an individual but humanity at large, emphasizing how everyone must confront their own mortality and the choices they make throughout life.
Hugh of Lincoln: Hugh of Lincoln refers to a 12th-century English boy who became a martyr in the eyes of medieval Christianity. His tragic death sparked significant interest and led to the creation of various morality plays and religious dramas that explored themes of innocence, victimization, and the consequences of sin. The story surrounding Hugh's death is emblematic of the moral narratives that morality plays often depicted, highlighting the conflict between good and evil.
John Skelton: John Skelton was an influential English poet and playwright of the late 15th and early 16th centuries, known for his role in shaping the development of English literature and drama. His works often included satirical elements and addressed moral themes, reflecting the conventions of morality plays while also introducing more personal and political commentary.
Medieval christianity: Medieval Christianity refers to the Christian faith and its institutional structure that dominated Europe during the Middle Ages, roughly from the 5th to the late 15th century. This period saw the establishment of the Catholic Church as a powerful entity, influencing all aspects of life, including art, culture, and morality, while also shaping the development of theatrical forms like morality plays that conveyed religious themes and ethical lessons.
Morality vs. Mystery Plays: Morality plays are a genre of medieval drama that use allegorical characters to teach moral lessons, while mystery plays focus on biblical stories and the mysteries of faith. Morality plays often center around a protagonist's journey toward salvation, featuring personifications of virtues and vices, while mystery plays depict scenes from the life of Christ and the Bible, performed by guilds or community groups.
Personification: Personification is a literary device where human qualities and characteristics are attributed to non-human entities, animals, or abstract concepts. This technique helps to convey complex themes and emotions by making them relatable to the audience. In the context of morality plays, personification serves as a powerful means to illustrate moral lessons, engaging the audience by bringing concepts like Death, Virtue, and Vice to life in relatable forms.
Prologue: A prologue is an introductory section of a play that provides background information, sets the stage, and prepares the audience for the ensuing action. It often establishes context and can present themes or characters that will be significant throughout the performance. In various theatrical forms, the prologue serves as a means to engage the audience and clarify the narrative framework.
Redemption: Redemption refers to the act of recovering or saving something, often from a state of sin or moral failing. In the context of storytelling, particularly in drama, it often involves characters who seek forgiveness or a way to restore their honor, allowing for personal transformation. This theme resonates deeply in various forms of theatre, illustrating moral complexities and the potential for change.
Symbolism: Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, allowing deeper meanings and emotional resonance within a work. In drama, it provides layers of meaning beyond the literal text, connecting characters, themes, and emotions through visual and verbal cues. This technique enriches the narrative, engages the audience, and prompts reflection on moral or philosophical questions.
The castle of perseverance: The castle of perseverance is a symbolic structure found in medieval morality plays, representing the moral and spiritual fortitude necessary to resist temptation and sin. It serves as an allegorical setting where the struggle between good and evil unfolds, emphasizing the importance of virtue and personal responsibility in the journey of life.
The rise of the merchant class: The rise of the merchant class refers to the emergence and growing influence of a wealthy and economically powerful group that engaged in trade and commerce during the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. This shift marked a significant transformation in social structures, leading to changes in economic practices, cultural exchange, and the promotion of arts and education, which greatly influenced both theatrical practices and literature.
The struggle between good and evil: The struggle between good and evil is a central theme in many narratives, representing the moral conflict that individuals face when choosing between virtuous actions and malevolent ones. This dichotomy often illustrates the human condition and reflects societal values, pushing characters toward choices that define their moral character. In various forms of literature and performance, this theme is explored through allegorical figures, contrasting forces, and the consequences of ethical decisions.