Morality plays

Definition

Morality plays are a genre of medieval drama that emerged in the late 14th century, designed to teach moral lessons through allegorical characters and narratives. These plays often depict the struggle between good and evil, using personified virtues and vices to illustrate the moral choices individuals face in life. They were significant in the historical development of theater as they helped shape the themes and structure of later dramatic works.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Morality plays often featured a protagonist representing humanity, who faces various personified vices and virtues as they navigate moral dilemmas.
2. One of the most famous morality plays is 'Everyman,' which illustrates the inevitability of death and the importance of living a virtuous life.
3. These plays were typically performed in public spaces, making them accessible to a wide audience and allowing for communal reflection on moral issues.
4. Morality plays marked a transition from strictly religious themes in earlier medieval dramas to more complex explorations of human behavior and ethics.
5. The decline of morality plays in favor of more secular forms of theater occurred during the Renaissance as audiences sought entertainment that reflected contemporary life rather than purely moral instruction.

Review Questions

• How did morality plays use allegorical characters to convey moral lessons?
  • Morality plays employed allegorical characters to represent abstract concepts like virtues and vices, making it easier for audiences to understand complex moral dilemmas. For instance, characters like Good Deeds or Death serve as direct personifications that highlight the protagonist's journey through life's choices. This method effectively communicated ethical teachings by showcasing the consequences of various actions in a relatable manner.
• Discuss the significance of 'Everyman' within the context of morality plays and its impact on later theatrical forms.
  • 'Everyman' is a pivotal example of morality plays that profoundly influenced later theatrical works by blending moral instruction with dramatic narrative. The play's central theme revolves around accountability in one's life choices, culminating in an exploration of mortality that resonates with audiences. Its structure and character development laid the groundwork for future dramas that merged moral complexity with entertainment, shaping how stories could engage viewers beyond simple didacticism.
• Evaluate how the themes presented in morality plays reflect the societal values of their time and their relevance to modern audiences.
  • Morality plays reflect medieval society's preoccupation with sin, salvation, and ethical conduct, revealing cultural values centered around religious belief and moral integrity. Their emphasis on personal accountability resonates today, as modern audiences still grapple with similar dilemmas regarding right and wrong. By examining these timeless themes through contemporary lenses, we can appreciate how morality plays serve not only as historical artifacts but also as insightful commentaries on human behavior across eras.

Related terms

Allegory: A narrative technique where characters and events symbolize broader concepts, often conveying deeper moral or political meanings.

Mystery Plays: Religious dramas that depict biblical stories, popular during the medieval period, serving both entertainment and educational purposes for audiences.

Pageant: A type of public entertainment that included elaborate floats or stages displaying scenes from biblical stories or historical events, often used alongside morality plays.