Morality plays

Definition

Morality plays are a form of medieval drama that emerged in the late 14th century, designed to teach moral lessons through allegorical characters and narratives. These plays often featured personifications of virtues and vices, representing the struggle of the human soul toward salvation, thereby reflecting key Christian beliefs and the importance of moral conduct within society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Morality plays were primarily performed during religious festivals and in public spaces, making them accessible to a wide audience and helping to spread Christian moral teachings.
2. One of the most famous morality plays is 'Everyman,' which portrays the journey of a man facing death and seeking salvation, emphasizing accountability and the transitory nature of life.
3. The structure of morality plays typically involves a protagonist who represents humanity facing challenges from both virtue and vice characters, illustrating the moral dilemmas people encounter.
4. These plays often conclude with a moral lesson or a clear resolution that reinforces Christian values, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own lives and choices.
5. Morality plays contributed to the development of theater as an art form in Europe, paving the way for later dramatic genres that included themes of morality and ethics.

Review Questions

• How do morality plays use allegory to convey Christian teachings and moral lessons?
  • Morality plays utilize allegory by incorporating characters that represent virtues and vices, which symbolize broader moral themes. This approach allows audiences to easily understand the struggles between good and evil within a relatable narrative. For example, a character embodying charity may engage with one representing greed, illustrating the importance of virtuous behavior in achieving salvation.
• Discuss the significance of 'Everyman' as an example of a morality play and its impact on audiences regarding their moral choices.
  • 'Everyman' is a pivotal example of morality plays as it encapsulates the human experience through its central character's quest for redemption. The play highlights the inevitability of death and encourages audiences to consider their own lives in terms of virtue and sin. Its straightforward portrayal of moral choices resonated with viewers, prompting self-reflection on their spiritual journey and responsibilities toward God.
• Evaluate how morality plays reflected the values and beliefs of medieval society, particularly in relation to Christian doctrine and popular piety.
  • Morality plays served as mirrors of medieval society by emphasizing Christian doctrine and encouraging adherence to ethical behavior among viewers. They reflected the societal belief in salvation through virtuous living while also addressing common fears about sin and damnation. By presenting relatable narratives that engaged audiences emotionally, these plays reinforced popular piety and fostered a communal sense of accountability towards one's actions within the context of Christian teachings.

Related terms

Allegory: A literary device where characters or events symbolize broader concepts or moral qualities, often used in morality plays to convey ethical teachings.

Mystery Plays: Dramatic performances based on biblical stories and events, which served as a precursor to morality plays, emphasizing religious narratives over moral lessons.

Vice Character: A common character type in morality plays that personifies immoral behavior or temptation, serving as a foil to virtue characters who represent moral integrity.