Allegorical characters

Definition

Allegorical characters are figures in a narrative that represent abstract concepts or moral qualities, serving to convey deeper meanings and themes. These characters often embody virtues or vices, providing audiences with insights into human behavior and societal values. In the context of secular drama and interludes, allegorical characters became a significant device used to explore ethical dilemmas and entertain audiences while imparting moral lessons.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Allegorical characters were prevalent in medieval morality plays, which set the stage for the development of secular drama by merging entertainment with moral instruction.
2. In secular interludes, allegorical characters often contrasted with more realistic figures, highlighting the tension between moral ideals and everyday life.
3. Characters like Everyman in 'Everyman' exemplify how allegory can effectively illustrate universal themes of life, death, and morality.
4. The use of allegorical characters allowed playwrights to address complex societal issues and human experiences in an engaging manner without directly critiquing specific individuals.
5. The transition from religious to secular themes in drama saw a shift in the portrayal of allegorical characters, who began to represent more diverse aspects of human experience beyond strict morality.

Review Questions

• How do allegorical characters enhance the thematic depth of secular drama?
  • Allegorical characters enhance thematic depth by representing abstract concepts such as virtue, vice, or morality, allowing playwrights to explore complex ideas within a narrative framework. They enable audiences to connect with moral dilemmas on a personal level while entertaining them. This blend of education and entertainment is vital for engaging viewers and prompting them to reflect on their values and choices.
• Compare the role of allegorical characters in morality plays with their depiction in secular interludes.
  • In morality plays, allegorical characters primarily focus on teaching moral lessons through clear representations of virtues and vices, often guiding the protagonist towards salvation or downfall. Conversely, in secular interludes, these characters take on a more nuanced role, reflecting broader human experiences and societal issues. This shift allows for more complex interactions between allegorical figures and realistic characters, illustrating the tension between idealism and the realities of life.
• Evaluate the impact of allegorical characters on audience perception of morality in theatre during the transition from religious to secular themes.
  • The presence of allegorical characters significantly impacted audience perceptions of morality as theatre transitioned from religious themes to secular narratives. By representing universal concepts in relatable forms, these characters encouraged audiences to reflect on their ethical choices in a more accessible way. This evolution not only broadened the scope of theatrical storytelling but also facilitated discussions about morality that resonated with contemporary societal issues, ultimately shaping cultural values and beliefs about right and wrong during this transformative period.

Related terms

Allegory:

A literary device where characters, events, and details symbolically represent deeper meanings or moral lessons, often conveying complex ideas through simple narratives.

Morality Play: A type of medieval drama that uses allegorical characters to teach moral lessons, typically involving a protagonist who faces various temptations and moral choices.

Personification:

The literary technique of attributing human traits and characteristics to abstract ideas or non-human entities, commonly seen in allegorical representations.