Morality plays

Definition

Morality plays are a genre of medieval drama that focus on moral lessons and the struggle between good and evil. These plays often personify abstract concepts such as virtues, vices, and moral challenges, using allegorical characters to convey ethical teachings to the audience. Emerging in the late medieval period, morality plays became an important means of addressing religious and social issues through theatrical performance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Morality plays were popular in Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries and served as a tool for instructing audiences on Christian values.
2. The most famous morality play is 'Everyman,' which explores themes of death and redemption as the main character seeks salvation.
3. Characters in morality plays typically include personifications of virtues like Charity and Patience, as well as vices such as Greed and Pride.
4. These plays often employed simple plots with clear moral lessons, making them accessible to a wide audience, including those who were illiterate.
5. Morality plays laid the groundwork for later theatrical forms, influencing the development of character-driven narratives in Renaissance drama.

Review Questions

• How do morality plays use allegorical characters to convey moral lessons?
  • Morality plays utilize allegorical characters to represent various virtues and vices, making abstract concepts more tangible for the audience. Each character embodies a specific trait, such as Charity or Greed, allowing the story to unfold through their interactions. This personification of moral challenges helps to illustrate the consequences of ethical choices, ultimately guiding viewers toward understanding the importance of good behavior and moral integrity.
• In what ways did morality plays influence the themes and structure of later theatrical works?
  • Morality plays significantly influenced later theatrical works by introducing character-driven narratives focused on moral dilemmas. The clear representation of virtues and vices paved the way for more complex character development in Renaissance drama. Additionally, the emphasis on ethical themes helped shape the storytelling approach in subsequent theatrical forms, leading playwrights to explore deeper psychological and social issues within their works.
• Evaluate the cultural significance of morality plays in medieval society and their impact on contemporary views of morality.
  • Morality plays played a crucial role in medieval society by providing a platform for discussing ethical issues and reinforcing societal values within a religious context. They catered to an audience grappling with moral questions in their daily lives, making complex theological ideas accessible. Today, the legacy of morality plays continues to influence contemporary views on morality by prompting discussions around virtue, ethical behavior, and human experience, highlighting their enduring relevance in both historical and modern contexts.

Related terms

Allegory: A narrative technique in which characters and events symbolize deeper meanings, often related to moral or spiritual lessons.

Mystery Plays: Dramatic performances that depict biblical stories and events, often presented during religious festivals and showcasing the lives of saints.

Vice Character: A common figure in morality plays representing immoral behavior, often providing a contrast to the virtuous characters and highlighting moral choices.