Interlude

Definition

An interlude is a short dramatic piece, often comedic or entertaining, that serves as a break in the performance of a longer play or narrative. In the context of morality plays, interludes function as brief interjections that often convey moral lessons or themes, enhancing the audience's engagement and understanding of the central messages being portrayed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Interludes were commonly performed in England during the late medieval period and were an important part of the theatrical landscape.
2. These pieces often included humorous elements or social commentary, making them accessible to a broad audience while still conveying serious themes.
3. Interludes typically featured a smaller cast than full-length morality plays, allowing for more focused storytelling and character development.
4. The use of interludes helped to break up longer performances, providing relief and reflection for audiences, while emphasizing the moral teachings of the overall narrative.
5. Famous examples of interludes include 'The Play of the Wether' and 'The Four Elements,' which illustrate how these shorter works engage with moral themes.

Review Questions

• How do interludes enhance the thematic depth of morality plays?
  • Interludes enhance the thematic depth of morality plays by introducing comedic or entertaining elements that draw in the audience while reinforcing moral lessons. These brief pieces allow for moments of reflection on the more serious messages conveyed throughout the morality play. By presenting themes through humor or light-hearted scenarios, interludes make it easier for audiences to engage with complex ideas about virtue and vice.
• In what ways do interludes differ from full-length morality plays in terms of structure and purpose?
  • Interludes differ from full-length morality plays primarily in their length and focus. While morality plays present a comprehensive narrative exploring ethical dilemmas through allegorical characters, interludes serve as shorter, standalone pieces often used to break up longer performances. The purpose of interludes is not only to entertain but also to provide immediate commentary on the themes presented in the surrounding play, thus enhancing the overall moral instruction.
• Evaluate the role of humor in interludes and its significance within the context of morality plays.
  • Humor in interludes serves a vital role by making moral lessons more relatable and engaging for the audience. This comedic element allows for a lighter exploration of serious themes, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own lives while being entertained. The integration of humor within morality plays through interludes creates a balance between instruction and enjoyment, helping to ensure that moral teachings resonate more effectively with diverse audiences. This duality showcases the skillful interplay between didacticism and entertainment in medieval drama.

Related terms

Morality Play: A genre of medieval drama that uses allegorical characters to teach moral lessons, often depicting the struggle between good and evil.

Allegory: A narrative technique in which characters and events symbolize broader concepts and moral messages, often used in morality plays.

Didacticism: A teaching approach aimed at imparting knowledge and instructing the audience, which is a key feature of both interludes and morality plays.