Morality plays

Definition

Morality plays are a genre of medieval drama that illustrate moral lessons through allegorical characters and narratives. These plays were often performed in religious contexts and aimed to teach audiences about virtues, vices, and the importance of leading a moral life. They reflect the intertwining of religion and literature during a time when dramatic storytelling served both educational and entertainment purposes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Morality plays emerged in the late medieval period, around the 15th century, as a response to the desire for religious instruction and moral education among the populace.
2. One of the most famous morality plays is 'Everyman,' which follows a character representing all humanity who must confront death and account for his life choices.
3. These plays often featured a struggle between good and evil, using personified virtues like Charity and Truth against vices like Greed and Pride.
4. Morality plays were performed in various settings, including church festivals and public squares, making them accessible to a wide audience regardless of social class.
5. The decline of morality plays occurred with the rise of more secular forms of theater during the Renaissance, as audiences began to favor complex narratives over didactic messages.

Review Questions

• How do morality plays use allegory to convey moral lessons?
  • Morality plays use allegory by embodying abstract concepts like virtues and vices in character form, allowing audiences to easily grasp complex moral teachings. Characters such as Everyman represent humanity facing universal dilemmas, while personifications of virtues guide him towards salvation. This technique not only makes the moral lessons more relatable but also emphasizes the internal struggles individuals face in their journey towards righteousness.
• What role did morality plays play in the religious and cultural context of medieval society?
  • Morality plays served an essential function in medieval society by providing moral education in an engaging format that was accessible to all social classes. By performing these plays in churches and public spaces, they bridged gaps between literacy levels and religious knowledge. The teachings within these dramas reinforced communal values and religious beliefs, making them critical tools for shaping public morality during a time when formal education was limited.
• Evaluate the impact of the decline of morality plays on the development of secular theater during the Renaissance.
  • The decline of morality plays marked a significant shift towards secular themes and complex narratives in theater during the Renaissance. As audiences sought entertainment that reflected human experience rather than solely moral instruction, playwrights began to explore diverse genres, including tragedy and comedy. This evolution not only diversified theatrical offerings but also laid the groundwork for modern drama by prioritizing character development and intricate plots over didacticism, fundamentally transforming the landscape of literature and performance.

Related terms

Allegory:

A literary device where characters or events symbolize broader moral or political meanings, often used in morality plays to convey ethical lessons.

Mystery plays: A form of medieval drama based on biblical stories and events, often depicting the life of Christ and used to educate the public about religious teachings.

Vice character: A typical character in morality plays who embodies immoral traits and serves as a foil to the virtuous protagonist, often tempting them to stray from the right path.