The Second Shepherds' Play

Definition

The Second Shepherds' Play is a medieval mystery play that presents the nativity story through the comedic and dramatic experiences of three shepherds who encounter an angel and ultimately find the Christ child. This play blends religious instruction with entertainment, showcasing how miracle plays served to educate the audience about biblical events while also incorporating humor and relatable characters to engage the community.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Shepherds' Play is part of a collection known as the Wakefield Mystery Plays, which were written in the 15th century.
2. The play features a blend of comic elements and serious religious themes, showcasing the contrast between the mundane lives of shepherds and the divine miracle of Christ's birth.
3. One of the most memorable scenes includes a humorous subplot involving a stolen sheep, which illustrates the shepherds' struggles while also reinforcing their roles as humble figures chosen by God.
4. The play is notable for its rich character development, particularly in how it gives voice to the shepherds' emotions and concerns, making them relatable to the audience.
5. The incorporation of music and verse enhances the dramatic effect, creating an engaging experience that appealed to both literate and illiterate members of medieval society.

Review Questions

• How does The Second Shepherds' Play reflect the characteristics of medieval mystery plays through its content and themes?
  • The Second Shepherds' Play exemplifies medieval mystery plays by incorporating biblical narratives while also engaging the audience with relatable characters and humor. The play centers around shepherds, who represent everyday people, thus making the story of Christ's birth accessible. The mix of comedy with serious themes allows it to serve both as entertainment and as a means to convey religious messages, characteristic of the mystery play tradition.
• Analyze how The Second Shepherds' Play utilizes humor to convey moral and religious lessons within its narrative.
  • The Second Shepherds' Play effectively uses humor to balance its serious themes by introducing comedic elements such as the subplot involving the theft of a sheep. This humorous scenario not only entertains but also highlights human flaws and struggles. By presenting these relatable situations alongside the miraculous event of Christ's birth, the play teaches moral lessons about humility and faith while keeping audiences engaged.
• Evaluate the impact of The Second Shepherds' Play on the development of medieval drama and its role in religious instruction within communities.
  • The Second Shepherds' Play significantly impacted medieval drama by showcasing how plays could combine entertainment with deep religious instruction. Its blend of humor, relatable characters, and musical elements contributed to its popularity among diverse audiences. As a result, it helped establish a model for future theatrical productions that aimed to educate while entertaining, reinforcing community ties through shared cultural experiences centered around faith.

Related terms

Mystery Plays: Dramatic performances based on biblical stories, often focusing on the lives of saints or significant events in Christianity, typically staged during religious festivals.

Miracle Plays: A type of medieval drama that focuses on the miraculous lives of saints, portraying their divine interventions and serving as a means of moral instruction for the audience.

Pageant Wagons: Mobile stages used during medieval performances to depict various scenes from biblical stories, allowing for plays to be presented in different locations throughout towns.