The Wakefield Master

Definition

The Wakefield Master is an anonymous playwright known for a collection of medieval mystery plays, particularly associated with the Wakefield Cycle. His works stand out due to their vibrant characters, complex themes, and innovative use of humor and drama, reflecting the broader evolution of medieval drama and the moral undertones prevalent in morality plays.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Wakefield Master is credited with writing several plays in the Wakefield Cycle, including 'The Second Shepherd's Play,' which combines humor with serious themes.
2. His style is characterized by a unique blend of verse and prose, making his works accessible while maintaining depth and complexity.
3. The Wakefield Master employed innovative storytelling techniques, including breaking the fourth wall and engaging directly with the audience.
4. He incorporated elements of folk traditions and local dialects into his plays, reflecting the culture and values of 15th-century England.
5. The Wakefield Cycle represents one of the most important collections of medieval mystery plays, showcasing the evolution of drama from religious to more secular themes.

Review Questions

• How does the Wakefield Master's use of humor contribute to the overall impact of his plays?
  • The Wakefield Master's use of humor serves multiple purposes in his plays, enhancing their accessibility while providing comic relief amid serious themes. This technique allows audiences to engage more deeply with moral messages by balancing gravity with levity. Humor also reflects the everyday lives and struggles of common people, making biblical narratives relatable and inviting reflection on moral choices.
• Discuss how the Wakefield Master’s works exemplify the transition from purely religious themes to more secular narratives in medieval drama.
  • The Wakefield Master's works exemplify this transition by blending traditional biblical narratives with contemporary concerns and comedic elements. While he retains strong religious foundations in his stories, such as divine intervention and moral lessons, he also incorporates human experiences and social commentary that resonate with audiences. This shift indicates a growing interest in exploring human nature and societal issues within the framework of drama, marking a significant development in medieval theatrical tradition.
• Evaluate the significance of the Wakefield Master's contributions to the development of morality plays within medieval literature and how they might influence later dramatic forms.
  • The Wakefield Master's contributions are significant because they enrich the tradition of morality plays by introducing intricate character development and complex narrative structures. His ability to intertwine allegorical elements with human emotion allows for a more profound exploration of moral dilemmas. These innovations laid groundwork for later dramatic forms, influencing playwrights who sought to blend entertainment with ethical teachings, ultimately shaping the evolution of English drama into the Renaissance period and beyond.

Related terms

Mystery Plays: A genre of medieval drama that depicts biblical stories and events, often performed in cycles during religious festivals.

Allegory:

A literary device in which characters or events symbolize deeper moral or spiritual meanings, frequently used in morality plays.

Morality Plays: Dramatic works that convey moral lessons, using personified virtues and vices to illustrate the struggle between good and evil.