Morality plays

Definition

Morality plays are a genre of medieval drama that emerged in the late 14th century and were characterized by their allegorical representation of moral lessons and religious themes. These plays often featured personified virtues and vices, with the central focus on the struggle between good and evil in the human soul. The purpose of morality plays was to teach audiences about moral conduct and the importance of living a virtuous life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Morality plays evolved from earlier religious dramas, incorporating more secular themes and focusing on the individual's moral journey.
2. One of the most famous morality plays is 'Everyman,' which explores themes of death, accountability, and the importance of good deeds.
3. These plays were performed in various settings, including churches and town squares, making them accessible to a wide audience.
4. Characters in morality plays often include allegorical figures such as Death, Good Deeds, and Knowledge, each representing different aspects of morality.
5. Morality plays had a significant impact on later theatrical forms, influencing the development of both Shakespearean drama and modern morality narratives.

Review Questions

• How do morality plays reflect the values and beliefs of medieval society?
  • Morality plays reflect the values and beliefs of medieval society by emphasizing moral instruction and the consequences of one's actions. They often illustrate the battle between good and evil through allegorical characters, showcasing the importance of virtues like charity, humility, and repentance. By portraying relatable struggles faced by individuals, these plays served as a guide for audiences on how to lead a moral life according to the teachings of Christianity.
• Discuss the role of allegory in morality plays and its significance in conveying moral lessons.
  • Allegory plays a crucial role in morality plays as it allows abstract moral concepts to be represented through concrete characters and events. This technique makes complex ideas about sin, virtue, and redemption more accessible to audiences. By using personified virtues and vices, these plays effectively communicate moral lessons in a relatable manner, enabling viewers to engage with the content on both an emotional and intellectual level.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of morality plays on contemporary theater and their relevance today.
  • The lasting impact of morality plays on contemporary theater can be seen in how themes of good versus evil and moral dilemmas continue to resonate in modern storytelling. Their use of allegory laid foundational elements for narrative structures that explore human behavior and ethics. Today, many forms of entertainment still grapple with similar moral questions, demonstrating that the essence of morality plays remains relevant as audiences seek to understand their own values in complex societal contexts.

Related terms

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

Mystery plays: A type of medieval drama that depicted biblical stories and events, often performed in cycles during religious festivals.

Vice character: A common figure in morality plays representing sinful traits, often serving as a foil to the virtuous characters.