Evolution of Medieval Drama

In medieval England, the clergy created mystery and miracle plays to teach Bible stories to illiterate commoners. These plays evolved into cycles performed on pageant wagons. As the clergy's involvement waned, guilds took over, leading to changes in the stories. By the 14th century, morality plays emerged, featuring allegorical battles between virtues and vices. These plays, ironically, often encouraged vice. By the 15th century, the church restricted such performances, leading to the development of Renaissance drama, with playwrights like Shakespeare exploring human conscience and inner struggles.

What was the primary purpose of creating mystery plays in the 11th and 12th centuries?

• To entertain the clergy

• To teach Bible stories to illiterate commoners

• To promote literacy among the nobility

• To replace traditional church services

How did the involvement of guilds in the plays affect the stories?

• The stories became more accurate

• The stories were abandoned

• The stories remained unchanged

• The stories began to reflect the guilds' professions

What new form of drama emerged by the end of the 14th century?

• Tragedy plays

• Comedy plays

• Morality plays

• Historical plays

What was a common feature of morality plays that audiences enjoyed?

• The historical accuracy

• The musical performances

• The interactive nature with actors

• The elaborate costumes

Why did the church start to outlaw morality plays by the mid-15th century?

• They were not popular with audiences

• They encouraged vices more than virtues

• They were too short in duration

• They were too expensive to produce

How did morality plays ironically affect the audience's perception of virtues and vices?

• They made vices more popular

• They made virtues more appealing

• They had no effect on perception

• They confused the audience

What requirement did town charters impose on theaters by the mid-15th century?

• They must be built inside the city walls

• They must be built underground

• They must be built outside the city walls

• They must be built on church grounds

Which famous playwright developed his craft in the theaters influenced by morality plays?

• Christopher Marlowe

• Ben Jonson

• William Shakespeare

• Thomas Kyd

What was the primary influence of morality plays on Renaissance playwrights?

• Focus on historical events

• Exploration of inner struggles and conscience

• Emphasis on comedic elements

• Incorporation of musical scores

What was the main structural feature of the early theaters built outside city walls?

• Circular design with gallery seating

• Triangular design with tiered seating

• Square design with standing room only

• Rectangular design with no seating