TED-Ed: Development of English drama - Mindy Ploeckelmann

In medieval England, the clergy created mystery and miracle plays to teach Bible stories to illiterate commoners. These plays evolved with guilds taking part, leading to changes in content. By the 14th century, morality plays emerged, featuring allegorical battles between virtues and vices. Audience interaction became common, and the plays often encouraged vices. By the 15th century, the church restricted these performances, leading to the development of theaters outside city walls. This environment fostered the growth of Renaissance drama, influencing playwrights like Shakespeare and contributing to drama as a literary art form.

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

• To promote trade among guilds

• To entertain the nobility

• To celebrate seasonal festivals

• To educate illiterate commoners about the Bible

How did the involvement of guilds in the 13th century affect the plays?

• The plays were only performed during religious festivals

• The plays were banned by the church

• The plays started to reflect the professions of the guilds

• The plays became more accurate to the Bible

What was a key feature of morality plays that emerged by the end of the 14th century?

• They were performed exclusively by clergy

• They were silent performances

• They were only performed in churches

• They featured allegorical characters representing virtues and vices

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

• They were too similar to mystery plays

• They encouraged vices more than virtues

• They were not popular with audiences

• They were too expensive to produce

What was the significance of the new theaters built outside city walls?

• They were used for political meetings

• They marked the beginning of modern cinema

• They allowed for the development of Renaissance drama

• They were exclusively for royal performances