TED-Ed: Development of English drama - Mindy Ploeckelmann

TED-Ed: Development of English drama - Mindy Ploeckelmann

Assessment

Interactive Video

Arts

KG - University

Hard

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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.

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5 questions

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1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

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

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

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

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

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

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

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

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

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