The development of drama was influenced by morality plays from "summary" of A Short History of English Literature by Benjamin Ifor Evans
The history of English literature reveals a fascinating intersection between drama and morality plays. The development of drama in England was significantly impacted by the popularity and influence of morality plays during the medieval period. Morality plays were a genre of drama that emerged in the late Middle Ages, with the primary purpose of teaching moral lessons to the audience. These plays often featured allegorical characters representing virtues and vices, engaging in moral struggles and dilemmas. The didactic nature of morality plays provided a template for early English playwrights to explore moral and ethical themes in their own dramatic works. As a result, morality plays played a crucial role in shaping the form and content of English drama. One of the key contributions of morality plays to the development of drama was the use of allegory and symbolism to convey moral lessons. Characters in morality plays were often personifications of abstract concepts such as Truth, Greed, or Death, allowing playwrights to explore complex moral issues in a vivid and engaging manner. This use of allegory influenced later English playwrights to incorporate symbolic elements into their own works, enriching the dramatic experience for audiences. Furthermore, morality plays also helped to establish the conventions of morality and redemption in English drama. These plays often depicted characters facing moral dilemmas and ultimately seeking redemption through repentance and virtuous actions. The themes of sin, salvation, and divine justice found in morality plays resonated with audiences and provided a moral framework for the development of English drama.- The development of drama in England was deeply influenced by the tradition of morality plays. The didactic nature, allegorical characters, and moral themes of morality plays laid the foundation for English playwrights to explore moral and ethical issues in their own works. By incorporating elements of morality plays into their dramas, early English playwrights enriched the theatrical landscape and contributed to the evolution of English literature.
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