Question

Miracle plays are based on ..........

• A. mystery
• B. poverty
• C. war
• D. biblical episodes

Answer 1

Answer:

D. biblical episodes

Miracle Plays: A Detailed Explanation

Understanding Miracle Plays

• Miracle plays, also known as saint plays, are a type of medieval drama.
• They are primarily based on the lives and miraculous interventions of saints.
• A significant portion of miracle plays draw their narratives directly from biblical episodes, focusing on events from the Old and New Testaments.
• These plays were a crucial part of religious and civic life in medieval Europe, particularly from the 10th to the 16th centuries.
• They were often performed in a cycle, depicting a continuous story from the Creation to the Last Judgment.

Key Characteristics and Themes

• The plays served an important didactic purpose, educating a largely illiterate population about biblical stories and Christian doctrine.
• Miraculous events, divine intervention, and the power of faith are central themes.
• Characters often include biblical figures like Adam and Eve, Moses, Mary, Jesus, and various saints.
• The language used was vernacular, making the stories accessible to the common people.
• Performances were often organized by trade guilds and held on important religious feast days.

Historical Significance and Evolution

• Miracle plays evolved from liturgical dramas, which were short plays performed within churches.
• They eventually moved out of the church and onto public stages, becoming larger and more elaborate.
• The decline of miracle plays began in the 16th century with the Protestant Reformation and the rise of new dramatic forms.
• Notable cycles include the Chester Cycle, the Wakefield Cycle (also known as the Mankind Cycle), and the York Cycle in England.
• These plays are considered precursors to later English drama, including the works of Shakespeare.

Competitive Exam Relevance

• Understanding the nature and content of miracle plays is important for questions related to medieval English literature and drama.
• Key terms to remember: miracle plays, morality plays (a related but distinct genre focusing on allegorical characters representing virtues and vices), mystery plays (plays depicting biblical events from Creation to the Last Judgment, often considered interchangeable with miracle plays in broader discussions).
• Be aware of the historical context: the medieval period, the role of the Church, and the development of drama.