Early English Drama
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The values in art of any era often reflect the most pressing concerns and staunchest values of the culture in which that art is produced. The case is no different in three literary works of early English drama; NoahÆs Flood, The Second ShepherdÆs Play, and Everyman. Each of these works shares commonalities with respect to the values that are exhibited as positive in each of them. All of these plays demonstrate that only a life lived in accordance with Church doctrine and GodÆs commandments will result in the promise of an afterlife in GodÆs Kingdom of Heaven. In NoahÆs Flood, we see the promise of redemption illustrated. In The Second ShepherdÆs Play, we discover the significance of the importance of the Nativity to Christian doctrine and Christian compassion. In Everyman, charity, compassion, and obedience to the Church and the authority of priests result in the reward of Heaven. A conclusion will address the significance of these works to audiences and state officials of the era. NoahÆs Flood demonstrates how early English writers often turned their attention to the Bible for inspirational stories. It also expresses a number of morals that are an attempt to guide audiences toward more Christian behavior and greater adherence to Church authority. Like Everyman demonstrates how to live a life that prepares one for judgement day, NoahÆs Flood demonstrates the wrath of God when human beings refuse to adhere to His commandments.
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t Mak does is mistaken. There is no easy or other way out but through the way mandated by God and his earthly representatives, the Christian Church and its priests.
The Second ShepherdÆs Play has a lot in common with NoahÆs Ark and Everyman in demonstrating to audiences that if they obey the word of God and act in a manner in accordance with GodÆs will they will be saved or redeemed. The birth of Jesus is extremely significant in The Second ShepherdÆs Play to reinforcing the prophesies and promises of the Church and God. GodÆs promise to send the savior of mankind who offers redemption to sinful human beings is fulfilled in the play. As Gib proclaims of this monumental occurrence, ôWe find by the prophecy- / Let be your din!- / And mo than I min, / That prophesied by clergy / That in a virgin / Should he light and lie, / To sloken our sin, / And slake it, / Our kind, from woeö (Abrams 2000, 417). We see, as with NoahÆs Ark and Everyman, The Second ShepherdÆs Play also reinforces the notion of the authority of priests and the Church. These plays are symbolic of social relations at the time. The Church and priests needed to reinforce their authority over the masses in order to control the desires and passions of human being
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1854
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page)
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