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Early English Drama

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. In this story, as with The Second ShepherdÆs Play and Everyman, we see that only through virtuous behavior like that of Noah can human beings be saved. There are many symbols in the story, such as the Ark representing not only the promise of God to save those who are ôworthy,ö but also the Church, to whose authority audience members must turn to know the ways of God. One of the most powerful is GodÆs wrath and determination to destroy mankind, even though it hurts Him terribly, becaus...

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Early English Drama. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 21:09, March 28, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1710962.html