Medieval period

Definition

The medieval period, also known as the Middle Ages, spans roughly from the 5th to the late 15th century, characterized by the decline of the Roman Empire and the rise of feudalism. This era is significant for the development of religious drama, particularly through the creation of mystery, miracle, and morality plays that reflected the spiritual and moral dilemmas of society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The medieval period is divided into three main phases: the Early Middle Ages (roughly 500-1000 AD), the High Middle Ages (1000-1300 AD), and the Late Middle Ages (1300-1500 AD).
2. Religious plays in the medieval period were often staged during festivals and special occasions, involving entire communities in their performances.
3. Mystery plays depicted biblical events, while miracle plays focused on the lives of saints, and morality plays illustrated moral lessons using allegorical characters.
4. The use of vernacular language in these dramas helped make religious stories accessible to the general public, moving away from Latin which was primarily understood by clergy.
5. The decline of the medieval period eventually led to the Renaissance, which brought about a renewed interest in classical art and humanism.

Review Questions

• How did the rise of religious drama during the medieval period reflect societal values and beliefs?
  • The rise of religious drama in the medieval period mirrored societal values by emphasizing themes of morality, faith, and community. Plays such as mystery, miracle, and morality showcased biblical stories and ethical dilemmas relevant to everyday life. This theatrical expression not only provided entertainment but also reinforced religious teachings and fostered a sense of shared identity among audiences as they grappled with spiritual and moral questions.
• Discuss how liturgical drama contributed to the evolution of religious theatre during the medieval period.
  • Liturgical drama was crucial to the evolution of religious theatre as it originated from church rituals and ceremonies. By incorporating dramatic elements into worship, it enhanced congregational participation and engagement. Over time, these performances expanded beyond church walls into public spaces, allowing for greater accessibility and paving the way for mystery and morality plays that would become staples in medieval theatre.
• Evaluate the impact of the medieval period's religious dramas on later theatrical traditions and contemporary performance.
  • The religious dramas of the medieval period laid foundational elements for later theatrical traditions by introducing structured narratives, character development, and moral themes. Their emphasis on performance as a communal experience influenced contemporary theatre by promoting audience engagement with complex moral questions. Furthermore, many storytelling techniques utilized in these early plays can still be observed in modern performances, highlighting their lasting significance in shaping dramatic literature and performance practices.

Related terms

Feudalism: A social and economic system that dominated medieval Europe, where land was held in exchange for service and loyalty between lords and vassals.

Liturgical Drama: A form of religious drama that emerged from church rituals in the medieval period, often performed in Latin and focusing on biblical stories.

Chivalry: A code of conduct associated with medieval knighthood that emphasized virtues like bravery, honor, and respect for women and the weak.