Mystery VS Morality
In the Medieval Era, mystery plays were a popular source of entertainment and religious education for the general public. They were known for their extravagance and dramatic portrayals of Bible stories and the expeditions of the apostles. During the time of the Reformation, a shift in religion was apparent as culture was vehemently moving away from the Catholic religion and began exploring in the Protestant realm. This shift in religion can be seen in the dramatic representations of the time, known as morality plays. Instead of focusing on the stories of the Bible like the medieval times, morality plays encapsulated the doctrine of the Bible during the Reformation.
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| The Chester Mystery Plays |
The shift in theatre was mostly a result of the different emphasis that the Protestants placed on literature. John Donne’s devotional poetry was an example to all Protestants of how to look at christianity through a new lens of self-reflection. Martin Luther strongly believed poetry and rhetoric encouraged a deep respect for sacred things among the believers. This belief, coupled with Philipp Melanchthon’s humanistic encouragement to put off the old church and create a completely new religion, led Protestants to abandon worldly mystery plays and create morality plays. These plays focused on morals, values and the journey of a soul toward salvation, reflecting the values in their theology. The most popular morality play, Everyman, focuses on coming judgement, the fleeting morals of the world and the lasting morals of righteousness. It demonstrates the Protestant ideals of piety, devotion and a personal relationship with God.
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| scene from Everyman |
The Reformation had a much deeper effect on Western culture than simply challenging the canonical doctrines and practices of the Catholic church. Reformation attitudes were evident in many aspects of life, and is especially so in the expressive entertainment and arts of the age. While the Middle Ages and Renaissance’s mystery plays featured elaborate production and execution, the morality plays were more abstract and didactic in nature, reflective of the Reformation focus on doctrine and individual connection with God.
Fay Walker, Aubrey McDonald, Jacob Lang, Madison Smith
