Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which theatre was exclusively used by Lord Chamberlain’s Men during the summer after 1599?
Which theatre was exclusively used by Lord Chamberlain’s Men during the summer after 1599?
Who was the lead actor of Lord Chamberlain’s Men?
Who was the lead actor of Lord Chamberlain’s Men?
What genre does the play 'Gammer Gurton’s Needle' belong to?
What genre does the play 'Gammer Gurton’s Needle' belong to?
Which of the following playwrights is associated with the university wits and the Queen's Men?
Which of the following playwrights is associated with the university wits and the Queen's Men?
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What event led to the rebuilding of The Globe in 1614?
What event led to the rebuilding of The Globe in 1614?
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Which character is a trickster in 'Ralph Roister Doister'?
Which character is a trickster in 'Ralph Roister Doister'?
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In which year was Lord Chamberlain’s Men renamed King’s Men?
In which year was Lord Chamberlain’s Men renamed King’s Men?
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Which of the following plays is considered the first comedy in English?
Which of the following plays is considered the first comedy in English?
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What was the primary purpose of mystery plays during the 15th century?
What was the primary purpose of mystery plays during the 15th century?
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Which cyclical mystery play is known to have the most plays within its cycle?
Which cyclical mystery play is known to have the most plays within its cycle?
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The Age of Revival saw a transformation in drama. What became a major theme during this period?
The Age of Revival saw a transformation in drama. What became a major theme during this period?
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What role did interludes play in the context of earlier plays?
What role did interludes play in the context of earlier plays?
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What factor led to the signing of the Treaty of Troyes in 1420?
What factor led to the signing of the Treaty of Troyes in 1420?
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Cade's Rebellion was characterized by what main objective?
Cade's Rebellion was characterized by what main objective?
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What is a defining characteristic of farce as a genre during the Age of Revival?
What is a defining characteristic of farce as a genre during the Age of Revival?
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Which of the following best describes morality plays?
Which of the following best describes morality plays?
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Which work was praised by John Keats in his sonnet 'On First Looking into Chapman’s Homer'?
Which work was praised by John Keats in his sonnet 'On First Looking into Chapman’s Homer'?
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Who collaborated with John Webster on the play 'Caesar's Fall'?
Who collaborated with John Webster on the play 'Caesar's Fall'?
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What is the central theme of John Ford's play 'It’s a Pity She’s a Whore'?
What is the central theme of John Ford's play 'It’s a Pity She’s a Whore'?
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In 'The White Devil', who does Vittoria Corombona marry?
In 'The White Devil', who does Vittoria Corombona marry?
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Which character is famously featured in Philip Massinger's play 'A New Way to Pay Old Debts'?
Which character is famously featured in Philip Massinger's play 'A New Way to Pay Old Debts'?
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What punishment does Vittoria Corombona face in 'The White Devil'?
What punishment does Vittoria Corombona face in 'The White Devil'?
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Which of the following plays was NOT authored by John Webster?
Which of the following plays was NOT authored by John Webster?
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Which character exploits his sister's affair for personal gain in 'The White Devil'?
Which character exploits his sister's affair for personal gain in 'The White Devil'?
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What does the third sonnet primarily accomplish in the context of the play?
What does the third sonnet primarily accomplish in the context of the play?
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Which of the following plays features a prologue before Act II?
Which of the following plays features a prologue before Act II?
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What role do the witches play in Macbeth regarding the prologue?
What role do the witches play in Macbeth regarding the prologue?
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Which of the following songs is found in 'As You Like It'?
Which of the following songs is found in 'As You Like It'?
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What is typically included in the epilogue of Romeo and Juliet?
What is typically included in the epilogue of Romeo and Juliet?
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In which act of King Lear does the song 'Then They for Sudden Joy Did Weep' appear?
In which act of King Lear does the song 'Then They for Sudden Joy Did Weep' appear?
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What do 'holy palmers' refer to in the context of the sonnet excerpt?
What do 'holy palmers' refer to in the context of the sonnet excerpt?
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Which play features the song 'Full Fathom Five'?
Which play features the song 'Full Fathom Five'?
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What leads Flamineo to kill his brother Marcello?
What leads Flamineo to kill his brother Marcello?
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Which character ultimately seeks revenge on Bracciano?
Which character ultimately seeks revenge on Bracciano?
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What happens during the climax of the events surrounding Flamineo, Vittoria, and Zanche?
What happens during the climax of the events surrounding Flamineo, Vittoria, and Zanche?
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What is the relationship between the Duchess and Antonio?
What is the relationship between the Duchess and Antonio?
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What motivates Bosola's betrayal of the Duchess's brothers?
What motivates Bosola's betrayal of the Duchess's brothers?
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What is the fate of the Duchess after she is captured?
What is the fate of the Duchess after she is captured?
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Which character uses a poisoned Bible to kill another?
Which character uses a poisoned Bible to kill another?
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What leads the Duchess to flee to Ancona?
What leads the Duchess to flee to Ancona?
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Study Notes
Mystery and Morality Plays
- Mystery plays featured biblical events performed by trade professionals and were often staged in cycles lasting several days.
- Developed from the Creation to the Day of Judgment, mystery plays became established by the end of the 15th century in Europe.
- Notable mystery play cycles include York (48 plays), N-Town (42), Chester (25), and Wakefield (32).
- Morality plays focused on Christian virtues like Patience and Mercy, exemplified in works such as "Everyman" and "Mankind."
Transformation of Drama (1400-1550)
- The Age of Revival marked a shift to secular drama with common themes and various forms, including:
- Interludes: Short, often light comedic pieces initially performed between acts of other plays, later becoming standalone dramas.
- Farces: Comic plays featuring improbable situations, exaggerated characters, and slapstick humor.
Historical Context: King Henry V and His Successors
- King Henry V ascended to the throne in 1413 and sought control over France, leading to the Treaty of Troyes in 1420, which proclaimed him heir to the French throne through his marriage to Catherine.
- Henry VI assumed the throne after Henry V's death in 1422 but struggled with weakness, allowing Joan of Arc to restore France's power.
Cade’s Rebellion
- Led by Jack Cade, the rebellion against Henry VI's policies sought demands for reform.
- Cade's movement faced military defeat but left a lingering impact on English politics.
Important Drama Groups
- Lord Chamberlain’s Men: Established in 1594, featuring Shakespeare; performed at The Globe and known for lead actor Richard Burbage.
- Lord Admiral’s Men: Rivals to Lord Chamberlain’s Men, associated with Christopher Marlowe, active until the 1630s.
- Queen’s Men: Supported by Queen Elizabeth I; collaborated with university wits like Thomas Kyd and Robert Greene.
Early Elizabethan Comedies
- "Ralph Roister Doister" by Nicholas Udall is recognized as the first English comedy, showcasing a comedic courtship plot.
- "Gammer Gurton’s Needle" depicts a humorous domestic scenario and represents the second English comedy.
Musical Elements in Plays
- Numerous songs feature in Shakespeare's works, enhancing character development and emotional depth, such as "Under the Greenwood Tree" and "Willow Song."
Prologues and Epilogues in Plays
- Many plays, including "Romeo and Juliet" and "Macbeth," incorporate prologues or epilogues to guide the audience or conclude the narrative contextually.
Significant Works and Playwrights
- John Webster’s notable plays include "The White Devil" and "The Duchess of Malfi," both exploring complex themes of love, betrayal, and revenge.
- John Ford's "‘Tis a Pity She’s a Whore" addresses dark themes of incest and tragic love.
- Philip Massinger's works such as "A New Way to Pay Old Debts" focus on character-driven narratives.
The Duchess of Malfi Overview
- Set in Malfi, a young widow falls in love with her steward, facing familial opposition and tragic outcomes due to her scheming brothers.
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Description
Explore the fascinating history of mystery plays from the 4th century onwards, focusing on their biblical themes and the role of professional tradespeople in their performances. This quiz delves into the cycles of plays depicting major Christian events, from Creation to Judgment Day, and their significance in medieval society.
