Mystery Plays in Christian Tradition
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Mystery Plays in Christian Tradition

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Questions and Answers

Which theatre was exclusively used by Lord Chamberlain’s Men during the summer after 1599?

  • The Red Bull
  • The Globe (correct)
  • The Curtain
  • The Fortune
  • Who was the lead actor of Lord Chamberlain’s Men?

  • Will Kempe
  • Edward Alleyn
  • Richard Burbage (correct)
  • Robert Armin
  • What genre does the play 'Gammer Gurton’s Needle' belong to?

  • Domestic Comedy (correct)
  • Tragedy
  • Historical Drama
  • Fantasy
  • Which of the following playwrights is associated with the university wits and the Queen's Men?

    <p>Christopher Marlowe</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event led to the rebuilding of The Globe in 1614?

    <p>A fire outbreak</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which character is a trickster in 'Ralph Roister Doister'?

    <p>Matthew Merrygreeke</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which year was Lord Chamberlain’s Men renamed King’s Men?

    <p>1603</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following plays is considered the first comedy in English?

    <p>Ralph Roister Doister</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary purpose of mystery plays during the 15th century?

    <p>To depict biblical events and the saving powers of holy figures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cyclical mystery play is known to have the most plays within its cycle?

    <p>York</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Age of Revival saw a transformation in drama. What became a major theme during this period?

    <p>Secular themes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did interludes play in the context of earlier plays?

    <p>They served as comedic intermissions between acts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor led to the signing of the Treaty of Troyes in 1420?

    <p>The demands made by Henry V to reassert control over France</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cade's Rebellion was characterized by what main objective?

    <p>To challenge the policies of Henry VI and demand reforms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a defining characteristic of farce as a genre during the Age of Revival?

    <p>Highly improbable comic situations and extravagant exaggeration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes morality plays?

    <p>They were primarily focused on allegorical representation of virtues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which work was praised by John Keats in his sonnet 'On First Looking into Chapman’s Homer'?

    <p>Translation of Homer’s Odyssey</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who collaborated with John Webster on the play 'Caesar's Fall'?

    <p>Michael Drayton</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the central theme of John Ford's play 'It’s a Pity She’s a Whore'?

    <p>Incest and betrayal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In 'The White Devil', who does Vittoria Corombona marry?

    <p>Camillo</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which character is famously featured in Philip Massinger's play 'A New Way to Pay Old Debts'?

    <p>Sir Giles Overreach</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What punishment does Vittoria Corombona face in 'The White Devil'?

    <p>Living in a house of prostitutes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following plays was NOT authored by John Webster?

    <p>Hyde Park</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which character exploits his sister's affair for personal gain in 'The White Devil'?

    <p>Flamineo</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the third sonnet primarily accomplish in the context of the play?

    <p>It reviews the action of Act One and prepares for Act Two.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following plays features a prologue before Act II?

    <p>Romeo and Juliet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do the witches play in Macbeth regarding the prologue?

    <p>They deliver the prologue during the play.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following songs is found in 'As You Like It'?

    <p>Under the Greenwood Tree</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is typically included in the epilogue of Romeo and Juliet?

    <p>A request for the audience's applause.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which act of King Lear does the song 'Then They for Sudden Joy Did Weep' appear?

    <p>Act I</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do 'holy palmers' refer to in the context of the sonnet excerpt?

    <p>Individuals who kiss as a form of prayer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which play features the song 'Full Fathom Five'?

    <p>The Tempest</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What leads Flamineo to kill his brother Marcello?

    <p>Marcello discovers Flamineo's affair.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which character ultimately seeks revenge on Bracciano?

    <p>Francisco</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens during the climax of the events surrounding Flamineo, Vittoria, and Zanche?

    <p>A double pistol shootout occurs with blank bullets.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between the Duchess and Antonio?

    <p>They are secret spouses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What motivates Bosola's betrayal of the Duchess's brothers?

    <p>His guilt and sympathy towards the Duchess.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the fate of the Duchess after she is captured?

    <p>She is killed by Ferdinand's orders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which character uses a poisoned Bible to kill another?

    <p>The Cardinal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What leads the Duchess to flee to Ancona?

    <p>She fears for her life after being threatened by Ferdinand.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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.

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