The Second Shepherds Play Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does the first shepherd Coll complain about?

The weather and how he is poor

Whom does Coll blame for his situation?

The lords

How does Coll console himself?

Blaming others

What does the second shepherd, Gib, complain about?

The weather Signup and view all the answers

What does the third shepherd, Daw, complain about?

The weather Signup and view all the answers

What do we learn about the shepherds' lives from their complaints?

They are overworked, hungry, cold, poor, etc. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mak try to do when he first enters the scene?

Sing and pretend to be a yeoman Signup and view all the answers

What does this indicate about Mak's character?

He is a conman Signup and view all the answers

What do Mak and Jill decide to do with the stolen sheep?

Hide it in the cradle pretending for it to be a baby Signup and view all the answers

Who thought of the idea to hide the sheep?

Jill Signup and view all the answers

Describe Jill.

Clever, smart, forward thinking Signup and view all the answers

What seems to be Jill's opinion of her husband Mak?

She thinks he is not smart, unreliable, etc. Signup and view all the answers

What is Jill's opinion of herself?

She thinks and knows her advice is good and helpful Signup and view all the answers

Which shepherd dreams of Mak's theft?

Daw Signup and view all the answers

What does Mak tell Jill the shepherds will do when they count their sheep?

Discover one is missing and go right to him Signup and view all the answers

What does Jill say she will do when the shepherds arrive at their house?

Moan and cause a distraction while the sheep is hidden Signup and view all the answers

Who is the first to accuse Mak?

Daw Signup and view all the answers

How is the plan of Mak and Jill finally exposed?

Daw wants to give the baby a present but discovers the sheep Signup and view all the answers

When does Mak confess his guilt?

After he is caught and they say that they have every right to turn him in for a hanging Signup and view all the answers

How do the shepherds punish Mak?

They toss him in a blanket Signup and view all the answers

Who wakes up the shepherds in scene 7?

An angel Signup and view all the answers

What is the angel's message?

To travel to Bethlehem and find the baby Jesus and Mary Signup and view all the answers

What do the shepherds talk about as they walk to Bethlehem?

The angel's message and its song and how beautiful it was Signup and view all the answers

What gifts do the shepherds bring?

Cherries, a ball, and a fake toy bird Signup and view all the answers

In what ways are these gifts typical of the gift-givers?

They are appropriate for a child and appropriately given from the shepherds Signup and view all the answers

Where did the second birth of Western Drama begin?

The churches Signup and view all the answers

Who celebrated religious feasts and festivals?

They were celebrated by choirs of monks singing the story Signup and view all the answers

Who dramatizes the events of certain stories of Christianity?

Monks Signup and view all the answers

What versions of the Bible stories were made?

Dramatic versions Signup and view all the answers

What was the structure of the play stage?

Each play was mounted on a cart built like a parade float Signup and view all the answers

Who wrote these dramatic plays?

Well-educated priests Signup and view all the answers

Who made the productions?

Amateurs Signup and view all the answers

Men of specific trade made productions related to their...

Occupation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Shepherds' Complaints and Characters

Coll, the first shepherd, complains about the poor weather and his financial struggles.
He blames the lords for his hardships.
Coll consoles himself by shifting blame onto others.
All three shepherds—Coll, Gib, and Daw—voice complaints primarily about the weather, leading to insights about their challenging lives.
The shepherds are depicted as overworked, hungry, cold, and impoverished.

Mak and Jill's Scheme

Mak enters pretending to be a yeoman, showcasing his deceitful character as a conman.
He and his wife Jill plot to disguise a stolen sheep as their baby by hiding it in a cradle.
The idea to disguise the sheep originates from Jill, who exhibits cleverness and forward-thinking.
Jill views her husband Mak as unintelligent and unreliable, while she sees her own advice as valuable and perceptive.

The Dream and Accusations

Daw dreams that Mak is stealing sheep, symbolizing intuition about the theft.
Mak warns Jill that when the shepherds count their sheep, they will quickly deduce one is missing and search for him.
Jill plans to distract the shepherds by feigning distress when they arrive, to keep the sheep hidden.

Exposure and Consequences

Daw accuses Mak first when suspicions arise about the missing sheep.
The couple’s plan is ultimately revealed when Daw uncovers the sheep, mistaking it for a baby.
Mak confesses his guilt only after being confronted and threatened with punishment.
The shepherds punish Mak by tossing him in a blanket as a form of retribution.

The Angel's Message and Journey

An angel awakens the shepherds, directing them to Bethlehem to find baby Jesus and Mary.
As they travel, they reflect on the beauty of the angel's message and song.
They bring gifts to the newborn, including cherries, a ball, and a toy bird, reflecting their humble status and appropriateness for a child.

Origins and Development of Western Drama

The second birth of Western Drama began in churches, with choirs of monks celebrating religious festivals through dramatic performances.
Monks dramatized key stories of Christianity, creating engaging, dramatic versions of biblical narratives.
Plays were performed on carts resembling parade floats, facilitating movement and staging.
Well-educated priests authored these plays, while the productions were carried out by amateur performers, often reflecting their specific trades.

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Description

Test your knowledge on 'The Second Shepherds Play' with this quiz. Answer questions based on the characters' complaints and interactions. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of medieval literature.