7.2 Emergence of Secular Drama and Interludes

The decline of the Catholic Church and rise of humanism in 14th-15th century England paved the way for secular drama. Religious plays began incorporating more worldly elements, while the growing middle class demanded entertainment reflecting their experiences.

Interludes, short comedic plays performed during breaks in larger events, bridged the gap between medieval and Elizabethan drama. These witty, satirical pieces explored moral and social issues, helping establish professional theater and develop English as a literary language.

Transition from Religious to Secular Drama

Decline of Catholic Church's Influence and Rise of Humanism

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• The decline of the Catholic Church's influence in the 14th and 15th centuries contributed to the emergence of secular drama in England
• The rise of humanism during this period emphasized the value of human agency and the importance of classical learning
• Humanist scholars (Erasmus, Thomas More) promoted the study of classical texts and the revival of ancient dramatic forms (Roman comedy, tragedy)

Incorporation of Secular Elements in Religious Plays

• Mystery plays, which dramatized biblical stories, began to incorporate more secular elements and characters
  • Inclusion of comic relief and contemporary social commentary
• Morality plays, which allegorically represented the struggle between good and evil, started to feature more individualized characters and explore secular themes
  • Exploration of the human condition and social issues

Growth of Secular Entertainments and Middle Class

• The increasing popularity of secular festivals and entertainments provided a platform for the development of non-religious dramatic forms
  • May Day celebrations and mummers' plays
• The growth of towns and the rise of the middle class created a demand for entertainment that reflected their experiences and concerns
  • Led to the emergence of secular drama catering to the tastes and interests of the growing middle class

Characteristics of Interludes

Format and Performance Style

• Interludes were short, often comedic plays performed during the breaks of larger entertainments in the 15th and 16th centuries
  • Performed during banquets or religious festivals
• These plays typically featured a small cast of characters who engaged in witty dialogue
  • Characters were often allegorical or symbolic
• Interludes were performed by professional acting troupes, who traveled from town to town
  • Performed in various settings (great halls, taverns, outdoor spaces)

Themes and Satirical Elements

• Interludes explored moral or social issues through humor and satire
  • Critiqued contemporary society, politics, and religious practices
• The themes of interludes ranged from the celebration of love and marriage to the examination of social hierarchies and the human condition
• Incorporation of music, dance, and special effects in interludes anticipated the elaborate staging and spectacle of later Elizabethan theater

Role of Interludes in English Drama

Bridging the Gap between Medieval and Elizabethan Drama

• Interludes played a significant role in bridging the gap between medieval religious drama and the more sophisticated secular plays of the Elizabethan era
• Introduced more complex plots and character development, moving away from allegorical representations and towards more realistic portrayals of human behavior
• Helped to establish the popularity and viability of professional theater in England
  • Paved the way for the emergence of permanent playhouses and the works of playwrights (Shakespeare)

Development of English as a Literary Language

• The use of vernacular English in interludes, rather than Latin, made the plays more accessible to a wider audience
• Contributed to the development of English as a literary language suitable for dramatic expression
• The humanist revival of classical rhetoric and oratory influenced the development of more sophisticated dramatic language and dialogue in secular plays

Humanism and Secular Drama

Emphasis on Human Agency and Classical Learning

• Humanism emphasized the value of human agency and the importance of classical learning
• Humanist ideas about education and the cultivation of virtue through literature and the arts contributed to the view of theater as a means of moral instruction and social commentary
• The humanist revival of classical rhetoric and oratory influenced the development of more sophisticated dramatic language and dialogue in secular plays

Influence on Character Development and Moral Instruction

• The humanist emphasis on the individual and the exploration of human nature influenced the creation of more psychologically complex characters in secular plays
• Humanist ideas about the cultivation of virtue through literature and the arts contributed to the view of theater as a means of moral instruction
• Secular plays began to explore themes related to the human condition, morality, and social issues, reflecting humanist values and concerns