The English mystery plays

This important new study of the English mystery plays has a twofold purpose. It is concerned to investigate the antecedents of the four extant cycles and to demonstrate the dramatic value of the plays themselves The opening and concluding chapters place the plays in their historical context by discussing on the one hand the emergence and achievements of genuine religious drama (as opposed to liturgical drama) in the twelfth century and on the other the changes in taste that threw the plays into disrepute in the sixteenth century. The man part of the book analyzes the plays in detail, considering the iconographic and theological traditions that guided the dramatists in their treatment of biblical subject-matter, and also looking at the Continental drama of the time to find out what other dramatic possibilities were open to writers in the Middle Ages--From publisher's description.

Latin liturgical drama -- Twelfth-century knowledge of plays and acting -- Drama in the twelfth century -- The development of the Cycle form -- Attitudes to drama and dramatic theory -- Plays of the Fall: The fall of the Angels ; The fall of Man ; Cain and Abel -- Types and prophecies of the Redemption: Noah ; Abraham and Isaac ; Moses and the prophets -- Nativity Plays, I: Caesar Augustus ; The early life of the Virgin ; Joseph's doubts ; The visit to Elizabeth ; The trial of Joseph and Mary ; The nativity -- Nativity plays, II: The adoration of the Shepherds ; The adoration of the Magi ; The purification ; The massacre of the innocents -- The life of Christ between the Nativity and the Passion: The doctors in the temple ; The plays of the ministry ; The entry into Jerusalem ; The Last Supper ; The Agony in the Garden -- The Passion: The trial before Annas and Caiaphas ; The trials before Pilate and Herod ; The buffeting and scourging ; The crucifixion and burial -- Triumphal and eschatological plays: The harrowing of Hell ; The resurrection and resurrection appearances ; The ascension ; The coming of the Holy Ghost ; The death and assumption of the Virgin ; The antichrist ; The …