“The Second Shepherds’ Play” is a medieval mystery play that depicts the story of the Nativity from the perspective of three shepherds. The play is part of the Wakefield Cycle, a collection of 32 mystery plays that were performed in Wakefield, England, in the 15th century. The shepherds in the play are Mak, Gyb, and Daw, and they are joined by the angel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary.
The Structure of the Second Shepherds’ Play
The Second Shepherds’ Play is a medieval English play that tells the story of three shepherds who are visited by an angel on Christmas Eve. The play is structured as follows:
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Prologue
- The play begins with a monologue by Mak, a shepherd who is complaining about his life.
- Mak is joined by two other shepherds, Gib and Daw, and they talk about their plans for Christmas.
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The Shepherds’ Visit to the Nativity
- The shepherds are visited by an angel who tells them about the birth of Jesus.
- The shepherds go to Bethlehem to visit the baby Jesus.
- They are given gifts by the wise men.
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The Theft of the Sheep
- Mak steals a sheep from the shepherds.
- The shepherds discover the theft and chase after Mak.
- Mak is caught and beaten by the shepherds.
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The Trial of Mak
- Mak is brought before a judge.
- The judge finds Mak guilty of theft.
- Mak is sentenced to death.
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The Epilogue
- The play ends with a monologue by the judge.
- The judge moralizes the story of the play.
Overall Structure
The Second Shepherds’ Play is a three-act play. The first act introduces the characters and sets up the conflict. The second act develops the conflict and brings it to a head. The third act resolves the conflict and delivers a moral message.
Key Scenes
The play contains several key scenes that advance the plot and develop the characters. These scenes include:
- The shepherds’ visit to the Nativity
- The theft of the sheep
- The trial of Mak
Themes
The Second Shepherds’ Play explores a number of themes, including:
- The nature of good and evil
- The importance of honesty
- The power of redemption
Characters
The play features a cast of characters that represent a cross-section of medieval society. These characters include:
- Mak, the thieving shepherd
- Gib and Daw, the honest shepherds
- The angel, the messenger of God
- The judge, the upholder of justice
Question 1:
What is the significance of the second shepherds’ play in English literature?
Answer:
- Subject: The second shepherds’ play
- Predicate: is significant in English literature
- Objects: It is one of the earliest surviving English mystery plays and provides insights into medieval religious drama and everyday life.
Question 2:
What are the key conflicts that the shepherds face in the play?
Answer:
- Entity: Key conflicts the shepherds face
- Attributes: poverty, hunger, and the responsibility of caring for their sheep
- Value: These conflicts drive the plot and shape the characters’ motivations.
Question 3:
How does the play reflect the religious beliefs and values of the time?
Answer:
- Subject: The second shepherds’ play
- Predicate: reflects the religious beliefs and values of the time
- Object: It incorporates themes of humility, piety, and the importance of hospitality, which were prevalent in medieval society.
Well, there you have it, folks! The Second Shepherds’ Play – a festive frolic of faith, friendship, and a whole lot of fun. I hope you enjoyed this little tour through the Middle Ages, and have a newfound appreciation for the shepherds who visited the baby Jesus. Thanks for reading, folks! Stay tuned for more theatrical time-traveling adventures in the future.