Hero Of Old Morality Plays

The Moral Compass: Exploring the Heroes of Old Morality Plays

Morality plays, those fascinating theatrical predecessors to the Elizabethan drama, offer a unique glimpse into the medieval and early Renaissance worldview. These allegorical dramas, often focusing on the struggle between good and evil within a single soul, didn't feature kings and queens or mythical creatures. Instead, their heroes were personifications of virtues and vices, their journeys reflecting the human struggle for spiritual salvation. Understanding these allegorical figures is key to unlocking the rich moral and theological tapestry woven into these plays. This article delves deep into the archetypal heroes found in old morality plays, examining their characteristics, motivations, and ultimate significance in shaping the understanding of morality during that era.

Introduction: A Stage for the Soul

Morality plays, unlike their predecessors, the mystery and miracle plays, shifted focus from biblical narratives to the internal battle within the individual. These plays used allegorical characters to represent abstract concepts like Good Deeds, Charity, Knowledge, and Death. While not traditional heroes in the sense of possessing exceptional physical prowess or noble lineage, these personified virtues played pivotal roles, guiding the protagonist, often named Everyman or a similar variation, toward spiritual redemption. Their actions, dialogues, and ultimate fates provided a moral compass for the audience, emphasizing the importance of virtuous living and the consequences of vice. The heroes of these plays weren't flawless; they were often vulnerable and fallible, reflecting the human condition and making their struggles relatable to the audience. This inherent relatability is a key component of their enduring appeal and educational value.

Everyman and His Allies: The Virtues as Heroes

The most iconic character in morality play history is undoubtedly Everyman. While not inherently virtuous himself, he serves as the central figure whose journey underscores the play's moral message. He is the everyman, representing humanity's susceptibility to temptation and the ultimate need for repentance. He is not a hero in the traditional sense of strength or bravery, but his vulnerability and ultimate acceptance of his fate make him a compelling and ultimately heroic figure. His journey is one of self-discovery, a process facilitated by the virtuous characters who guide him.

The true heroes of morality plays are the personified virtues that surround Everyman. These characters, unlike the vices, consistently champion the path of righteousness. Let's examine some key examples:

• Good Deeds: Often portrayed as frail and weak at the beginning of the play, reflecting Everyman's neglect of virtuous actions, Good Deeds embodies the importance of righteous living. Her strength grows as Everyman demonstrates repentance, highlighting the transformative power of virtuous acts. She serves as a constant reminder of the importance of leading a morally upright life and becomes a crucial companion on Everyman's final journey.

• Knowledge: This character represents intellectual understanding and spiritual enlightenment. Knowledge provides Everyman with crucial guidance and wisdom, helping him understand the gravity of his situation and the path toward salvation. Knowledge is not simply a passive observer; he actively participates in Everyman's transformation, demonstrating the importance of seeking spiritual understanding and insight.

• Confession: An essential figure in the drama, Confession is instrumental in helping Everyman atone for his sins. This character embodies the process of acknowledging wrongdoing and seeking forgiveness. Confession is a crucial step on the path to salvation, demonstrating the importance of humility and the power of sincere repentance.

• Charity: Charity, often portrayed as a gentle and compassionate figure, represents selfless love and compassion. She provides comfort and support to Everyman during his final moments, highlighting the importance of empathy and kindness in overcoming adversity. Charity's presence emphasizes that true spiritual growth involves not just personal righteousness but also extending compassion to others.

These virtuous characters are not static; their interactions with Everyman showcase the dynamic nature of morality. They demonstrate that virtue is not merely passive compliance but an active and evolving process that requires constant effort and self-reflection.

The Antagonists: Vices as Obstacles

The antagonists in morality plays are not simply obstacles; they represent the temptations and distractions that lead individuals away from spiritual salvation. These personified vices actively work against the virtuous characters, attempting to sway Everyman toward a path of damnation. Understanding their roles is crucial to fully appreciating the moral lessons embedded within these plays.

• Fellowship: Often portrayed as a charming but ultimately deceitful friend, Fellowship represents the allure of worldly pleasures and the dangers of prioritizing earthly connections over spiritual matters. His initial enthusiasm quickly fades when faced with Everyman's impending death, showcasing the ephemeral nature of worldly relationships.

• Kindred: Similar to Fellowship, Kindred (often representing family) illustrates the temptation of prioritizing familial ties over spiritual obligations. This highlights the potential conflict between worldly relationships and the pursuit of salvation.

• Goods: This character embodies material wealth and the dangers of covetousness. Goods initially appears attractive but ultimately abandons Everyman when he most needs support, underscoring the fleeting nature of material possessions.

The portrayal of these vices isn't simplistic; they are often presented as appealing and seductive, making their rejection all the more significant and demonstrating the strength required to resist temptation.

The Significance of Death: An Inevitable Catalyst

Death, a constant and unavoidable presence in morality plays, serves not as a villain but as a catalyst for Everyman's spiritual awakening. Death's arrival forces Everyman to confront his mortality and the consequences of his actions. This confrontation is not presented as purely negative; it serves as a turning point, prompting Everyman to seek redemption. The inevitability of death serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preparing for one's spiritual journey. It is through the stark reminder of mortality that Everyman's true character and heroic potential are revealed.

The Dramatic Structure and its Moral Impact

The structure of morality plays is intrinsically linked to their moral message. The play typically follows a clear progression: initial complacency, the summons of Death, the search for companions, the eventual acceptance of fate, and the final judgment. This narrative arc mirrors the spiritual journey of an individual, demonstrating the stages involved in spiritual growth and repentance. The clear-cut structure makes the moral lessons easily digestible, reinforcing the didactic purpose of these theatrical productions.

Beyond Everyman: Other Morality Play Heroes

While Everyman is the most well-known example, other morality plays feature variations on this archetypal figure, each offering unique insights into the human condition. Plays like Mankind, The Castle of Perseverance, and Wisdom all explore similar themes through slightly different allegorical characters, demonstrating the widespread popularity and adaptability of this dramatic form. These variations allow for a broader exploration of different facets of morality and different responses to the call for spiritual accounting.

FAQs: Addressing Common Questions

• Q: Are the heroes in morality plays truly heroic in the traditional sense? A: Not in the classic sense of physical bravery or noble deeds. Their heroism lies in their willingness to confront their flaws, repent, and strive for spiritual salvation. Their strength is moral, not physical.

• Q: Why were morality plays so popular during the medieval and early Renaissance periods? A: They provided a readily accessible way for the largely illiterate population to engage with complex theological and moral concepts. The allegorical nature of the plays made the message easily understandable and relatable.

• Q: What is the lasting impact of morality plays? A: Morality plays significantly influenced the development of later dramatic forms, particularly Elizabethan drama. Their focus on internal conflict and character development paved the way for more nuanced and psychologically complex characters in subsequent plays. The enduring themes of good versus evil, repentance, and salvation continue to resonate with audiences today.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Moral Reflection

The heroes of old morality plays, while not traditional warriors or noble figures, represent a profound and enduring understanding of heroism. Their struggles reflect humanity’s constant battle between virtue and vice, highlighting the importance of self-reflection, repentance, and the pursuit of spiritual salvation. Their journeys, though set within the context of medieval theology, continue to resonate with modern audiences, offering timeless lessons about the human condition and the ongoing pursuit of moral integrity. These allegorical figures, personified virtues, and their struggles remain a powerful testament to the enduring human quest for meaning and purpose. The legacies of Everyman, Good Deeds, Knowledge, and their counterparts serve as a continuing reminder of the enduring power of moral storytelling and the timeless importance of choosing the path of righteousness. Their journeys, though fictional, offer a powerful and enduring framework for understanding the complexities of moral decision-making and the ongoing quest for spiritual growth.