The Morality Play

Morality plays were popular in the 15^th century and for some time after. They saw contrasting human qualities and emotions personified, debating and acting as if they were human. Most famous of these works was Everyman (c.1509-19), which has regained popularity and respect in the 20^th century and features characters such as Fellowship, Knowledge and Good Deeds. John Skelton’s Magnyfycence (date unknown) is another famous example, probably from approximately the same time and involving the eponymous character’s suffering due to bad advice, and his salvation by characters called Good- hope, Perseverance and the like. The morality plays faded from existence via the similar and sometimes indistinguishable "Interludes" and a new desire on the part of audiences, playwrights and actors to find realism in drama.