The Consolation of Philosophy is a philosophical work written by the Roman philosopher Boethius, who was imprisoned and awaiting execution by the Ostrogothic King Theodoric. It is often described as the last great Western work of the Classical Period. The book is written in the form of a prosimetrical apocalyptic dialogue, which means that it …
Medieval Allegories
Discover the rich world of medieval allegorical literature, revealing how it shaped societal beliefs and personal values during the Middle Ages.
The Four Daughters of God is an allegory that has been used for centuries to convey important concepts in various fields. The allegory features four daughters of God: Mercy, Truth, Justice, and Peace. Each of these daughters represents a vital aspect of human society and is essential for maintaining a harmonious and just world. The …
The Miracles of Our Lady is a collection of exempla about twenty-five reported miracles of Mary, mother of Jesus, written around 1260 in a sort of Spanish dialect called Riojan. The work is the main work of Gonzalo de Berceo, a Spanish poet, and hagiographer. Miracle tales, in which people are rewarded for piety or …
The Romance of the Rose is a famous allegorical poem that was written in Old French in the 13th century. It is divided into two parts, with the first part written by Guillaume de Lorris and the second part by Jean de Meun. The poem is a psychological allegory that explores the nature of love, …
Bartholomew Fair is a play written by Ben Jonson that was first performed in 1614. The play is a comedy that takes place during the annual Bartholomew Fair in London. The fair was a popular event during the time and was known for its debauchery and excess. The play is a satirical commentary on the …
Geoffrey Chaucer’s The House of Fame is a poem that has long fascinated literary scholars and enthusiasts alike. Written in the 14th century, the poem is an allegory that explores the nature of fame and its impact on society. The poem is divided into three books, each of which presents a different aspect of the …
The Play of Antichrist (Ludus de Antichristo) is a medieval drama that dates back to the 12th century. It is a liturgical-oriented play whose author is unknown. The play is believed to have originated from southern Germany, specifically from the Benedictine monastery in Tegernsee, Bavaria. The manuscript that contains the play was kept at the …
The Bacchae is a Greek tragedy written by Euripides that explores the themes of religion, power, and gender. The play is set in Thebes and centers around the arrival of Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and religious ecstasy. Dionysus seeks revenge against the city for not accepting his worship and for disrespecting his mother, …
The Castle of Perseverance is a morality play that dates back to the 15th century. It is considered to be the earliest known full-length vernacular play in existence. Along with Mankind and Wisdom, The Castle of Perseverance is preserved in the Macro Manuscript that is now housed in the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C. …
Julius Caesar is one of the most famous plays written by William Shakespeare. It is a historical tragedy that explores the events leading up to the assassination of Julius Caesar and the aftermath of the conspiracy. The play deals with themes of power, honor, and fate versus free will. However, there is more to Julius …