Wisdom is one of the earliest surviving medieval morality plays. It is part of a collection of early English moralities known as “The Macro Plays,” which also includes Mankind and The Castle of Perseverance. As an allegory, Wisdom enacts the struggle between good and evil, depicting Christ personified in the character of Wisdom.
The play is significant for its portrayal of the human struggle against sin. It explores the themes of virtue, vice, and redemption, and emphasizes the importance of wisdom in navigating life’s challenges. Wisdom is a powerful force that can help individuals make good choices and live virtuous lives, while ignorance and vice lead to destruction and despair. Through its vivid characters and engaging plot, Wisdom offers a timeless message about the importance of living a life of virtue and wisdom.
Overall, Wisdom is a valuable piece of medieval literature that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its enduring themes and engaging characters make it a timeless classic that speaks to the human experience and the struggle against sin.
Origins of ‘Wisdom’
‘Wisdom’ is one of the earliest surviving medieval morality plays that belongs to the collection of early English moralities called “The Macro Plays” along with ‘Mankind’ and ‘The Castle of Perseverance.’ The play enacts the struggle between good and evil, depicting Christ as an allegory.
The play is believed to have been written sometime during the 15th century, and its author is unknown. It is thought to have been performed by wandering players who traveled from town to town, performing in the streets or at fairs.
‘Wisdom’ is a morality play that deals with the Christian concept of salvation. The play portrays the struggle between good and evil, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The play’s central character is called ‘Everyman,’ who represents every human being. The play teaches the audience that they should live a virtuous life and follow the path of righteousness to achieve salvation.
Overall, ‘Wisdom’ is a valuable contribution to the medieval morality plays, and its message is still relevant today. It teaches the audience about the importance of living a virtuous life and the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness.
Plot Overview
Wisdom is a medieval morality play that tells the story of a struggle between good and evil. It is an allegory that depicts Christ as a personified character in the play. The story revolves around a character named Humanum Genus (human race), who is tempted by the vices of the world, such as Pride, Sensuality, and Falsehood.
The play begins with Humanum Genus being approached by the devil, who tries to lure him away from the path of righteousness. However, Humanum Genus is saved by Lady Holy Church, who guides him towards the path of wisdom. Lady Holy Church is accompanied by the Virtues, such as Charity, Faith, and Hope, who help her in the fight against the devil and his minions.
Throughout the play, Humanum Genus is tested by various vices, but he is able to overcome them with the help of Lady Holy Church and the Virtues. In the end, he is rewarded for his faith and is granted entry into heaven.
The play is a powerful allegory that teaches the audience about the importance of living a virtuous life and the dangers of giving in to temptation. It is a timeless story that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Characters in ‘Wisdom’
Wisdom is a morality play that follows the struggle between good and evil, depicting Christ as the personification of Wisdom. The play features several allegorical characters, each representing a particular aspect of human nature.
The main character is called Humanum Genus, representing humanity as a whole. He is tempted by the vices of the world, including Sensualitas (Sensuality), Infortunium (Misfortune), and Felicitas (Happiness). However, he is also guided by the virtues of the world, including Veritas (Truth), Justicia (Justice), and Misericordia (Mercy).
Other characters in the play include the Devil, who tempts Humanum Genus to sin, and the Seven Deadly Sins, who represent the sins that humans must avoid. The character of God also appears in the play, representing the ultimate judge of humanity’s actions.
Throughout the play, the characters engage in a battle between good and evil, with Humanum Genus struggling to resist temptation and stay on the path of righteousness. The characters serve as symbolic representations of the different aspects of human nature, reminding the audience of the importance of living a virtuous life.
Themes and Motifs
Wisdom is an allegorical play that depicts the struggle between good and evil. The play’s main theme is the importance of choosing a virtuous life over a sinful one. The protagonist, who represents humanity, is tempted by vices such as Pride, Gluttony, and Lechery, but ultimately learns the value of choosing a life guided by Wisdom.
The motif of the journey is also present in Wisdom. The protagonist embarks on a journey to seek Wisdom, encountering various allegorical characters along the way. This journey represents the spiritual journey of the soul towards enlightenment and salvation.
Another important motif in Wisdom is the concept of the “two ways.” The play emphasizes the importance of choosing the right path in life, as the consequences of one’s actions will ultimately determine their fate in the afterlife. This motif is reflected in the play’s structure, which is divided into two parts: the first part depicts the protagonist’s journey towards Wisdom, while the second part shows the consequences of his actions and the ultimate judgment of his soul.
Allegory in ‘Wisdom’
Definition of Allegory
Allegory is a literary device that uses symbolic figures, actions, or images to convey a deeper meaning. In ‘Wisdom,’ the characters and events represent abstract qualities and concepts such as good and evil, wisdom, and sin. The play uses allegory to teach moral lessons and convey religious teachings.
Allegorical Characters
The characters in ‘Wisdom’ are allegorical figures that represent abstract concepts. Anima, the central figure, represents the soul, while the Devil represents evil. The other characters, such as the Seven Deadly Sins, represent different vices that humans must avoid.
Interpretation of Allegorical Elements
The play uses various allegorical elements to convey its message. For example, the Tree of Life represents the path to salvation, while the Tree of Knowledge represents the temptation of sin. The play also uses the allegory of the journey to represent the spiritual journey of the soul towards salvation.
Performance History
Wisdom, one of the earliest surviving medieval morality plays, was performed during the 15th century. The play was part of a collection of early English moralities called “The Macro Plays,” which also included Mankind and The Castle of Perseverance. The play depicts the struggle between good and evil, with Christ personified in the character of Wisdom.
The staging and performance of Wisdom were similar to other morality plays of the time. The play was performed on a circular stage, with the audience sitting around the stage. The stage was divided into three parts: heaven, earth, and hell. The actors wore costumes and masks to represent the different characters and allegories in the play.
The popularity of Wisdom and other morality plays declined in the 16th century with the rise of Renaissance drama. However, the play has been revived in modern times, with productions staged in both traditional and contemporary styles. Today, Wisdom continues to be studied and performed as an important example of medieval English drama and allegory.
Cultural and Historical Context
Wisdom is a morality play that was popular in medieval England. It was written in the 15th century and is one of the earliest surviving plays of its kind. The play is part of a collection of early English moralities called “The Macro Plays,” which also includes Mankind and The Castle of Perseverance.
During the medieval period, morality plays were a popular form of entertainment that aimed to teach moral lessons to the audience. The plays were often performed in churches or on the streets, and they typically featured allegorical characters who represented virtues and vices. Wisdom, for example, depicts Christ as a personified character who struggles against evil.
The themes and messages of morality plays were influenced by the religious and cultural context of medieval England. The plays were often used as a means of reinforcing Christian values and promoting good behavior. They also reflected the social and political issues of the time, such as the struggle between the Church and the state.
Modern Interpretations
In modern times, Wisdom has been interpreted in various ways. Some scholars see the play as a reflection of the medieval Catholic Church’s teachings on the virtues of faith, hope, and charity. Others view it as an allegory for the struggle between good and evil, with Wisdom representing the forces of good and the devil representing the forces of evil.
One modern interpretation of Wisdom is that it is a critique of the medieval Church’s emphasis on faith over reason. In this view, Wisdom represents the power of reason and the importance of critical thinking, while the devil represents blind faith and dogmatism.
Another modern interpretation of Wisdom is that it is a feminist play, with Wisdom representing the power of women and the importance of their contributions to society. This interpretation is based on the fact that Wisdom is a female character and that she is portrayed as strong and wise.
Influence on Later Works
Wisdom, as one of the earliest surviving medieval morality plays, has had a significant impact on later works. Its allegorical representation of good and evil, and the struggle between them, has inspired many other literary works.
One notable example is John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” which draws heavily on the allegorical style of Wisdom. Bunyan’s work is considered a masterpiece of Christian literature and has been widely read and translated into many languages.
Wisdom’s influence can also be seen in the works of William Shakespeare, particularly in his play “Macbeth.” The character of Lady Macbeth can be seen as a representation of the vices personified in Wisdom, such as pride and ambition.
The themes of Wisdom have also influenced modern literature, such as C.S. Lewis’s “The Chronicles of Narnia.” The character of Aslan, who represents Christ, can be seen as a continuation of the allegorical tradition started by Wisdom.