"Medieval English Drama: Performing Salvation History"

Dr. Carolyn Scott (Pontifical College Josephinum)


I. Salvation History
 a.  linear time
 b.  cyclical time
 c.  time as both finite and infinite "Sunset on Calvary"

II. The beginnings of medieval drama
 a.  liturgical beginnings—Visitatio Sepulchri
 b.  the feast of Corpus Christi
 c.  involvement of guilds


III. The Cycle Plays
 a.  the scope of salvation history
 b.  plays of sacrifice
  i.  Abraham and Isaac - video excerpt
   1.  anachronism
   2.  obedience
   3.  typology
   4.  infant mortality
  ii.  The Crucifixion
   1.  anachronism
   2.  obedience
   3.  typology
   4.  work
 c.  plays of the first and second coming
  i.  The Second Shepherds' Play
   1.  transformation
   2.  redemption
  ii.  The Last Judgment
   1.  transformation
   2.  redemption

IV. Conclusion
a.  mimesis
b. theology
c. to delight and teach