Theme Of Morality In Morality Play
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Submitted by asylumSara on 06/30/2008 05:21 PM
- Category: Biographies
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Theme Of Morality In Morality Play
'Morality Play' has been interpreted as "a novel representing the collapse of the feudal system". With this in mind, discuss how religion is used to undermine those who abuse their power.
'Morality Play' opens with the central character, Nicholas Barber, yielding to temptation and abandoning his duty's as a secretary to Sir Robert de Brian. From the confinement of the Cathedral of Lincoln he chooses to become confined by a different profession, and to another member of medieval nobility. Despite the fact that the novel focuses on the activities of the impoverished players, it is made apparent from the start that the reasons for their endeavour are purely to ensure they fulfil the wishes of Lady Sandville, whom they serve. This is an example of the power possessed by the ruling classes of the time. In a desperate attempt to preserve this power the aristocracy are prepared to exploit the innocent and conceal the truth through silencing those seeking justice. In the same way, those who are intent on exposing this oppression are also guilty of manipulation in order to achieve their goals.
The use and abuse of power is seen throughout this novel, yet the term power cannot be limited to those who posses land and riches, for money was not the only method of trade. In the opening chapter, Nicholas confesses 'hunger brought me to adultery'. This exchange of sex for food is not the only example of one's body being used as a commodity, for later in the novel, Margaret, whom is known to be a whore, appears to have used sex in exchange for information concerning the death of Thomas Wells. This is made obvious through the reluctance of anyone to question 'the means she had used to get this information' and the familiar manner in which she speaks of Flint. This venture into lust constitutes the breach of a basic religious virtue to posses, self discipline rather than a uncontrollable drive for pleasure. This sin lies at the centre of the mystery of the...
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