The Development of Drama in English Literature up to 1590
The evolution of English drama from its medieval roots to the threshold of Shakespeare's golden age reflects profound cultural and artistic transformations. This journey spans religious ritual, moral instruction, and finally, secular entertainment.
Medieval Beginnings (10th-15th centuries)
English drama originated in liturgical ceremonies, with the earliest forms being:
Quem Quaeritis tropes (10th century) - brief Easter dialogues
Mystery Plays - biblical cycles performed by guilds (York, Chester, Wakefield)
Morality Plays (15th century) - allegorical works like Everyman teaching Christian values
These performances moved from churches to public spaces, gradually incorporating vernacular language and comic elements.
Tudor Transformations (16th century)
The Reformation dramatically altered English drama:
Interludes replaced morality plays (John Heywood's The Four PP)
School and court dramas flourished (Nicholas Udall's Ralph Roister Doister)
Classical influences emerged through:
Seneca's tragedies (bloody revenge themes)
Plautus/Terence's comedies (stock characters, mistaken identities)
Professional Theater Emerges (1570s-1590)
Key developments included:
Permanent playhouses (The Theatre, 1576)
Professional acting companies (Leicester's Men)
University Wits (Marlowe, Lyly, Greene) who elevated dramatic writing
Christopher Marlowe's revolutionary blank verse (Tamburlaine)
By 1590, English drama had evolved from religious instruction to sophisticated entertainment, setting the stage for Shakespeare's imminent dominance. The fusion of medieval tradition, classical learning, and contemporary innovation created a vibrant theatrical culture ready for its Elizabethan flowering.