Genre
Medieval Plays
Language
English, Olde English
Setting and Context
The plays themselves were performed at York Minster, hence their name; however, as they were basically a re-enactment of the Bible, they were set in Biblical times, each setting contemporaneous to its story, in the Holy Land.
Narrator and Point of View
The point of view is that of the narrator of the Bible
Tone and Mood
The tone is reverent and authoritative. The mood ranges from hopeful and inspirational to tragic and filled with loss.
Protagonist and Antagonist
There is no one protagonist or antagonist as each story portrayed has its own plot. However an example of protagonist would be Jesus, an in the story about the betrayal, the antagonist would be Judas.
Major Conflict
There is conflict between Jesus and the authorities of the day, notably King Herod, who was also in conflict with all Jews, and specifically those who had just welcomed a new baby boy into their family.
Climax
Jesus' ascension to Heaven is the climax of the series of plays.
Foreshadowing
Jesus foreshadows Peter's denial of him which Peter protests, claiming he will never deny Jesus, only to find that Jesus' prediction comes true.
Understatement
N/A
Allusions
The entire set of plays alludes to the Old and New Testament.
Imagery
The imagery is rather violent in its portrayal of the crucifixion of Jesus and his journey up to Calvary.
Paradox
Peter is angry with Judas for his betrayal of Jesus but is then capable of denying him which in of itself is a kind of betrayal.
Parallelism
There is a parallel between Peter and Judas in their betrayal of Jesus, in that Jesus predicts that both will happen.
Personification
N/A
Use of Dramatic Devices
There are no highly specialized dramatic devices used; the plays are presented as ensemble pieces with each character speaking their lines and each story being presented as a whole.
