The Second Shepherds’ Play (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)
At a glance:
- Author: Wakefield Master
- Type of Work: Play
- Type of Plot: Mystery and miracle play
- Time of Work: The Nativity
- Setting: Bethlehem and the surrounding country
- Genres: Drama, Mystery play
- Subjects: Christianity, Theft, Bible, biblical imagery, or biblical symbolism, Biblical times, Jesus Christ, Middle East, Christmas, Shepherds
- Locales: Yorkshire, England, Bethlehem
Characters Discussed
Coll, the first shepherd. He complains to his companions of the cold winter, poverty, and the oppression of husbandmen by the gentry. It is his kindly thought of leaving a present for Mak’s child that leads to the discovery of the sheep.
Gyb, the second shepherd, who is plagued by a shrewish wife as well as by the weather and his masters. He urges the others on to Bethlehem to worship the Christ Child after they have heard the song of the angels.
Daw, the third shepherd, a boy. He is suspicious of Mak from the moment he appears, and he first...
[The entire page is 510 words long]
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