Plays and Puritans
The work examines the relationship between art, particularly drama, and Puritanism in England during the seventeenth century. It critiques the prevailing attitudes towards art, suggesting that while the Puritans are often viewed as suppressors of artistic expression, their opposition stemmed from a moral stance against the perceived immorality of contemporary plays. The author argues that the Puritans' disdain for the stage was justified, as many plays of the time glorified vice and depicted themes of adultery and crime without moral consequence. The text contrasts the Puritan perspective with the prevailing courtly culture, which embraced a more hedonistic view of art. It highlights the decline of dramatic quality and moral integrity in plays, suggesting that the Puritans' critiques were not merely puritanical but rooted in a desire for a higher standard of artistic expression. The author also reflects on the legacy of Puritan values in contemporary society, noting that many of their critiques have been validated over time. Ultimately, the work calls for a reevaluation of the Puritan stance on art, suggesting that their legacy may offer valuable lessons for modern artistic endeavors.
By Charles Kingsley · First published 1851 · Genre: Plays, Drama, Historical · 24,827 words
First lines
THE British Isles have been ringing for the last few years with the word ‘Art' in its German sense; with ‘High Art,' ‘Symbolic Art,' ‘Ecclesiastical Art,' ‘Dramatic Art,' ‘Tragic Art,' and so forth; and every well-educated person is expected, nowadays, to know something about Art. Yet in spite of all translations of German ‘Æsthetic' treatises, and ‘Kunstnovellen,' the mass of the British people cares very little about the matter, and sits contented under the imputation of ‘bad taste. ' Our stage, long since dead, does not revive; our poetry is dying; our music, like our architecture, only reproduces the past; our painting is only first-rate when it handles landscapes and animals, and seems likely so to remain; but, meanwhile, nobody cares.
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Plays and Puritans is listed on Textopian as an essay by Charles Kingsley, dated 1851 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Charles Kingsley
- Date: 1851 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Plays, Drama, Historical, Religious Literature
- Length: 24,827 words
- Structure: 1 section, 213 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Similar titles
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- Pauls Qualities by George Bernard Shaw
- Duty And Superstition by Charles Kingsley
- False Civilization by Charles Kingsley
- The United Idolaters by Rudyard Kipling
- The Charm Of Lukes Narrative by George Bernard Shaw
Genres
- Plays — The book title 'Plays and Puritans' suggests that the contained works are intended for theatre representation.
- Drama — Theatrical plays usually fall under the genre of drama, which often explores human emotions and conflicts.
- Historical — The Puritans are a significant historical group, implying the works within may touch on historical themes or settings.
- Religious Literature — The Puritans were notably religious, suggesting that these plays may incorporate and discuss religious themes or theology.
Tags
drama · theater · Puritanism · religion · morality · society · Victorian · literature · critique · ethics · cultural analysis · historical context