York Mystery Plays

York Mystery Plays Analysis

The Fall of the Angels”

Lucifer is categorically egotistical: “All the mirth that is made is marked in me!/The beams of my brighthood are burning so bright,/And I so seemly in sight myself now I see,/For like a lord I am left to lend in this light. More fairer by far than my feres, /In me is no point that may pair.” Instead of applauding God for his extraordinariness, Lucifer dwells on conceitedly asserting his pre-eminence. He is deficient in modesty because he celebrates his own looks, an action which make him feel more momentous and outstanding than the other angels. His self-loving declarations are an indicator of his looming fall from grace.

God traces the angels’ descent to unfounded fantasy: “Those fools for their fairhead in fantasies fell/And had moan of my might that marked them and made them./Forthy after their works were in woe shall they well. For some are fallen into filth that evermore shall fade them.” The angels’ plummet is epitomized by filth which overshadows the light which they relished prior to their discreditable falls. Had the angels espoused meekness, they would not have misplaced God’s favour .The angels tumble as a result of idolising their magnificence.


“The Fall of Man”

“The Fall of Man” becomes apparent when Cherubim conforms to God’s verdict to eject Adam and Eve: “ All ready, Lord , as it is right, Since thy will is what it be so/And they liking/Adam and Eve, do you two go/For here may ye make no dwelling;” The Angel affirms Gods’ resolve which is to drive the disgraced persons out of His garden. Had they submitted to God’s instruction, forfeiture of the Garden would not ensue; Satan thrives on inflicting mayhem on their existence.

Update this section!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this section.

Update this section

After you claim a section you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.

Cite this page