24 pages • 48 minutes read
The Second Shepherd's Play
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Book Brief
50
Play • Fiction
Bethlehem • Medieval England
1500
Adult
15-18 years
Super Short Summary
The Second Shepherd’s Play is a medieval mystery play by the Wakefield Master that retells the story of the Nativity. Three shepherds, Col, Gib, and Dave, grumble about their hardships. A thief named Mak steals a sheep, disguising it as a baby, but the shepherds eventually discover the ruse. An angel then guides them to Bethlehem to witness the birth of Christ and offer gifts.
Humorous
Playful
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
988 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Second Shepherd's Play by Wakefield Master is praised for its humor and engaging depiction of medieval life, blending religious themes with everyday activities. Critics appreciate its lively characters and clever dialogue. However, the frequent use of regional dialects may pose a challenge for modern readers. Overall, the play is considered an entertaining and insightful medieval drama.
Who Should Read The Second Shepherd's Play?
A reader who enjoys medieval literature, historical plays, and religious themes would be captivated by The Second Shepherd's Play by Wakefield Master. Fans of The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer or Everyman will appreciate its blend of humor, social commentary, and moral lessons wrapped in a nativity narrative.
988 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
2ND SHEPHERD (GIB)
2ND SHEPHERD (GIB)
Gib is the second oldest shepherd, whose views on suffering are primarily focused on gender dynamics, particularly regarding his relationship with his wife.
3RD SHEPHERD (DAVE)
3RD SHEPHERD (DAVE)
Dave is the youngest shepherd, characterized by his youthful spirit and immediate suspicions of wrongdoing, with a propensity for generosity.
MAK
MAK
Mak is a notorious thief recognized for creating humor in the play through his outlandish stories and schemes to deceive the shepherds.
GILL
GILL
Gill is Mak's resourceful and outspoken wife, participating actively in her husband's plots and challenging his remarks with her sharp wit.
ANGEL
ANGEL
The Angel is a divine messenger who appears to the shepherds to announce the birth of Christ and encourages them to visit Bethlehem.
MARY
MARY
Mary is the mother of the Christ-Child, who briefly speaks to the shepherds, highlighting the significance of her newborn son.
CHRIST-CHILD
CHRIST-CHILD
The Christ-Child is the revered infant visited by the shepherds, representing the fulfillment of prophetic imagery within the play.
50
Play • Fiction
Bethlehem • Medieval England
1500
Adult
15-18 years
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