24 pages • 48 minutes read
The Second Shepherd's Play
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Symbols & Motifs
Sheep
Sheep are important symbolically in Christianity because Christ is often referred to as the Lamb of God, who was sent down to earth to be sacrificed (like a sacrificial lamb) for the redemption of mankind. Thus, in The Second Shepherds’ Play, the stolen sheep that Mak and Gill wrap in swaddling clothes represents the Christ-Child, whom the shepherds later visit in the stable in Bethlehem. Medieval audiences would have immediately connected the sheep disguised as a baby to the baby Jesus, the Lamb of God who is described in the Bible as being wrapped in swaddling clothes. The sheep thus serves as a symbol that brings together the farcical parts of the play and the solemn religious story of the Nativity and the promise of salvation that Christ represents. Sheep and shepherds are also important in Christian typography because Christ is sometimes described as the Good Shepherd guiding his flock toward salvation.
Gifts
Throughout the play, the shepherds’ willingness to bring gifts evokes their sense of charity toward others. Although poor and hungry themselves, they resolve to give money as a gift to Mak’s newborn to help the family since they already have so many children to feed. When they go to visit the Christ-Child in Bethlehem, the shepherds also bring gifts. Each of these three gifts can be interpreted as a symbol that relates to Christ’s position in Christianity. For instance, the cherries that Col presents evoke the blood that Christ shed on the cross when he sacrificed himself for mankind during his time on earth. The bird that Gib gives represents the Christian symbol of the dove, which suggests the peace that Christ is meant to bring to the earth. Finally, the ball that Dave presents evokes the orb that is often depicted with the scepter as a symbol of royal power and authority; it thus refers to Christ’s status as the “sovereign saviour” (25). Although these symbols may be less familiar to contemporary readers, the meaning behind the three gifts would have been apparent to medieval audiences.
The Star
The star that the shepherds follow to the stable in Bethlehem symbolizes the light that Christ brings into the world as the savior of mankind. In Christianity, Christ is frequently associated with light and describes himself in the Gospels as the light of the world. In The Second Shepherds’ Play, the shepherds comment on the bright light that shines down upon them when the Angel announces Christ’s birth, and refer to the Christ-Child as “that bright Lord” (24).
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