Genre Studies- Unit-IV Interlude

 

Interlude

            An Interlude is a literary device which is used by dramatists to provide some kind of comic relief to the audience. It is a short dramatic piece especially of a light or farcical character, formally introduced between the parts or acts of Miracle and morality plays. The word ’interlude’ has been taken from the Latin word which means “between a play”

Example:

       Act 1  Interlude    Act 2

In the beginning:

1.       It is very difficult to distinguish them from the main plays.

2.      Developed from the morality play and hence were called “Moral Interludes” as well.

3.      Performed to give the audience a break from gloomy or tragic scenes.

4.      Used solely for the purpose of entertainment

5.      Originated in a sense of humor.

Later:

1.       They began to distinguish themselves from Morality Plays

2.      Its development would pave the way for comedy.

 

            John Heywood’s Interludes are written between 1520 and 1540. His famous work is “The Four P’s”. It involves a debate – more a competition in fact- between four men whose trades begin with the letter “P”.- Pardoner, Pothecary, Palmer and Pedlar.