[Here they sing, and go out singing.
Udall, Ralph Roister Doister
5. Trace the influence of the Church upon the early English drama, and account for the decay of the Church influence.
6. Point out some of the effects of the Reformation that are apparent in the literature of the day.
7. In what respects is the period 1450–1550 a period of literary decadence, and in what respects does it show an advance?
8. Account for the sudden appearance of Scottish literature, and for its rapid rise to such a high standard.
9. In what respects was the Scottish literature of the time imitative, and in what respects was it original?
10. “As the Romance decays, the Drama develops.” Is this quite true? If so, can you account for the fact?
11. “The most original and powerful poetry of the fifteenth century was composed in popular form for the ear of the common people.” Discuss this statement with reference to the ballads, the carols, the songs, and the dramas of the time, as they compare with the other poetry of the day.
12. “It is doubtful if anyone in the fifteenth century thought of prose as a medium of artistic expression.” Comment upon this statement.