Typology and drama in the Abraham and Isaac plays

An initial discussion of the nature and history of typology reveals some misconceptions, particularly concerning the similarities between typology and allegory. Typology, however, is based on a real historical connection between type and antitype. A typological relationship has been perceived between Isaac, son of Abraham, and Jesus Christ by Christian scholars, clergy, and laity through the ages.

The theology of Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac recorded in Genesis 22 is seen to be somewhat typological even in Jewish theology as it is related to the ola sacrificial ritual and the pasch. Early Christian theologians developed and expanded the typological significance of the Genesis episode as Christian apology. The most notable exponents of this typological development were the Patristic theologians, and the writings of these theologians influenced the scholars and educated clergy of the medieval period. These medieval scholars disseminated theology to parish priests--in England through numerous homiletic guides such as those by John Mirk—and parish priests in turn taught the populace.

In the early fourteenth century the English mystery cycles developed in conjunction with the religious festival of Corpus Christi, and these cycles, collections of plays depicting Biblical events from Creation to the Last Judgment, were probably influenced by medieval theology. It is therefore likely that the cycle plays of Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac reflected the typological relationship perceived between that Genesis episode and the circumstances of Christ's Crucifixion. But some critics doubt the effectiveness of such a union of drama and theology. The seven extant English versions of the play of Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac are-examined in detail for their theological content and dramatic effectiveness, particularly as faith, obedience, and typology are concerned, and are found to be on the whole effective unions of drama and theology for the purpose of conveying artistically the beliefs of their society.