the Second Shepherds Play

A detailed Summary of the Second Shepherds Play


The Second Shepherd's Play is a beautiful Christmas pageant that features a double plot, which is there to remind the reader of the dual nature of reality (this world and the spiritual world). The Second Shepherd's Play contains many symbols that not only pertain to the story itself but also speak for the greater meaning behind its biblical roots. The reader is able to uncover several different internal meanings behind the plain text of the script that lend themselves as symbols to a greater meaning or reflection on the life of Christ. In addition the characters and objects in The Second Shepherd's Play, also function as the main characters and symbols of the Bible nativity story.

The plot centers round three shepherds who hunt down a stolen sheep, only to find it disguised as a baby (the use of the sheep is a direct comparison to Jesus as the Lamb of God). This action takes place in the house of a sheep stealer Mak and his wife, (who represent Joseph and the Virgin Mary). After punishing Mak, the Shepherds exit the house. As the sheep is uncovered it's done so with a kiss, just as Christ was betrayed by a kiss on the night of his death. In the final two pages of the play th


These tools have been used cleverly throughout the play to both disguise their presence and blatantly exploit the biblical meaning for the benefit of the audience. It is hard to walk away from this play not understanding the significance of its message of peace.



Some common words found in the essay are:
Shepherd's Play, Spirit Frankincense, East Christ, Recall Mary's, Holy Trinity, Mak Shepherds, Myrrh Cherries, History Mary, Lamb God, Etc Shepherds, shepherd's play, christ child, play contains, house sheep, play shepherds,

Approximate Word count = 799
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Religion

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