Page "Morality play" Paragraph 18

Even after this initial introduction, however, the Vice will continually reiterate to the audience that his nature is diabolic.

Very often, the Vice presented will bring his character into criticism by the manner in which he presents himself to his audience, thus further demonstrating his wickedness.

For example, the Vices in the earlier morality plays often spoke using vulgar language and by blasphemous swearing.

Often, these curses were spoken in Latin, which being considered the holy language, made these curses even more offensive to the audience.

Moreover, the Vices often made a mockery of religious practices sacred to the audience, thereby castigating themselves in the eyes of their audience.

Deceit is another means by which the Vice exposes his wickedness to the audience and serves as an example to them of what to avoid in a righteous life.

Furthermore, in the pre-Reformation play, the Vices denounce their own characters by acting violently toward each other, and toward the Virtues.