INTERLUDE

Interlude in English Literature

 The interlude was a short dramatic form that appeared in England during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. It marked a transitional stage between the medieval morality plays and the later Elizabethan drama. The word interlude literally means “a play between,” and originally referred to brief performances staged between the acts of longer entertainments, banquets, or court festivities. Over time, however, the interlude developed into an independent form of drama.

 Interludes were typically short, humorous and secular in nature, differing from the religious themes of miracle and morality plays. They were performed not only in royal courts and noble households but also in schools, inns and market places. The purpose of an interlude was primarily entertainment, though some carried moral, political, or social satire. The characters were often drawn from real life—such as priests, peasants and courtiers—rather than allegorical figures, making the interlude more realistic and closer to modern drama.

 One of the most famous writers of interludes was John Heywood, who is often called the “father of the English interlude.” His works such as The Play of the Weather, The Four P’s and Johan Johan are noted for their lively dialogue, humor and satirical tone. These plays mocked human follies, clerical corruption and social pretensions, reflecting the changing spirit of the Renaissance.

 Interludes were important because they bridged the gap between medieval religious drama and the secular comedies of the Renaissance. They introduced realistic characters, witty dialogue and situations taken from everyday life. This evolution paved the way for the development of English comedy and helped prepare audiences for the more sophisticated plays of the Elizabethan age, including those of Shakespeare and his contemporaries.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Definition:
• The term interlude means “a play between.”
• Originally referred to short performances presented between the acts of longer entertainments, at banquets, or during court festivities.
• Later developed into an independent short play of its own.
• Period and Background:
• Popular in late 15th and early 16th centuries.
• Served as a link between the medieval morality plays and the Renaissance drama.
• Nature and Features:
• Short, lively and often humorous plays.
• Secular in tone, unlike the religious miracle and morality plays.
• Contained realistic characters instead of allegorical figures.
• Written mainly for entertainment, though some had moral, social, or political messages.
• Used simple plots and witty dialogue.
• Performed in courts, noble households, schools and public places.
• Themes:
• Satire on social manners, clerical corruption and human folly.
• Reflected the spirit of the early Renaissance, focusing on human life and worldly issues.
• Major Playwrights and Examples:
• John Heywood – regarded as the father of the English interlude.
• Famous works include:
• The Four P’s
• The Play of the Weather
• Johan Johan
• Importance in English Drama:
• Marked the transition from religious to secular theatre.
• Introduced realism, comedy and human characters.
• Prepared the ground for Elizabethan drama, especially the comedies of Shakespeare and his contemporaries.

Morality and Miracle Plays

The drama of medieval England grew out of religion; and two of its most important forms were miracle plays and morality plays. Both were intended to instruct as well as entertain, but they differed in subject matter and method.

Miracle plays were based on stories from the Bible or on the lives and legends of saints. They depicted events such as the Creation, Noah’s Flood, the Nativity, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection, as well as the miracles and martyrdom of saints. These plays were usually staged during religious festivals like Corpus Christi and were often organized by town guilds, who would perform them on pageant wagons in public spaces. Written in the vernacular, miracle plays made sacred stories accessible to the common people. They combined religious devotion with elements of spectacle, humour and music, making them both engaging and instructive. Famous collections of miracle plays include the York, Chester and Wakefield cycles. Miracle plays brought sacred stories to life for ordinary people who could not read the Bible. They laid the foundation for a popular dramatic tradition in England.

Morality plays, on the other hand, were allegorical dramas that focused on the life and soul of the common man. Instead of retelling Biblical episodes, they used personified abstractions such as Virtue, Vice, Fellowship, Knowledge, Good Deeds and Death to dramatize the struggle between good and evil in human life. Their central character often represented humanity as a whole, faced with temptations and guided towards moral salvation. Works like Everyman, The Castle of Perseverance, and Mankind are among the most celebrated examples. Though primarily didactic, morality plays also contained humor and lively dialogue, which kept them popular from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Morality plays moved English drama beyond Biblical narratives. They acted as a bridge between miracle plays and the more secular Renaissance drama.

Together, miracle and morality plays prepared the ground for the flowering of Renaissance drama. Miracle plays familiarized audiences with religious stories, while morality plays introduced allegory, psychology and the exploration of human character. Their combined influence gradually moved English drama away from purely religious concerns toward more secular and human-centered themes, paving the way for the achievements of Marlowe, Shakespeare and their contemporaries.

 

 

Precis Writing: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to Precis Writing

Precis writing is the skill of summarizing a longer passage by condensing its main ideas into a brief and coherent form, without losing the essence or original intent. It is not just shortening a text, but distilling its core message with clarity and precision. This technique requires a thorough understanding of the source material to ensure that all key points are accurately captured while omitting unnecessary details, illustrations, and repetitions.

A well-written precis maintains the tone, style, and purpose of the original text and presents the information in a compact manner. It is an essential skill for students, professionals, and anyone who needs to understand or communicate complex information quickly and efficiently.

 

What is a Precis?

A precis is a concise and structured summary of a longer text. It focuses on the key ideas, arguments, and central message of the original work while excluding redundant information and examples. Precis writing is commonly used in academic, journalistic, and professional contexts to give readers a quick yet accurate understanding of the original content.

 

Meaning and Purpose

Precis writing is a form of comprehension exercise that encourages close reading and critical thinking. Its purpose is to:

• Present the core message of a passage in fewer words.
• Provide clarity and brevity.
• Help readers grasp the main ideas at a glance.
• Improve the writer’s ability to analyze and synthesize information.

A good precis allows the reader to understand the primary content and message of the original passage without having to read the full text.

 

Importance of Precis Writing

Precis writing is an invaluable tool for:

• Enhancing reading comprehension and analytical skills.
• Summarizing large texts for quick review.
• Aiding in academic and competitive exam preparation.
• Communicating complex ideas in a simple, effective way.

Characteristics of a Good Precis:

• Concise: One-third to one-fourth the length of the original text.
• Accurate: Faithfully represents the ideas and message of the original.
• Clear and Coherent: Easy to read and logically structured.
• Objective: Free from personal opinions or interpretations.
• Well-titled: Should include a title that reflects the core message.

 

Rules for Writing a Precis

Follow these guidelines to write an effective precis:

1. Read Carefully: Understand the passage thoroughly before summarizing.
2. Identify Key Points: Note down essential ideas, arguments, and conclusions.
3. Create an Outline: Organize the points logically before writing.
4. Use Clear Language: Choose precise and simple words to convey the message.
5. Be Objective: Do not add personal opinions or extra information.
6. Maintain the Author's Tone: Match the tone and style of the original text.
7. Avoid Examples and Repetition: Exclude illustrations unless they are crucial to the message.
8. Revise and Proofread: Check for grammar, spelling, and clarity.

 

Precis Writing Format

A standard precis format includes the following components:

1. Title:
• Choose a relevant and concise title that reflects the main idea.
2. Introduction:
• Mention the title and author (if known) of the original text.
• Briefly state the purpose or theme of the passage.
3. Body:
• Summarize the main arguments and supporting points in logical or chronological order.
• Use your own words while keeping the original meaning intact.
4. Conclusion:
• Restate the central message or the author’s intent concisely.

 

Final Thoughts

Precis writing is more than just reducing word count—it is about preserving meaning in fewer words. By mastering this art, you enhance your ability to comprehend, analyze, and communicate effectively. Whether for exams, reports, or research, a well-crafted precis serves as a powerful tool for clear and concise expression. 

MCQs on the United Nations

1. When was the United Nations (UN) founded?

a) 1919
b) 1939
c) 1945
d) 1950

2. Where is the headquarters of the United Nations located?

a) Geneva
b) New York
c) Paris
d) London

3. How many official languages does the UN have?

a) 3
b) 4
c) 5
d) 6

4. Which of the following is NOT an official language of the UN?

a) Arabic
b) Hindi
c) Chinese
d) Russian

5. Which document serves as the founding charter of the UN?

a) The UN Treaty
b) The UN Charter
c) The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
d) The League of Nations Covenant

6. How many member states does the UN have as of today?

a) 190
b) 193
c) 195
d) 198

7. What is the primary function of the UN Security Council?

a) Manage the global economy
b) Maintain international peace and security
c) Oversee international trade
d) Promote cultural heritage

8. How many permanent members are there in the UN Security Council?

a) 3
b) 5
c) 7
d) 10

9. Which of the following countries is NOT a permanent member of the UN Security Council?

a) France
b) Germany
c) Russia
d) China

10. What is the term length for non-permanent members of the UN Security Council?

a) 1 year
b) 2 years
c) 3 years
d) 4 years

11. Which UN organ is responsible for international law and legal disputes?

a) Security Council
b) General Assembly
c) International Court of Justice
d) Economic and Social Council

12. Where is the International Court of Justice (ICJ) located?

a) Geneva
b) Paris
c) The Hague
d) Vienna

13. What is the main function of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)?

a) Oversee the world economy
b) Handle international peacekeeping
c) Promote sustainable development and economic cooperation
d) Regulate global markets

14. Which UN organ elects the non-permanent members of the Security Council?

a) The Security Council itself
b) The General Assembly
c) The Economic and Social Council
d) The Secretariat

15. Who is the head of the UN Secretariat?

a) The President of the UN
b) The UN General Secretary
c) The Secretary-General
d) The Head of the General Assembly

16. What is the term length of the UN Secretary-General?

a) 3 years
b) 4 years
c) 5 years
d) 6 years

17. What is the primary function of the Trusteeship Council?

a) Oversee decolonization and help territories gain independence
b) Supervise UN peacekeeping missions
c) Manage financial aid programs
d) None of the above

18. When did the Trusteeship Council suspend its operations?

a) 1989
b) 1994
c) 2000
d) 2010

19. Which UN agency focuses on global health issues?

a) UNESCO
b) WHO
c) UNICEF
d) UNDP

20. What does UNICEF primarily work for?

a) Environmental protection
b) Child welfare and education
c) Economic development
d) Disaster relief

21. Which UN agency is responsible for preserving cultural heritage?

a) WHO
b) UNESCO
c) UNHRC
d) WFP

22. What does UNHCR stand for?

a) United Nations High Commission for Refugees
b) United Nations Humanitarian Crisis Response
c) United Nations Health and Care Relief
d) United Nations Housing and Community Reconstruction

23. What is the purpose of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC)?

a) Promote peace treaties
b) Protect and promote human rights worldwide
c) Provide military assistance
d) Oversee international trade agreements

24. What is the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda year?

a) 2025
b) 2030
c) 2050
d) 2040

25. Which UN agency provides food aid to countries in need?

a) WHO
b) FAO
c) WFP
d) UNESCO

26. What is the main role of the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)?

a) Provide military support
b) Assist countries in eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable development
c) Regulate international banking
d) Conduct trade agreements

27. What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)?

a) A peace treaty
b) A UN Charter
c) A document defining basic human rights for all people
d) A set of economic policies

28. What is the official voting system used in the General Assembly for important decisions?

a) Unanimous vote
b) Simple majority
c) Two-thirds majority
d) Veto power system

29. What is the primary method through which the UN enforces its decisions?

a) Direct military intervention
b) Imposing economic sanctions, diplomacy, and peacekeeping missions
c) Imposing strict trade regulations
d) Controlling national governments

30. Which of the following is NOT a UN specialized agency?

a) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
b) World Trade Organization (WTO)
c) International Labour Organization (ILO)
d) World Health Organization (WHO)

31. Who is the current Secretary-General of the United Nations?

a) António Guterres

b) Boutros Boutros-Ghali

c) Kofi Annan

d) Ban Ki-moon 

 

Answers:

1: c) 1945

2: b) New York

3: d) 6

4: b) Hindi

5: b) The UN Charter

6: b) 193

7: b) Maintain international peace and security

8: b) 5

9: b) Germany

10: b) 2 years

11: c) International Court of Justice

12: c) The Hague

13: c) Promote sustainable development and economic cooperation

14: b) The General Assembly

15: c) The Secretary-General

16: c) 5 years

17: a) Oversee decolonization and help territories gain independence

18: b) 1994

19: b) WHO

20: b) Child welfare and education

21: b) UNESCO

22: a) United Nations High Commission for Refugees

23: b) Protect and promote human rights worldwide

24: b) 2030

25: c) WFP

26: b) Assist countries in eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable development

27: c) A document defining basic human rights for all people

28: c) Two-thirds majority

29: b) Imposing economic sanctions, diplomacy, and peacekeeping missions

30: b) World Trade Organization (WTO)

31: a) António Guterres (since January 1, 2017; re-appointed for a second term starting January 1, 2022)