"Nyle thou sin more after": Forgiveness as Resurrection in Medieval Sermons and Cycle Plays

This thesis explores the Christian concept of forgiveness as presented in a select Medieval sermon and three cycle plays all featuring the same story from the Gospel of John. While this thesis is not meant to argue for any sort of causality between sermons and cycle plays, studying their relationship is important. Examining Medieval sermons and cycle plays written on similar themes reveals similarities between the two forms. Both are didactic types of Medieval literature which are meant to be experienced live and to be embodied. Also, both seek to effect behavior or influence understanding in the audience, even though they differ in authority. Taken together, sermons and cycle plays reveal a breadth of Medieval understanding of the concept of God’s forgiveness as presented in Scripture and in Church teaching and help us consider humanity’s response.