THE MASQUE

Origin:

Saintsbury defines a Masque as “a dramatic entertainment in which plot, character and even to a great extent dialogue are subordinated on the one hand to spectacular illustration and on the other to musical accompaniment” . It has rich music, elaborate scenic effects and dancing mingled with a fairy tale, myth and allegory. It was of Italian origin.  It was introduced into England in the beginning of the 16^th century. The earliest account of an English Masque occurs in Hall’s “Chronicle” for the year 1512. In this Masque, gentlemen appeared in elaborate costumes with masks on their faces. They danced to the rhythm of the music and then desired the ladies to dance. Some were content and some who did not know the fashion refused it. Finally these gentlemen departed and so did the Queen and all the ladies.

Later Development:

The Masque developed into something like a splendid modern ballet, with the additional attractions of beautiful speeches and songs.  It was perfected in the period of James I. Ben Jonson’s favourite form was Masque.

 Main Features:

·        The characters are deities of classical mythology, nymphs, and personified abstractions like Love, Delight, Harmony and so on.

·        The number of characters must be only six

·        The scenes are very detail such as Olympus, Arcadia and so on.

·        Dances of various types are introduced at appropriate places.

·        The scenery and costume are rich

·        Often a comic interlude (Anti-Masque)  is introduced which is a humorous counterpart to the main plot

·        The Masque is so long and it has only one act

Its Decline:

The Masque was a costly form of entertainment. It was performed as part of the celebrations at a wedding in a great family. For example, the marriage of Ferdinand and Miranda in “The Tempest” was celebrated with a Masque. Milton’s “Comus” contains Masque as a part of it. After the death of James I, this art form started declining.  The novelty associated with it disappeared and in addition to the enormous cost made the art decline.  The literary value was not given more importance due to rich costumes and settings. These are the main reasons for the art to disappear.