Stylistic juxtaposition of a middle English play «Baptism» from the N-Town cycle and an early modern English play «Johan baptystes preachynge in the wyldernesse» by J. Bale

Khavronich A. A.

The research subject is represented by stylistically marked elements and realizations of devices which determine the specificity of two dramatic adaptations of the scriptural plot about John the Baptist — ones related to the Middle English and Early Modern English periods, namely «Baptism» from the mystery cycle of N-Town and «Johan Baptystes Preachynge in the Wyldernesse» by J. Bale. The major categories of elements are viewed from the viewpoint of semantic and metasemiotic features realized in the context as well as types of syntagmatic organization, and these are analyzed from the standpoint of relevant tendencies of the use of the language for artistic purposes. The results of the given comparative stylistic analysis foster the exposure of the directions in which stylistic strategies and means of aesthetic effect production evolved within religious drama from the Middle English to Early Modern English period.

Keywords:English Medieval drama, EmodE religious drama, mystery cycles, J. Bale, stylistically marked elements.