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Key Terms
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canto  one of the main divisions of a long poem
excommunication  ecclesiastical censure that excludes the individual from receiving the sacraments
grace  the free, unearned favor of God
heresy  the denial of the revealed truths or orthodox doctrine by a baptized member of the Church; an opinion or doctrine contrary to Church dogma
interdict  the excommunication of an entire city, district, or state
memento mori (Latin, "remember death")  a warning of the closeness of death and the need to prepare for one's own death
miracle play  a type of medieval play that dramatized the lives of, and especially the miracles performed by, Christ, the Virgin Mary, or the saints
morality play  a type of medieval play that dramatized moral themes, such as the conflict between good and evil
mystery play  a type of medieval play originating in Church liturgy and dramatizing biblical history from the fall of Satan to the Last Judgment
pageant  a roofed wagon-stage on which medieval plays and spectacles were performed
sacrament  a sacred act or pledge; in medieval Christianity, a visible sign (instituted by Jesus Christ) of God's grace





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