A Dramatic Element in Italian Religious Poetry of the Middle Ages
In contrast to other European literatures, Medieval Italian literature lacks the genre of religious drama. Its functions were partly assumed by dramatic lauds. Their variety, themes, genre specifics and “dramatism” are studied in the present article. In conclusion, we discuss the genesis of “sacra rappresentazione” - a special genre of religious drama that arose in Florence in the 15<sup>th</sup> century.