ABSTRACT
The biblical story of Cain and Abel presented the medieval dramatist a structural outline remarkably appropriate for the creation of a play tragic in ancient, medieval, and modern understandings of the term. The basic conflict in fact conforms to one of Aristotle's central prescriptions for plots which arouse the tragic emotions. The Cain and Abel episode begins smoothly in a transition stanza as Adam, expelled from Paradise, thanks God for the sons who lighten his sorrow. He determines to prevent his sons' fall into sin by describing the dream he experienced during Eve's creation. Cain then speaks for the first time, assuring his mother that he will follow Adam's instructions. But as his parents leave the stage, he addresses the audience and reveals that his motive for offering his corn is to see whether God "will send Cain any more".
