TL;DR
Everyman is a classic 15th-century morality play that follows the allegorical journey of Everyman, who represents all of humanity. Summoned by Death on God’s orders, Everyman must embark on a pilgrimage to account for his life and seek redemption. Along the way, he encounters personified abstractions such as Fellowship, Kindred, Goods, Knowledge, and Good Deeds, who reveal the true value of his earthly pursuits and the importance of spiritual preparation for the afterlife.
Table of contents
Open Table of contents
Author & Writing Background
The author of Everyman remains anonymous, as is typical of many medieval morality plays. The play emerged during a period of significant religious and social change in England, reflecting concerns about mortality, sin, and the pursuit of salvation. Morality plays like Everyman aimed to teach moral lessons through allegorical characters and dramatic representations of spiritual journeys.
Key Takeaways
The Summons of Death
Everyman is abruptly confronted by Death, who informs him that his earthly life is ending and he must prepare to face God’s judgment.
The Search for Companions
Everyman seeks companions to accompany him on his journey but discovers that worldly friends, possessions, and even family cannot offer true solace or support in the face of death.
The Value of Good Deeds
Everyman realizes that only his Good Deeds, personified as a weak and neglected figure, are willing to stand by him and plead his case before God.
The Importance of Knowledge and Confession
Knowledge guides Everyman towards confession and penance, enabling him to cleanse his soul and prepare for his final journey.
The Role of the Sacraments
The play emphasizes the significance of the sacraments, particularly confession and the Eucharist, in achieving salvation.
The Power of Redemption
Through repentance and the support of Good Deeds, Everyman finds redemption and acceptance before God.
Allegory and Symbolism
Everyman is rich in allegory and symbolism, with characters representing abstract concepts and the play’s events serving as a metaphor for the human journey towards spiritual enlightenment.
Medieval Christian Theology
The play reflects the prevailing Christian theology of the late Middle Ages, emphasizing the importance of good works, the sacraments, and the pursuit of salvation.
FAQ about Everyman
What is the main message of Everyman?
The main message of Everyman is the importance of living a virtuous life and preparing for death by focusing on spiritual matters rather than earthly possessions and relationships.
Why is Everyman considered a morality play?
Everyman is considered a morality play because it uses allegorical characters and a dramatic plot to teach moral lessons about good and evil, sin and redemption, and the importance of preparing for the afterlife.
Who is the protagonist of Everyman?
The protagonist of Everyman is the allegorical character Everyman, who represents all of humanity facing mortality and judgment.
Everyman Quotes
- ”O Death, thou comest when I had thee least in mind!"
- "For, and I go with thee, thou shalt fare much the worse for me: For because on me thou thinkest so little, that thou wouldest I went with thee unto the worst place that ever was."
- "Here I cry God mercy! Good Deeds, shall I have no company from this world unto the grave?”