An Analysis of “Everyman”

 

An Analysis of “Everyman”
Introduction
“Everyman” is a morality play that explores the journey of a character named Everyman as he faces death and reflects on his life and actions. This essay will delve into various aspects of the play, including Everyman’s surprise at encountering Death, his first reaction, the characters who accompany him, the concept of good works, the influence of the Roman Catholic Church, and the important lessons conveyed.

1. Everyman’s Surprise at Death
Everyman is taken aback by the sudden appearance of Death because his mind is preoccupied with worldly concerns. He is engrossed in material possessions, relationships, and pleasure-seeking, neglecting to consider his own mortality. Death serves as a wake-up call, forcing Everyman to confront the impermanence of life.

2. Everyman’s Initial Reaction to Death
Everyman’s first reaction to Death is fear and desperation. He pleads for more time, hoping to delay his inevitable fate. Everyman’s request for additional time stems from his realization that he is unprepared to face judgment for his actions. He desires an opportunity to amend his ways and accumulate good deeds before facing his ultimate reckoning.

3. The Companions of Everyman
Throughout his journey, several allegorical characters join Everyman on his pilgrimage towards death. These characters symbolize different aspects of human existence. Some examples include Fellowship, Goods, Knowledge, Beauty, Strength, and Discretion. However, it is only Good Deeds who ultimately accompanies Everyman to the end. This signifies that only one’s virtuous actions have lasting significance in the face of death.

4. Unscriptural Concept of Good Works
The concept of good works presented in “Everyman” aligns more closely with Catholic doctrine rather than scriptural teachings. The play emphasizes the value of accumulating good deeds as a means to secure salvation and redemption. However, according to Protestant beliefs, salvation is obtained solely through faith in God’s grace rather than through personal merit or good deeds. This discrepancy between scriptural teachings and the play’s interpretation reflects the influence of Catholicism during the time it was written.

5. Influence of the Roman Catholic Church
“Everyman” exhibits elements that indicate the influence of the Roman Catholic Church. The emphasis on good works and penance aligns with Catholic doctrine, which places importance on sacraments and acts of contrition for salvation. The inclusion of the sacraments of Confession and Penance further highlights this influence. These elements reflect the cultural and religious context in which the play was written, where Catholicism held significant sway over religious beliefs and practices.

6. Important Lessons from “Everyman”
“Everyman” conveys several essential lessons:

The fleeting nature of earthly existence and the inevitability of death.
The importance of reflecting on one’s actions and their consequences.
The significance of good deeds and virtuous living in preparing for the afterlife.
The transient nature of worldly attachments and possessions.
The need for repentance and seeking forgiveness before facing judgment.
Through these lessons, “Everyman” serves as a moral reminder, encouraging individuals to consider their own mortality and the choices they make during their lifetime.

Conclusion
“Everyman” offers a thought-provoking exploration of life’s transience and the pursuit of salvation through good works. Everyman’s surprise at encountering Death highlights his previous preoccupation with worldly matters. His initial reaction reflects fear and a desire for redemption. The characters who accompany Everyman symbolize different aspects of human existence, with Good Deeds being the only one to accompany him until the end. The concept of good works presented in the play aligns more closely with Catholic doctrine than scriptural teachings, indicating the influence of the Roman Catholic Church during that period. Ultimately, “Everyman” teaches valuable lessons about reflection, repentance, and the pursuit of virtuous living in preparation for life’s ultimate reckoning.