Death in Every Mna
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Amir A Jimenez
ENGL 102-C07
April 6, 2016
Death in Everyman
Thesis:
In this allegory and mortality play, the author uses symbolic characters to portray the perception that no human can evade the messenger of Death.
Outline:
Introduction
Protagonist: Everyman and Allegorical Characters
Perception and treatment of Death
Conclusion
I. Introduction
“Everyman” is a morality play by an unknown author. It is a morality play that was written in late 15th century. Everyman, from the late fifteenth century, is considered perhaps the greatest of the English morality plays. The action of the play begins with Everyman learning that his death is imminent. Death, ordained by God Himself, is exhibited as an inevitable limit on human life (Anastaplo 2009). The play is an example of what some people believe one must do to have salvation, but as we all know the only way to salvation is belief in Jesus Christ. “Only the death of Jesus can wash away one’s sins and give a person a healthy spiritual relationship with God. On the other hand, some Christians follow the teachings represented in Everyman” (Yaw Adu-Gyamfi P.265).
II. Protagonist: Everyman and Allegorical Characters
The protagonist is Everyman which is used to symbolize all of mankind. “The characters in this play of morality gave an excellent illustrations of good and evil usually involved in a struggle for a man’s soul” (Morality Play, 2010). The author uses names as symbols throughout the play, this use of symbols to represent other things is called an allegory. “The author usually made sure his primary intention, the allegorical thrust of the work, was rather evident. Modern Readers may interpret minor details or symbols in different ways, but there is seldom room for disagreement on main points” (Beichner, P. 1967).
The characters in “Everyman” each have a very specific role that they play, as displayed by the names each was given. Every character is named after who and what they represent. Some of the characters include Fellowship, Discretion, Strength, Five wits, Kindred, Cousin, Goods are examples of things that we covet so much that end up being useless to us in time of need the same way they were of no help to Everyman towards his certain journey to death. These characters along with a few others in the play are used as a backdrop and as a way of getting to the three main characters which are, Everyman, Death and God. God is represented being very sad that man has lost his ways and only relies on his earthly possessions to live a fulfilled life, but he is also shown as being an angry God that he calls upon Death to be the one that delivers his message of the imminent and inevitable demise of man. “Nor yet for their being* that I them have lent. I proffered the people great multitude of mercy, And few there be that asketh it heartily. They be so cumbered with wordly riches That needs on them I must do justice, On every man living without fear.
Where art thou, Death, thou mighty messenger?” (Everyman 56-62). But in this play contrary to the Bible the author tells the reader that they only way to get to heaven is by doing more good deeds. This is evident as Everyman sinks into his grave and asks the Lord to have mercy on his soul, then Good Deeds let him know that he will intervene with God on Everyman’s behalf. “Have mercy on me, God most mighty; And stand by me, thou mother and maid, holy Mary. Fear not; I will speak for thee (Everyman 877-879). As Christians we are aware that this is not the case that although someone may do good deeds faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is what leads to salvation. “You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? (James 2:20 NIV). But the author also show a glimpse that maybe good deeds alone cannot be all there is to salvation. Everyman is sent to the character Confession where he is told that he must repent for all his transgressions, in this part of the play that author shows that one must confess their sin and repent, that this along with good deeds will make Everyman’s journey a little less burdensome “Doctrinally, Good Deeds’ weakness shows that Everymans good works is not enough to inherit eternal life when he is guilty of unforgiving mortal sin: only the act of penance will give him a state of grace, revive Good Deeds, and make Everyman ready to render an account of his life before God” (Paulson, 2007).
III. Perception and treatment of Death
The author perceives Death in two folds. First, the author’s view on Death is that he is a loyal subject of God. A figure that obeys God without question. This is evident when God calls for Death and is answered. “Where art thou, Death, thou mighty messenger? Almighty God, I am here at your will, Your commandment to fulfil. (Everyman 63-65). The second way that the author perceives Death is that he has no need for any material things and is only there to do God’s bidding. This very clear when Everyman tries to bribe his way of his long journey to his death, but we see the answer that Death gives him, “Yea, a thousand pound shalt thou have,