The Author's Perception of Death and the Treatment of Death in Everyman



The Author's Perception of Death and the Treatment of Death in Everyman

Outline

Introduction

Summary of the Characters

Authors Perception of Death

Conclusion

Thesis Statement

Deaths primary role throughout the course of this play is to serve as God's messenger and to summon Everyman to account for his sins.

Introduction

“Everyman” is the name of an English play with an unknown author, and theme is based on morals and good deeds of individuals. The plot of the play revolves around a man who is trapped in a secular world and is more interested and attracted towards the fascinations of the world instead of shaping up his spiritual life. He appears to be happy and satisfied till the time of his death arrives and making him aware of the fact that now he is accountable to God regarding the way he lived his life. The author made use of symbolic characters in the play to explain the ethical characteristics and concepts in Everyman's life. (Allegory, 2010)

Summary of the Characters

In the story, Everyman is the central character who represents mankind and everything that mankind experiences in life until the Day of Judgment. The story is shown as life lessons for others in the path they have chosen in their lives. Everyman meets different aspects of his life which are themes for humans. He first meets Death sent by god to deliver a message that his life is coming to an end. In response, Everyman tries to bribe Death with material possessions (Goods). Death has no value of these possessions, can't be bribed, doesn't wait for anyone, and his decision is final. No man can cheat death and ultimately avoid it, it is inevitable. Death tells Everyman to find someone to accompany him on his journey if he can and that is where the journey begins.

Everyman confesses his sins to Confession. Goods also remind everyman that the love of goods and possessions is the opposite of the love of God and of the divine. Following the process of confession and penance, Good Deeds is now strong enough to join Everyman. Knowledge tells Everyman to call on the last of his friends Discretion, Strength, and Everyman's five Wits and Beauty. As soon as Everyman approaches the grave his last four friends' desert him, even Knowledge cannot go into the grave with Everyman. Good Deeds is the only one that goes with Everyman to heaven. An Angel then welcomes Everyman into heaven.

Doctor is the last character of the play, this character inform us that id our actions are not good, God will not help us in future and there will be no any apology given after death even forgiveness and mercy would leave us. The character of Doctor recalls everyone that good deeds and conducts and life which are full of moral and pure should be our main concerned and focus for the end of our life. This character warns us that if our activities ...