In the English morality play “Everyman”, whose author is unknown, the characters try to find what Everyman truly values in his life. When Everyman realizes that he has not lived a God-centered life. Instead, Everyman has focused more on worldly matters and riches than he should have. Once the show progresses, Everyman is approached by a character, whose name is Death. At that moment, Everyman realizes that he is about to die. However, he also realizes that all the earthly things he once clung to now mean nothing and will eventually abandon him. Every man knows that he must repent of his sins. He too is looking for someone to accompany him on this journey so that he can give an account of his life to God. At the beginning of the play, the Messenger, who reads the prologue, talks about the purpose of the game. This shows us our life, our death and how everyone is constantly changing. Once the Messenger is finished, God talks about how all of His creation is not serving Him in the most adequate way. People live in fear and don't even think about heaven or the judgment that will happen at the end of their life. People live for their own pleasure, but they are still not as satisfied with their lives as they could be. Every day, things on earth get worse and God feels torn and troubled with each passing day. After God finishes speaking, he calls his “mighty messenger,” also known as Death. If Death sees people with worldly possessions or wealth, he will strike them with his dart and then they will be sent to hell for eternity. The next Death says, "Except if alms be his good friend." The word “almsgiving” basically means the act of good deeds. In summary, if anyone had...... middle of paper ......and we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Works Cited Fletcher, Alan J. “Everyman An Unrecorded Sermon Analogue.” English Studies 66.4 (1985): 296. Academic research completed. Network. April 4, 2012. Garner Jr., Stanton B. "Theatricality in humanity and in every man." Studies In Philology 84.3 (1987): 272. Academic research completed. Network. April 4, 2012.Homan, Richard L. "The Everyman Movie, circa 1991." Journal of Popular Film and Television 25.(1997): 21-30. OmniFile Full Text Mega (H.W. Wilson). Network. April 4, 2012.Keyishian, Harry. "Every man's conjuration." Shakespeare Bulletin 26.3 (2008): 45-48. Comprehensive humanities international. Network. 4 April 2012. New international version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1986 Rasmussen, Eric. “Shakespeare's Use of Everyman in Timon of Athens.” American Notes & Queries 23.9/10 (1985): 131. Academic research completed. Network. April 4. 2012.
tags