Play Analysis Everyone Essay Example

Heaven.

Death is to be Revered

Everyman despises and abhors death as the author includes, “Nay, thereto I will not consent, nor man will I respite; but to the heart suddenly I shall smite.”mHe is so petrified that he tries to convince death into leaving him alone. Before his time of death, he seems extremely joyful; however, the fast-moving death makes him aware and realize that the way he lived his life is now accountable to God.mDeath is handled differently from to individual to individual as it’s affects differ between what a person believes about death and where they might end up in the afterlife.

In addition, the way people internalize death is depended upon the society in which they live as Hinde adds, “The fact is we need standards by which to live our lives, and all cultures have such standards, even though there are differences between the rules to which different societies subscribe.”The playwright faces reality and understands the fact that only good works will get an individual into Heaven as the author includes, “For before God thou shalt answer, and show thy many bad deeds, and good but a few; how thou hast spent thy life, and in what wise.”

Death continued

In the Bible, the death of a person was perceived by how the individual lived their life; whether good or evil; righteous or unrighteous as Luke wrote, “There will be a resurrection of both the just and unjust.”  “Everyman” could also be a warning to discourage people from committing sins and should fear paying for their sins after dying. Furthermore, this play can be internalized that is based on Christian morals which begins to explain

the necessity of seeking after God and His salvation through good works.

The term everyman is encapsulated in an inclusive manner to symbolize the traditional and simple man in our society today. Every individual reading this play should be able to relate and connect to everyman since every person is part of everyman in the vain of experiencing the same emotions and problems as the writer.  Everyman can be considered to be more of the native man that existed many generations ago versus the man in modern day who is more refined and individualistic.

In this play, to fully grasp the fullness of death Paulson inserts, “Is to recognize that one is both of one’s community and therefore responsible to it, yet also separate from that community and therefore alone accountable for one’s actions.”

Trying to Bribe Death

It is evident in the play that when our time of death is knocking on the door, there is nothing can stop the process of dying – no persuasion, coercion, or amount of money. The man indulged in his sin thinking he would be able to escape the grips of death as the messenger says, “Ye think sin in the beginning full sweet, which in the end causeth the soul to weep.”He takes it a step further wanting more time to avoid death by saying, “Yea, a thousand pound shalt thou have—and defer this matter till another day.”

It is important to understand that once a man dies once, he cannot come back to earth a second time. This illustrates that everyman only has one chance to live his life fully for God showing that he is righteous. Death can be explained

in this play to omit acts of evil and wrongdoing as a warning to live in peace and to be fruitful in every area. Whenever death decides to creep in, everyman should be able to leave this earth with no regrets or setbacks and have their heart set on Heaven.

Continued

Death in “Everyman” should be viewed as a means to loneliness and alienation thus realizing no one willingly accepts death.The man soon comes to the realization that death is unable to forgive and will not allow a second chance; moreover, death refuses to serve as his collaborator. Having this is mind, he tries to convince all of his friends and family to stand by his side. Unfortunately fellowship is more concerned with drinking and being with woman by making comments like, “And yet if thou eat, and drink, and make good cheer, or haunt to women the lusty company, I would not forsake you while the day is clear, trust me verily.” This paints a vivid picture of death being lonesome for everyone despite how many friends or family members tag along. Not one person will attend with an individual into death.

In addition, his kindred deserts him as well saying, “But one thing I warn you, by Saint Anne—as for me, ye shall go alone.”[footnoteRef:10] Everyman then asks his cousin, “Will you not with me go?” The author’s perception of death is unavoidable that eventually takes the life of everyman, thus death is sent by God himself to make his mark for the sins and actions of man while on earth.

The author expresses the fact that death will not go away; therefore, instilling fear into everyman

as a result of living recklessly. He makes it clear that not even his physical body will be present after death. The playwright of “Everyman” comes to the conclusion that death is a part of life and as a result filled with fear knowing he has not been living for God. The writer stresses that the good deeds he performs now cannot guide him to the upcoming judgement he is about to face.

Treatment of Death

In the beginning, God is angry and upset with everyman because of his focus of material wealth and gain, rather than serving Him. The author makes an effort to instill a profound lesson regarding the morality about death and advises that death should be honored, but in a way that is edifying so that it may shape the way an individual lives their life. The man wants to enjoy and embrace the life he was given; however, the thought of death is always in the forefront of his mind. God desired from the very beginning His creation to be happy as Charry points out, “God enjoys himself when creation flourishes. Therefore, God intents that we flourish.”[footnoteRef:13] However, we see that he is looking out for what pleases him rather than God.

This is an illustration that despite his actions on earth, everyman will at some point stand in front of judgment without the presence of friends and family, wealth and possessions. Death in this play is the treatment of living the will and plan that God designed from the beginning and to convict the hearts of mankind. This treatment of death is translated into a biblical sense by letting it guide everyman

as they live and serve for the life to come, not living for here and now.

Conclusion

It is important to understand that no matter how much money, possessions, friends and family a person has, none of those things will come after leaving this earth.

The play “Everyman” should be internalized by the role of death playing a key part in serving as God’s messenger in making mankind aware of their sins. Death should not be taken for granted and should be treated with the utmost respect as the life one lives on earth determines where they end up after death. It is at the heart of everyman to despise and loathe death and to try and bribe the grip of death which everyman is destined for. The beautiful thing is that God offers salvation to those who are willing to accept it which in turn makes them righteous in God’s eyes.

Bibliography

1. Adu-Gyamfi, Yaw and Schmidt, Mark Ray, eds. 2011. “Introduction to Everyman.” In Literature and Spirituality, Pearson e-text, 2011, accessed April 16, 2020.
2. Charry, Ellen T. “God and the Art of Happiness.” Theology Today 68, no. 3 (October 2011): 238–52. doi:10.1177/0040573611416701.
3. Hinde, Robert A. 'Society Needs Morality.' European Review 19, no. 1 (02, 2011): 105-17, http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/817525171?accountid=12085.
4. Paulson, Julie. 'Death's Arrival and Everyman's Separation.' Theatre Survey 48, no. 1 (05, 2007): 121-41, http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/211162380?accountid=12085.
5. Pinn, Anthony B. “The End: Thoughts on Humanism and Death.” Dialog, (12, 2015): 54, 347-354, https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1111/dial.12207
6. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Wheaton: Crossway, 2001.