Everyman is a medieval morality play that was written in the late 15th century. It is a classic example of an allegory, which means that the characters and events in the play are symbolic representations of abstract concepts and ideas. The play is a cautionary tale about the inevitability of death and the importance of leading a virtuous life.
The main character in Everyman is a man who represents all of humanity. He is called upon by Death to make a journey to the afterlife and is forced to confront the fact that he has not lived a good life. Along the way, he is accompanied by various allegorical characters, including Good Deeds, Knowledge, and Beauty, who try to help him on his journey. The play is a powerful reminder that everyone must face judgment for their actions in life and that it is never too late to change one’s ways.
Origins of Everyman
Historical Context
Everyman is a medieval morality play that was written in the late 15th century. The morality play is a genre that emerged in the medieval period and was popular during the 15th and 16th centuries. The play was written during a time when the church had a significant influence on people’s lives. The play reflects the religious beliefs and values of the time, which focused on the idea of sin and redemption.
Authorship and Publication
The author of Everyman is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in the late 15th century. The play was first published in 1508 by John Skot, a printer in London. The play was printed as a pamphlet and was sold on the streets. The popularity of the play led to several reprints, and it became one of the most popular plays of the time.
Everyman is believed to be based on a Dutch play called Elckerlijc, which was written in the 15th century. The play was translated into English and adapted for an English audience. The play was initially performed by amateur actors, but it was later performed by professional actors in London theaters. The play was popular during the Tudor period and was revived in the early 20th century, becoming the first medieval play to be revived in a modern production.
Plot Summary
Characters Overview
Everyman is a medieval morality play that tells the story of the allegorical character Everyman, who represents all of humanity. The play features a range of characters, each of whom represents a different aspect of human life. God, Death, Everyman, Kindred, Fellowship, Good Deeds, Knowledge, and Confession are some of the main characters in the play.
Narrative Arc
The play begins with a messenger calling for the audience’s attention to the “Summoning of Everyman.” The messenger explains that the play will demonstrate the transitory nature of human life and the pernicious effects of sin. God appears, lamenting the unworthiness of humans, who no longer revere him and who sinfully indulge in greed and lust.
Death then appears and informs Everyman that he must appear before God to be judged for his sins. Everyman realizes that he has led a sinful life and must find a way to redeem himself before facing God. He seeks the help of his friends, Fellowship and Kindred, but they both abandon him when they learn of his impending death.
Everyman then turns to Good Deeds, who is weak due to Everyman’s sinful life. Good Deeds advises Everyman to seek the help of Knowledge and Confession, who can help him redeem himself. Everyman finds Knowledge and Confession and confesses his sins to them. With their help, Everyman is able to redeem himself and face God with a clear conscience.
Themes and Symbolism
The Nature of Salvation
Everyman is an allegory that explores the nature of salvation. The play shows that salvation is not something that can be bought or earned through material wealth or social status. Instead, it is something that must be earned through good deeds and a virtuous life. Everyman’s journey towards salvation shows that it is a personal and individual journey that cannot be taken by anyone else.
Materialism vs. Spiritual Wealth
One of the major themes of Everyman is the conflict between materialism and spiritual wealth. The play shows that material wealth is ultimately meaningless and cannot provide true happiness or salvation. Everyman’s pursuit of material wealth and pleasure ultimately leads him to a dead end. On the other hand, spiritual wealth, which is earned through good deeds and virtuous living, is the only true path to salvation.
Death and Morality
Death and morality are also major themes in Everyman. The play shows that death is an inevitable part of life and that everyone must face it eventually. Everyman’s journey towards salvation shows that mortality is a reminder that life is short and that we must use our time wisely. The play emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous and meaningful life, as it is the only way to achieve salvation and eternal life.
Literary Analysis
Allegorical Elements
Everyman is a medieval morality play that uses allegorical elements to represent abstract concepts such as Good Deeds, Knowledge, and Fellowship. The characters in the play are not individuals but rather personifications of these concepts. Everyman himself represents all of humanity, and his journey through life is a metaphor for the journey of the soul towards salvation.
Dramatic Structure
The play follows a traditional structure for morality plays, with Everyman receiving a summons from Death and then seeking the help of various allegorical characters as he faces judgment. The play is divided into two parts: the first part focuses on Everyman’s realization of his mortality and his search for help, while the second part focuses on his journey towards redemption.
Language and Imagery
The language used in Everyman is simple and direct, with characters often speaking in rhyming couplets. The imagery is also straightforward, with characters representing abstract concepts and their actions reflecting the consequences of those concepts. For example, Good Deeds is initially weak and unable to help Everyman, but gains strength as he performs good deeds.
Overall, Everyman is a powerful allegory that uses simple language and imagery to convey complex theological concepts. The play’s dramatic structure and allegorical elements make it a classic example of medieval morality plays.
Everyman’s Influence
Impact on Literature
Everyman is a medieval morality play that has had a significant impact on literature. The play is considered a classic example of the morality play genre, which was popular in the medieval period. It is also one of the earliest and most popular forms of European and English drama. The play’s allegorical nature and its use of personification to represent abstract concepts have influenced writers for centuries. The play’s influence can be seen in works such as Dante’s Divine Comedy, Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and Milton’s Paradise Lost.
Cultural Relevance
Everyman’s cultural relevance extends beyond the realm of literature. The play’s themes of death, judgment, and salvation are universal and have resonated with audiences throughout the centuries. The play’s message about the transitory nature of life and the importance of living a virtuous life has been embraced by religious and secular audiences alike. The play’s influence can be seen in the art, music, and literature of subsequent centuries. Even today, the play continues to be performed and studied, demonstrating its enduring cultural relevance.
In conclusion, Everyman’s influence on literature and culture cannot be overstated. The play’s allegorical nature and universal themes have made it a classic example of the morality play genre. Its impact can be seen in the works of writers throughout the centuries and its cultural relevance continues to resonate with audiences today.
Modern Adaptations
Stage Performances
Everyman has been adapted for the stage numerous times since its creation in the 15th century. One notable modern adaptation is the 2015 production by Carol Ann Duffy, which premiered at the National Theatre in London. This version of the play features a female protagonist and explores themes of gender and identity. Another adaptation is the 2006 production by the Royal Shakespeare Company, which updates the play to a contemporary setting and incorporates modern language and music.
Film and Media Interpretations
Everyman has also been adapted for film and other media. One example is the 2006 film “Everyman’s War,” which tells the story of a World War II soldier who must confront his own mortality. Another example is the 2014 video game “Everyman’s Journey,” which takes players on a journey through the afterlife. These adaptations demonstrate the continued relevance and appeal of Everyman’s allegorical themes.
Critical Reception
Academic Perspectives
Everyman has been the subject of numerous academic analyses, with scholars examining the play’s themes, structure, and historical context. Many critics have noted the play’s significance as a medieval morality play, which was a popular genre during the time period. Some scholars have also explored the play’s use of allegory and symbolism, and how these devices help to convey the play’s message about the transitory nature of human life.
One notable academic perspective on Everyman is A.C. Cawley’s edition of the play, which contains a detailed introduction that discusses the play’s texts, meaning, style, versification, and staging. Cawley’s work has been influential in shaping the scholarly understanding of Everyman, and his insights have been cited by many other scholars in their own analyses of the play.
Public Reception
Everyman has also enjoyed a significant amount of public reception, with many productions of the play being staged over the years. The play’s themes of mortality, sin, and redemption continue to resonate with audiences today, and the allegorical characters of the play have become iconic figures in literature and popular culture.
One notable example of the play’s public reception is the 2006 production of Everyman at the National Theatre in London, which was directed by Rufus Norris and starred Chiwetel Ejiofor as the titular character. The production was praised for its modern interpretation of the play, which emphasized its relevance to contemporary audiences. The play’s enduring popularity is a testament to its enduring message and its ability to connect with audiences across different time periods and cultures.
Teaching Everyman
Educational Approaches
When teaching Everyman, educators may want to consider using a variety of approaches to engage students. One approach is to use a historical perspective, discussing the play’s origins and its relevance to the medieval period. Another approach is to focus on the play’s religious themes and symbolism, exploring the moral lessons that it conveys.
To help students better understand the play, educators may also want to provide contextual information about the time period in which it was written. This could include discussing the role of religion in medieval society, the concept of sin and redemption, and the influence of the Catholic Church.
Discussion Questions
To encourage critical thinking and class participation, educators may want to use discussion questions when teaching Everyman. Some potential questions include:
- What is the significance of Everyman’s name?
- How does the play use allegory to convey its message?
- Why do you think Death is portrayed as a character in the play?
- What is the role of good deeds in the play?
- How does Everyman’s journey reflect the human experience?
By using these questions, educators can encourage students to engage with the play on a deeper level and to think critically about its themes and messages.