An Analysis of the Perception and Treatment of Death in Everyman

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The title of the play Everyman illustrates the anonymous Author’s reminder to his audience that every man’s soul needs to be saved before death. Additionally, he reminds believers of God that death may be the end of our physical bodies, but it is just the beginning of our spiritual journey with God. The play serves as a reminder to not only live for today, but to strive towards the goal of ever-lasting life in Heaven, by stating, “Look well, and take good heed to the ending” (Line 11). This is further illustrated in the play when the messenger Death declares, “Ye think sin in the beginning full sweet,” and “Which in the end causeth the soul to weep” (Lines 13 & 14).

Every man was created for a purpose, and each has a unique path to walk. The Bible states, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, and who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV). Additionally, the Bible states, “Man's days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed” (Job 14:5 NIV).

In Everyman God states, “In worldly riches is all their mind, they fear not my righteousness, the sharp rod” (Lines 27-28) which demonstrates God’s power and resolve. It is not Godly to strive towards riches, or to obtain an abundance of material possessions on earth, but more important to seek the rewards in Heaven. The Bible teaches, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).

Every man should be being Christ-like by heading Jesus’ warning, “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13 NIV). Furthermore, the Bible ...

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...ssenger, Death, promised Everyman paradise should his soul be saved and he be allowed to go to Heaven (Line 270). Unquestionably, there are many rewards in Heaven for the followers of Christ who’s souls are saved. In fact, the Bible states, “As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance” (Daniel 12:13 NIV).

References

Anonymous (late 1400s). Everyman. Retrieved from http://media.pearsoncmg.com/pcp/pcp_97542_lit_lu/ebook/media/anonymous_everyman swf.

The Holy Bible, New International Version. (1996). Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishers.

Kennedy, X.J. and Dana, G. (2010). Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing: Compact Interactive Edition 6th Edition. New York, NY: Pearson.

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