Everyman

Within moments of reading “Everyman” by an unknown author, it becomes eerily transparent that Death is the primary character. He looms around every corner of humanity, contemplating which individual he will close in his grasp. Written as a morality play in the 15th century, Everyman equates health with good and illness with bad. Humanity in the form of mankind’s sin nature is the anthem throughout the play. Vulnerbilities as well as strengths of Everyman are exposed in truest form. The author extends the Mercy of salvation at the end of the play and “Everyone” is included in the offer of “Everyman’s” gift. While death is certainly a dark and chilling topic for most, what is the author’s perception of death in the play Everyman? The author

Everyman tells Fellowship his woes about Death and his grasp. It is during times of peril one can truly know whom their friends are. Fellowship pledged his unshakable loyalty and comforts Everyman along his journey. Until he reaches the point where Death stares both he and Everyman in the face. Just as swiftly as he arrived, Fellowship departs Everyman’s side (Paulson, 2007).

Death returns to antagonize Everyman while he struggles to gain Cousin’s companionship. Cousin becomes so intimidated by Death’s presence, she gives Everyman a very poor excuse that her toe is in pain (Paulson, 2007). Abandoned again, Everyman reaches for comfort from his family. He is bitterly rejected without compassion. Death’s snare upon Everyman’s life is unwavering and there is no escape. Illness begins to creep into Everyman’s mind and he begins to understand that the human body is a natural state of bereavement. (Schermbrucker, 2015). Everyman’s body began to quake and he knew his moments were

He is entirely alone except for his possessions. They do him no good, as material objects are not permitted by Death. Everyman begins to turn inwardly and seek the gifts of his being. Individually he begins to unpack them and present them to Death. First he offers his Good Deeds to Death to which are few and far between in comparison to Everyman’s entire life. Knowledge unfolds himself within Everyman and he gains a second wind. Death watches closely as Everyman begins to become honest with himself. Just as a magnifying glass has been shown upon Everyman, he refines every characteristic he has spent his life cultivating. First he calls for Beauty, Strength, and Discretion. They come to his side as would an emphatic group of clowns (Paulson, 2007). They are no match for Death and are quickly brushed aside. Even still, Everyman is encouraged by Good Deeds, as a wise old woman would counsel a child. Everyman’s Five Wits begin to surround him and Wisdom’s Mind, Will, and Understanding begin to put on a show for Death. Good Deeds is always looking for charitable ways to lend a hand. Has Everyman performed any charitable acts? Death begins to teach Everyman that in preperation to die, one must give away his Goods so that the living may have more. This is the beginning phase of Everyman learning about Penance and