Everyman as a Morality Play Essay

Everyman Including You

In the story Everyman by an unknown author, God is furious with Everyman. Everyman isnt living his life for God he is living life for himself, Therefore, got sent Death to Everyman. Death suggests that Everyman should get his life on track because judgment day was coming soon. The allegory in this story gives the audience an idea of what each character represents. Everyman is living life for himself, not knowing material goods doesnt matter, no one can escape death, and Good Deeds is what he should be focusing more on, in order to get into heaven.

While in the process of getting his life on track, Everyman is learning that having material goods doesnt matter when going to face God on judgment day. In the story God says, Of ghostly sight the people so blind,/ Drowned in sin, they know me not for their God;/ In worthy riches is all their mind (25-27). God is angry with Everyman for focusing more on his Goods instead of focusing more on him. Death and Goods both try explaining to Everyman that you cannot take material goods with you to heaven. Once everyman dies the Goods will no longer belong to him, but they will belong to someone else. Death says, Nay, nay, it was but lent thee;/ For as soon as thou art go,/ Another a while shall have it, and then go therefro,/ Even as thou hast done (132-135). With using allegory, the audience understands that Everyman applies to everyone including himself or herself. Using Death, Everyman, and Goods to explain having material things doesnt matter, gives the audience an idea that no matter how much material goods you may have, you still cannot get into heaven without Good Deeds.

Another lesson Everyman is learning is that he cannot escape death. Everyman says, Yea, a thousand pound shalt thou have-/ And defer this matter till another day (90-91). Death then responds by saying, For, and I would receive gifts great,/ All the world I might get,/ But my custom is clean contrary./ I give thee no respite, come hence, and not terry (95-98). Everyman is trying to bribe his way out of judgment day, but Death will not give in. The allegory of Death coming to Everyman explains that death comes to everyone and there is no way out. You cannot escape it.

Everyman is also learning that having Good Deeds is what gets you to where you need to be going. Good Deeds is what matters the most in your book of reckoning. Good Deeds explains, Yea, sir, I may thank you of all;/ If ye had perfectly cheered me,/ Your book of count full ready had be (310-312). If Everyman takes care of this Good Deeds his book would look good and he would have no problem getting into heaven. The allegory of Using Good Deeds is explaining that you need good deeds to have a better life after death. Having good deeds gives you a positive outlook on what might come on judgment day.

Overall, Everyman learns material goods doesnt matter, he cannot escape death, and Good Deeds is what he should focus more on, he is welcomed into heaven. Good Deeds is what can help you get into heaven. It matters how you live your life. The use of allegory is to teach the audience that having good deeds and living your life for God is what you should be doing. The message is clear by using allegory. Everyman is represented towards everyone not just one person. Death represented as a person gives the audience a visual outlook on what death really is. You receive death by not living your life for the right things. Using allegory helps the audience have an idea of how they should be living their lives and it makes the story more interesting.

Work Cited

Unknown. Everyman 29 September 2011. Handout