Everyman Play Analysis

Cousin clearly explains that every man is afraid to accompany Everyman because they are crippled by fear of their own ill-preparation for death. Every man is so concerned with his own account that helping another with his seems completely foolish. This sentiment expresses man’s self-indulgence and places into perspective the things that are of utmost value. Everyman then places his trust in Goods, believing that his obsession and time spent would be sufficient for Goods to accompany him. However, Everyman is sorely disappointed, as Goods, too, will not bear witness for Everyman. Everyman is provided little solace, as the aforementioned characters could only offer him worldly matters. In despair, Everyman thinks on his good deeds, which are

In the plays opening lines, Death states this theme when he says that man should in the beginning, take good heed to the ending. Everyman has to learn to take good deeds before it was too late. He thus confesses and asks for repentance in which he earns entry into paradise on the mere strength of his spiritual contribution and the good deeds that he has eventually performed. This theme is also clearly related to the audience in the final epilogue of the play, wherein the Doctor states that to achieve eternal peace in God’s kingdom, one needs to perform enough good deeds. In retrospect, this could also be seen as the leading motif in Everyman. This is the recurring message/theme that we are faced with in every aspect of the play, from the opening, to the rising action, climax and falling action. We are constantly reminded that good deeds should be our only trusted companion. Materialistic verse Spiritual Gain is another major theme in Everyman, all the riches in the world equate to nothing if a man has to suffer the loss of his own soul, a theme clearly enunciated by God at the very beginning of the

The author cleverly uses the title to capture the attention of his audience, as it applies directly to everyone and also uses it as the names of his central character. This leaves no room for coincidences within the contextual setting of the play. As the story unfolds, it became more logical that the central character be referred to as Anyman. However, the use of Everyman implies that the entire experience is in no way random, it is not a reflection of what might happen but rather the name symbolizes what will typically occur to all men and the manner in which people ought to respond. These snippets of forewarnings are displayed from the very beginning of the play, with subtle hints given away through the setting and