A Theme of Death in Everyman, a Morality Play

Death has a significant impact upon the way “Everyman” is perceived. This late fifteenth century morality play written by an unknown author explains the great impact of one’s deeds when the time comes for one to reach death’s door. The journey to death varies for each man as their experiences and reactions through the journey of life influence one’s life morals and values. The play begins with God announcing that if his creatures do not abide by him, they will be held liable and judged for the choices they have made while on earth. If one is doing good deeds, values God and abides by his commandments while on earth then they need not fear death as it will be the commencement of an eternal life with God and not thrown into hell for eternity. The author uses death to warn Everyman about oncoming judgement because death occurs abruptly, “Everyman” fears death and people will seek atonement when faced with death.

Death is treated as a gateway to eternal punishment in the play “Everyman”. The author uses the play as an allegory to show how people should live godly lives as opposed to ungodly. Death is viewed as a form of punishment that God sends to man when God discovers that man is more concerned with wealth and material belongings rather than his spiritual prosperity. Everyman sustained a life with placing a great emphasis on worldly pleasure and wealth, without devoting himself to a godly life. Therefore, when Death appears and asks Everyman to present an account of his good and bad triumphs in life, Everyman is astounded with fear as he is not prepared for this moment. He immediately wallows in grief and self-pity. “In thy power it lieth me to save; Yet of my good will I give thee, if thou will be kind- Yea, a thousand-pound shalt thou have-and defer this matter till another day”. Death tells Everyman that no man will be spared, refuses the suggestion of waiting for when man is ready, and informs Everyman that man is to be ready at any moment whether prepared on not. Death evokes fear from all characters in the play except for the character Good Deeds. “Death will follow God’s order and enforce his commandments” (Little, 2018, p. 11). An allegorical representation can be seen in the play when Everyman becomes aware that the material possessions will not follow him in his eternal life with God; Everyman fears the loss of his worldly things. Other characters in the play “Everyman” besides Good Deeds and Knowledge do not have time for a spiritual relationship with God due to being obsessed with materialistic possessions and not obeying God’s commandments. The author also portrays the characters fearing Death due to forming a dark, painful shadow amongst one life, which can not be stopped. This ultimately leading to a life of eternal pain and suffering. No humankind wants this therefore one seeks salvation with God.

Death waits for no man, for it is God’s commandment that he is obeying. God is the one who commands Death to come to Earth and determines at what time one shall receive a visit from death. Everyman has to undergo death at some point and is not something they can evade. In Scriptures, God tells us that we have a plentiful life waiting for everyman. No man wants to face death, yet no one knows, except for almighty God, when one’s time will come to an end on earth. By human nature, everyman wants to avoid death and spend time focused on God’s goodness and love. Although, everyman is fallible and sinful. “Everyman becomes overcome with desire and flirts with a younger woman”. Everyman is lost in greed of ordinary possessions without thinking of the judgement he would have to face once death abruptly reaches his doorstep. The author uses personification to help with the moral lessons of the play by representing all humankind with the character of Everyman and expressing how those who behave in sinful way against God many not have an eternal life with him due to giving in to greed or lust.

The author uses the play as an allegory to show how people should recognize, understand one’s faults and how man has sinned. Regardless of everyman’s insufficiencies God still gives man many chances to atone for one’s faults. God is merciful, not to take away our accountability, but to give us a chance to atone and be saved in preparation for an eternal life with God. “But you Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Psalm 86:15-16 NIV). The author demonstrates Everyman seeking atonement during confession. “Redempt with heart and full contrition, for I am commanded a pilgrimage to take, and great accounts before God to make”. “By casting a man of age as its protagonist, suggests that Everyman has lived a full, long, and prosperous – though wrongly committed – earthly existence, and that his late-in-life discoveries and his change of course will exonerate and save him” (Keyishian, 2008). Everyman understands that death is unavoidable and seeks forgiveness for his sins.

Death is a spiritual journey with God leading to heaven. The play “Everyman is about death and how oncoming judgement can lead to an eternal life with God. The author uses allegorical characters throughout the play to embody what man values during one’s life, how one neglects their spiritual connection with God, and how one can seek redemption in order to lead one back to God. During man’s journey through life one’s choices will help determine if one will fear death and need to seek atonement. God has made a way for all sinful humankind to enter into his heaven, though upon judgement day Everyman will be held accountable for their own actions of good and bad deeds. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV).   

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