Everyman

Definition

Everyman is a key character archetype that represents the ordinary human being, embodying universal experiences and moral struggles. This term is prominently featured in medieval drama, especially in morality plays where the protagonist faces life’s ultimate questions about salvation and the afterlife. Everyman serves as a relatable figure for audiences, highlighting the journey of self-discovery and the importance of personal accountability in the face of mortality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Everyman is often viewed as an allegorical figure that represents humanity's collective journey towards death and judgment.
2. The play 'Everyman' uses this character to explore themes of friendship, sin, and redemption, making it a quintessential example of medieval morality plays.
3. In the narrative, Everyman's encounters with various personified figures illustrate the transient nature of worldly possessions and relationships.
4. The character's ultimate realization is that only good deeds can accompany him at the time of death, emphasizing moral responsibility.
5. Everyman's journey is symbolic of the human experience, making it relatable across different times and cultures, highlighting universal truths about life and death.

Review Questions

• How does Everyman represent universal human experiences in medieval drama?
  • Everyman embodies the typical human experience by facing inevitable death and the moral choices that come with it. As he encounters various allegorical figures representing different aspects of life—like wealth, friendship, and knowledge—viewers can see their own struggles reflected in his journey. This representation allows audiences to relate to Everyman's plight, illustrating that everyone must confront their actions and their consequences before facing judgment.
• Discuss how the character of Everyman highlights the themes of morality and personal accountability within medieval plays.
  • Everyman's journey serves as a vehicle to emphasize morality and personal accountability by demonstrating that earthly pursuits will not accompany individuals in death. The play illustrates how Everyman initially relies on superficial relationships and material wealth, but ultimately learns that his good deeds are what truly matter. This message reinforces the moral teachings prevalent in medieval society, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own lives and actions.
• Evaluate the impact of Everyman as a character archetype on later literary works and its significance in understanding human nature.
  • Everyman's role as an archetype has influenced countless literary works across genres, reinforcing the idea that every individual shares common struggles regarding morality, existence, and mortality. This character serves as a lens through which readers can analyze their values and life choices. By reflecting on Everyman's trials, subsequent works have explored themes of self-discovery and redemption, making this archetype pivotal in shaping narratives about human nature throughout history.

Related terms

Morality Play: A genre of medieval drama that teaches moral lessons through allegorical characters representing virtues and vices.

Allegory: A narrative technique in which characters and events symbolize broader concepts, often conveying moral or political meanings.

Personification: A literary device where abstract qualities or ideas are represented as characters, allowing audiences to explore complex themes in an accessible way.