Select The Correct Answer.Which Of These Statements Is True About The Play Everyman?A. The Fate Of Everyman Is Predestined. B. Discretion Proves To Be Everyman's Best Friend. C. God Sends Angels To Seek Out Everyman. D. Everyman Represents All

Mar 10, 2025 by ADMIN 249 views

Understanding the Play "Everyman": A Critical Analysis

Introduction

The play "Everyman" is a classic allegory that has been a subject of interest for scholars and literature enthusiasts for centuries. Written in the 15th century, this medieval morality play continues to captivate audiences with its thought-provoking themes and universal messages. In this article, we will delve into the world of "Everyman" and explore the correct answer to the question: Which of these statements is true about the play "Everyman"?

The Play's Premise

The play "Everyman" revolves around the life of a protagonist named Everyman, who is a symbol of humanity. The story begins with Everyman's death, and as he stands before God, he is asked to account for his life. Everyman is shocked to discover that he has no friends to accompany him to the afterlife, except for Good Deeds, who represents the good deeds he has done in his lifetime. This realization sets Everyman on a journey to find friends who will accompany him to the afterlife.

The Fate of Everyman

One of the central themes of the play is the concept of fate. The question of whether the fate of Everyman is predestined or not is a crucial one. In the play, Everyman's fate is indeed predestined. From the moment of his birth, Everyman's life is predetermined, and he is unable to change the course of his destiny. This theme is reinforced by the character of Death, who serves as a constant reminder of the inevitability of mortality.

The Role of Discretion

Discretion is a key concept in the play, and it is often associated with the character of Everyman. However, discretion proves to be Everyman's downfall rather than his best friend. Throughout the play, Everyman is shown to be indecisive and lacking in discretion, which ultimately leads to his downfall. This theme is highlighted in the character of Knowledge, who represents the wisdom and understanding that Everyman lacks.

God's Intervention

The play also explores the theme of God's intervention in human life. In the play, God sends angels to seek out Everyman, but not to save him. Instead, the angels serve as a reminder of Everyman's mortality and the inevitability of his fate. This theme is reinforced by the character of Good Deeds, who represents the good deeds that Everyman has done in his lifetime.

Everyman as a Symbol

Everyman is a symbol of humanity, and the play explores the universal themes of mortality, morality, and the human condition. Everyman represents all of humanity, and his journey serves as a reminder of the importance of living a virtuous life. This theme is highlighted in the character of Good Deeds, who represents the good deeds that Everyman has done in his lifetime.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct answer to the question is A. The fate of Everyman is predestined. The play "Everyman" is a thought-provoking allegory that explores the universal themes of mortality, morality, and the human condition. Through the character of Everyman, the play highlights the importance of living a virtuous life and the inevitability of fate. By understanding the play's premise, themes, and characters, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the universal messages that it conveys.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the play "Everyman" about? The play "Everyman" is a medieval morality play that explores the universal themes of mortality, morality, and the human condition.
Who is the protagonist of the play? The protagonist of the play is Everyman, a symbol of humanity.
What is the significance of the character of Good Deeds? The character of Good Deeds represents the good deeds that Everyman has done in his lifetime and serves as a reminder of the importance of living a virtuous life.
What is the theme of fate in the play? The theme of fate in the play is that the fate of Everyman is predestined, and he is unable to change the course of his destiny.

References

"Everyman" by Anonymous The play "Everyman" is a classic allegory that has been a subject of interest for scholars and literature enthusiasts for centuries.
"The Oxford Handbook of Medieval Literature" by Elaine Treharne This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of medieval literature, including the play "Everyman".
"The Cambridge Companion to Medieval English Literature" by Andrew Galloway This companion provides a detailed analysis of medieval English literature, including the play "Everyman".
Q&A: Understanding the Play "Everyman"

Introduction

The play "Everyman" is a classic allegory that has been a subject of interest for scholars and literature enthusiasts for centuries. Written in the 15th century, this medieval morality play continues to captivate audiences with its thought-provoking themes and universal messages. In this article, we will delve into the world of "Everyman" and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the play.

Q&A

Q: What is the play "Everyman" about? A: The play "Everyman" is a medieval morality play that explores the universal themes of mortality, morality, and the human condition. The play revolves around the life of a protagonist named Everyman, who is a symbol of humanity.

Q: Who is the protagonist of the play? A: The protagonist of the play is Everyman, a symbol of humanity. Everyman is a representative of all people, and his journey serves as a reminder of the importance of living a virtuous life.

Q: What is the significance of the character of Good Deeds? A: The character of Good Deeds represents the good deeds that Everyman has done in his lifetime and serves as a reminder of the importance of living a virtuous life. Good Deeds is a symbol of the positive actions that Everyman has taken, and his presence serves as a reminder of the importance of doing good in the world.

Q: What is the theme of fate in the play? A: The theme of fate in the play is that the fate of Everyman is predestined, and he is unable to change the course of his destiny. This theme is reinforced by the character of Death, who serves as a constant reminder of the inevitability of mortality.

Q: What is the role of Discretion in the play? A: Discretion is a key concept in the play, and it is often associated with the character of Everyman. However, discretion proves to be Everyman's downfall rather than his best friend. Throughout the play, Everyman is shown to be indecisive and lacking in discretion, which ultimately leads to his downfall.

Q: Who sends angels to seek out Everyman? A: God sends angels to seek out Everyman, but not to save him. Instead, the angels serve as a reminder of Everyman's mortality and the inevitability of his fate.

Q: What is the significance of the character of Knowledge? A: The character of Knowledge represents the wisdom and understanding that Everyman lacks. Knowledge serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding in life.

Q: What is the message of the play "Everyman"? A: The message of the play "Everyman" is that every person must account for their life and the choices they have made. The play serves as a reminder of the importance of living a virtuous life and the inevitability of fate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the play "Everyman" is a thought-provoking allegory that explores the universal themes of mortality, morality, and the human condition. Through the character of Everyman, the play highlights the importance of living a virtuous life and the inevitability of fate. By understanding the play's premise, themes, and characters, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the universal messages that it conveys.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the play "Everyman" about? The play "Everyman" is a medieval morality play that explores the universal themes of mortality, morality, and the human condition.
Who is the protagonist of the play? The protagonist of the play is Everyman, a symbol of humanity.
What is the significance of the character of Good Deeds? The character of Good Deeds represents the good deeds that Everyman has done in his lifetime and serves as a reminder of the importance of living a virtuous life.
What is the theme of fate in the play? The theme of fate in the play is that the fate of Everyman is predestined, and he is unable to change the course of his destiny.

References

"Everyman" by Anonymous The play "Everyman" is a classic allegory that has been a subject of interest for scholars and literature enthusiasts for centuries.
"The Oxford Handbook of Medieval Literature" by Elaine Treharne This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of medieval literature, including the play "Everyman".
"The Cambridge Companion to Medieval English Literature" by Andrew Galloway This companion provides a detailed analysis of medieval English literature, including the play "Everyman".