“The Summoning of Everyman” is cautionary tale that deals with the fundamental truths concerning life and death. The characters symbolize the carnal desires and principals of Everyman which falls short to include things of a spiritual nature. Everyman is confronted with the finality of death and is found unprepared to answer. Everyman, still functioning in his own fleshly desires, resorts to coercion in hopes to manipulate the outcome to no avail.
"The Summoning of Everyman," or simply "Everyman" as it is more commonly known, was written by an unknown author during the medieval period of the late 1400's. The play deals with what it means to be saved, how humans should behave and what deeds or acts they must fulfill in order to be saved. If you are writing a paper analyzing this play, you will need to develop a strong thesis that will guide the framework of your research. o 1 …show more content…
This is perhaps the most important literary device in the play, using "Everyman" as a symbol. "Everyman" as he is called could really be anyone. He deals with temptation and must perform good deeds to repent for his earthly sins. In your thesis, address how Everyman does or does not deal with realistic issues, such as beauty, strength or wits. o 2
Develop a thesis that deals with the morality of the story. In the end, Everyman calls out for Jesus to save him and he is called up to heaven, only to take his good deeds with him. What message does this send to the audience? How would the story be different if he was able to take another "friend," such as Beauty or Discretion with him. o 3
Compare the play to another piece of work that has a similar message or style. For example, the allegorical story "The Pilgrim's Progress" by John Bunyan deals with a character named "Christian" and addresses how a Christian individual should behave. To form a thesis, describe how these stories are similar and different.
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