Monday, August 10, 2015

How does the play "Everyman" relate to the doctrines of the medieval church?give examples from the play that portray the doctrines.

The only real action in the play
Everymanis directly connected to the medieval Church.  In this
allegorical work, each of the characters represents the characteristic of his name (as
in Everyman respresenting all mankind, Beauty representing beauty, and so on).  At the
beginning of the play, God is discouraged and disappointed by what's happening on
earth.  He sent His emissary Death to summon Everyman.  When he does, Everyman is caught
by surprise, of course, and claims his account book is not ready.  So, he begs for a
little more time.  He is granted a short time in which to get his accounts in order.  As
he does so, he asks some of his friends to join him on his imminent journey to the
grave.  Such friends as Five-wits (the five senses) and Beauty and Good Deeds each join
him for a while; however, eventually, as they get closer and realize the unpleasant and
permanent nature of their destination, all of them but Good Deeds drop off and leave
Everyman.  At the end of the play, Everyman walks into his grave with his one last
companion, Good Deeds.


This is a perfect representation of
the beliefs taught by the medieval Church.  It was the most powerful and influential
force of the time, and it conveniently taught that the only way to heaven was through
the Church. This teaching instilled fear in the hearts of the peasants, as they heard a
lot about the horrific nature of hell (which, of course, insured the people's
willingness to support the Church).  Tithes of 10% of everything they owned or bought or
grew or sold were due to the Church, and records were meticulously kept to ensure
compliance.  The Church itself was always the most grand and well built structure in any
town, and services were generally delivered, at least in part, the language of the
Church but not the people--Latin.  Because most could not read, and few could read
Latin, the corrupt and greedy Church was able to "teach" whatever doctrines it wished. 
It regularly sold forgiveness (in the form of pardons), but was itself generally not in
compliance with its own teachings.   In short, the church was a corrupt, powerful, and
avaricious institution which required complete obedience and compliance of its people
but not of its own religious men and women.


The connection
between Church and Everyman is clear.  The idea of keeping an
account book was used by the Church, in order to keep records of appropriate tithing and
additional giving to the Church.  All those good deeds--most of which are presumably
done for the Church, of course--must be tallied before Everyman can be admitted by the
Church into Heaven.  Everyman understood, when Death came calling, that he was not ready
and had to do and pay more in order to achieve the goal of eternity with God.  This
play, then, is a reflection of the Church's warning to the common people to keep their
accounts current by continued giving to the Church. There is truth--that we can take
none of our physical or worldy possessions with us when we die--but there is also fear. 
Warning:  Do what the Church says now so you don't get caught unprepared by Death like
Everyman was.

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