The Essential Excerpt: Examining Everyman's Characterization in the Passage
Discover which excerpt from Everyman showcases his overall character in this insightful analysis. Get a glimpse into the play's central themes now.
Everyman, a play from the 15th century, is an allegorical story that follows the journey of its protagonist, Everyman, as he faces death and must account for his life's actions. Throughout the play, Everyman is characterized as a flawed and relatable human being, who struggles with his mortality and the decisions he has made in his life. One of the most representative excerpts of Everyman's characterization can be found in the scene where he seeks the help of his friends and family. In this excerpt, we see Everyman's vulnerability, his desperate need for companionship, and his realization that he must face his fate alone.
The scene starts with Everyman calling out to his friends and family, hoping that they will accompany him on his journey. He says, O all thing faileth, save God alone; / Be he my comfort, and I care for none. This line shows how Everyman has come to realize that in the face of death, all his worldly possessions and relationships are meaningless. The only thing that matters now is his relationship with God. This realization is a turning point for Everyman's character, as it shows that he has come to terms with his mortality and is ready to face his fate.
However, Everyman's plea for help falls on deaf ears, as one by one, his friends and family abandon him. This rejection leaves Everyman feeling alone and vulnerable, and he laments, Alas, shall I have no company / To bring me on my long journey? This line shows how Everyman is reliant on the support of others, and how he fears being alone. It also highlights the theme of the play, which is the inevitability of death and the fact that we must all face it alone.
As Everyman continues to plead with his friends and family, he realizes that they are not willing to help him. This realization leads him to question the loyalty of those around him, and he says, Fair promises men to me make, / But when I have most need, they me forsake. This line shows how Everyman is disappointed by the people around him, and how he feels betrayed by their lack of support. It also highlights the fact that Everyman's character is flawed, just like any other human being.
Despite his disappointment, Everyman remains persistent in his quest for companionship. He says, My kinsmen, friends, and brethren all, / I will pray you in this distress, / Comfort my journey with your company. This line shows how Everyman is willing to do whatever it takes to find comfort and support, even if it means begging for it. It also highlights the fact that Everyman is a relatable character, as we can all relate to the need for companionship and support in times of distress.
As the scene comes to a close, Everyman realizes that he must face his fate alone, and he says, Into thy hands, Lord, my soul I commend; / Receive it, Lord, that it be not lost / As thou me bought. This line shows how Everyman has come to terms with his mortality and is ready to face death with dignity and acceptance. It also highlights the fact that Everyman's character has evolved throughout the play, from a flawed and vulnerable human being to a wise and accepting one.
In conclusion, the scene where Everyman seeks the help of his friends and family is one of the most representative excerpts of Everyman's characterization. It shows how he is a relatable and flawed human being, who struggles with his mortality and the decisions he has made in his life. It also highlights the theme of the play, which is the inevitability of death and the fact that we must all face it alone. Overall, Everyman is characterized as a relatable and flawed human being, who learns to accept his fate with dignity and grace.
Introduction
Everyman, a medieval morality play, is believed to have been written around the 15th century. It is a story about a man named Everyman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. The play is known for its allegorical representation of human life and death, and how one's actions in life determine their fate in the afterlife. In this article, we will explore which excerpt from Everyman best represents how Everyman is characterized overall in the passage.
Everyman's Characterization
Everyman is characterized as an ordinary man who is faced with the realization that his time on earth is limited. He is portrayed as someone who is preoccupied with material possessions and pleasures, and has little concern for the spiritual aspect of life. However, as he embarks on his journey, he gradually learns the importance of repentance, good deeds, and the need to prepare for his inevitable death.
Excerpt 1: “I pray you all, gentlemen, hearken to me now…”
This excerpt from the play comes at the beginning of Everyman's journey. He addresses the audience and asks them to listen to him. This shows that Everyman is aware of his own mortality and is trying to make sense of his life. He realizes that he needs to find a way to ensure that he has a place in heaven when he dies. This also shows that Everyman is willing to seek help and guidance from others, which is a positive trait.
Excerpt 2: “I perceive here in my counting-house…”
In this excerpt, Everyman is shown to be consumed by his wealth and possessions. He is so preoccupied with counting his money that he is oblivious to the fact that Death is approaching him. This shows that Everyman is materialistic and has little regard for spiritual matters. However, this is also a turning point in his journey as he realizes that his wealth and possessions will not save him from death.
Excerpt 3: “O Death, thou comest when I had thee least in mind…”
This excerpt shows Everyman's fear of death. He is not ready to face his mortality and is pleading with Death to spare him. This shows that Everyman is human and has emotions. It also shows that he is starting to realize the importance of preparing for death.
Excerpt 4: “Good Deeds: Alas, sir, I am so weak…”
In this excerpt, Everyman meets Good Deeds, who is one of the few characters willing to accompany him on his journey. Good Deeds tells Everyman that she is weak because he has not done enough good deeds in his life. This shows that Everyman's actions have consequences and that he needs to make amends for his past mistakes. It also shows that Everyman is willing to listen to Good Deeds and take her advice.
Excerpt 5: “I find here no friend to give me company…”
This excerpt shows Everyman's loneliness on his journey. He realizes that he has no true friends or companions who are willing to accompany him through the trials of life and death. This highlights the importance of companionship and the need for human connection. It also shows that despite his flaws, Everyman is still a relatable and sympathetic character.
Excerpt 6: “Everyman, I will go with thee…”
In this final excerpt, Everyman meets Knowledge, who agrees to accompany him on his journey. This shows that Everyman has learned from his past mistakes and is now seeking knowledge and enlightenment. It also shows that Everyman is capable of change and growth, which is a positive trait.
Conclusion
Overall, Everyman is characterized as an ordinary man who is faced with the reality of his own mortality. He is preoccupied with material possessions and pleasures, but gradually learns the importance of repentance, good deeds, and the need to prepare for death. He is human, relatable, and sympathetic, and is willing to seek help and guidance from others. Through his journey, he learns the importance of companionship and seeks knowledge and enlightenment. The final excerpt, where Everyman meets Knowledge, best represents how Everyman is characterized overall in the passage.
Everyman: A Play about the Human Condition
The play Everyman, considered one of the greatest works of medieval English literature, is a morality play that explores the journey of the protagonist Everyman towards salvation. The play is a representation of the human condition and how we are all vulnerable to death, regardless of social status or wealth. Throughout the play, Everyman is characterized as a desperate and fearful character who is searching for companionship and forgiveness. This article will analyze the different excerpts from the play that best represent Everyman's overall characterization.
Everyman's Desperation and Fear
The play begins with a prologue that sets the tone for the rest of the story. The prologue highlights the inevitability of death and how every human being must face it. Everyman, the protagonist, is introduced as a character who is consumed by fear and desperation. He is afraid of facing death alone and is desperate to find a companion who can accompany him on his journey. This is evident in the following lines:
O Death, thou comest when I had thee least in mind;And I am hurt right sore,For no ready gold nor treasure,Farewell my goods, which I loved best;Comfort and counsel now goeth from me,But, every man beware by me,For forsooth there is no creatureThat may always endure
These lines demonstrate Everyman's desperation and fear of facing death alone. He realizes that he cannot take his wealth or possessions with him and is left with nothing but his soul. This realization leads him to search for someone who can accompany him on his journey and provide him with comfort and counsel.
Everyman's Search for a Companion
Everyman's search for a companion is a recurring theme throughout the play. He first turns to his friends, Fellowship, Kindred, and Cousin, hoping that they will accompany him on his journey. However, all three of them abandon him when they realize that they too will face death. This is evident in the following lines:
Fellowship: I will not by thee stand till thou have gone end of thy way.Kindred: And though thou wouldest in this case be my brother,Yet shall not I for thee bear the crossCousin: Thou art a fool, to complain;You spend your speech and waste your breath;Go with you I will not.
These lines highlight the disappointment of Everyman's friends and how they are unwilling to accompany him on his journey. This leaves Everyman feeling alone and abandoned.
The Disappointment of Everyman's Friends
The disappointment of Everyman's friends is a significant moment in the play. It represents the harsh reality that we must all face death alone. Everyman realizes that his friends were only interested in his wealth and possessions and were not true companions. This is evident in the following lines:
Ah, fair fellows, ye have deceived me!Friends to me hath ye none;But what, when Fellowship faileth before the end,Kindred and cousin to death doth me take?
These lines demonstrate Everyman's realization that his friends were not true companions and that he must face death alone. This realization leads him to turn to his Good Deeds, who are the only ones who can accompany him on his journey to salvation.
Everyman's Encounter with Death
Everyman's encounter with Death is a pivotal moment in the play. It represents the moment when Everyman realizes the gravity of his situation and the inevitability of death. This is evident in the following lines:
Everyman: O Death, thou comest when I had thee least in mind;In thy power it lieth me to save.Yet of my goods will I give thee, if thou wilt be kind,Yea, a thousand pound shalt thou have,And defer this matter till another day.Death: Everyman, it may not be in no way.
These lines highlight Everyman's plea to Death for mercy and his realization that he cannot escape death. This moment represents the struggle that we all face when confronted with our own mortality.
The Realization of Everyman's Mortality
Everyman's realization of his mortality is a significant moment in the play. It represents the moment when he understands that he must atone for his sins and seek salvation. This is evident in the following lines:
Everyman: O wretched caitiff, whither shall I flee,That I might be saved?To thee, O God, I turn again,For in thee is all my comfort and my grace.
These lines demonstrate Everyman's realization that he must turn to God for salvation. This realization leads him to seek the advice of his Good Deeds, who advise him to seek the counsel of Knowledge and Confession.
The Struggle of Everyman's Conscience
Everyman's struggle with his conscience is a significant theme throughout the play. He realizes that he has sinned and must atone for his sins before he can seek salvation. This is evident in the following lines:
Everyman: O Death, thou comest when I had thee least in mind;In thy power it lieth me to save.Yet of my goods will I give thee, if thou wilt be kind,Yea, a thousand pound shalt thou have,And defer this matter till another day.Death: Everyman, it may not be in no way.
These lines highlight Everyman's struggle with his conscience and his realization that he must atone for his sins before he can seek salvation.
Everyman's Plea for Salvation
Everyman's plea for salvation is a significant moment in the play. He realizes that he cannot escape death and must seek salvation before it is too late. This is evident in the following lines:
Everyman: O God, help me! for now I am in dread.I am commanded a pilgrimage to take,And great accounts before God to make.Now, good Charity, advise me what to do.Charity: Everyman, that will I do verily.
These lines demonstrate Everyman's plea for salvation and his willingness to seek advice from his Good Deeds and Charity.
The Weakening of Everyman's Physical Body
The weakening of Everyman's physical body is a significant theme throughout the play. As he journeys towards salvation, his physical body becomes weaker, and he realizes the fragility of life. This is evident in the following lines:
Everyman: My limbs under me do fold,My heart is cold,My tongue to my roof sticketh, I may not speak.
These lines demonstrate Everyman's physical deterioration and his realization that he is growing weaker as he gets closer to death.
Everyman's Final Journey to God
Everyman's final journey to God is a significant moment in the play. It represents his redemption and his acceptance of his mortality. This is evident in the following lines:
Everyman: In manus tuas, Lord, of mights most,To thee my spirit I commend.This have I found, that all men must die,And that no man may abide by his death day,Nor hour, nor time, O glorious Virgin, help at this need.
These lines demonstrate Everyman's acceptance of his mortality and his willingness to surrender his soul to God.
The Redemption of Everyman's Soul
The redemption of Everyman's soul is the ultimate goal of the play. It represents the triumph of good over evil and the acceptance of one's mortality. This is evident in the following lines:
Knowledge: For deeds that thou hast done before,Mercy thou shalt have and therefore,Yet if thou wilt eat this bread in thy distress,Thou shalt have furtherance, and that more and less.
These lines demonstrate the redemption of Everyman's soul and his acceptance of God's mercy. Everyman's journey towards salvation is complete, and he has been redeemed.
Conclusion
The play Everyman is a powerful representation of the human condition and how we are all vulnerable to death. Everyman is characterized as a desperate and fearful character who is searching for companionship and forgiveness. Throughout the play, he confronts his own mortality and struggles with his conscience. However, through his journey towards salvation, Everyman is redeemed, and his soul is saved. The play serves as a reminder that we must all confront our own mortality and seek salvation before it is too late.
Point of View on Everyman's Characterization
Excerpt that Best Represents Everyman's Characterization
The excerpt from Everyman that best represents how Everyman is characterized overall in the passage is:O Death, thou comest when I had thee least in mind; And I am not ready to leave this world behind. For, loving of riches, I neglected my God above; Whereas now I stand and must make reckoning thereof.This excerpt shows Everyman as a character who is afraid of death and unprepared for it. It also reveals that he has been preoccupied with worldly riches at the expense of his spiritual life.Pros and Cons of the Chosen Excerpt
Pros:- The excerpt perfectly captures Everyman's characterization in the passage.
- It highlights Everyman's fear of death, which is a central theme in the play.
- The excerpt underscores the importance of spiritual preparation for death.
- The excerpt is quite short and may not fully capture the complexity of Everyman's character.
- It only touches on one aspect of Everyman's life (his love of riches) and does not show the full range of his virtues and flaws.
- Other excerpts could also be argued to represent Everyman's characterization overall in the passage.
Table Comparison of Keywords
| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Everyman | The main character in the medieval morality play of the same name, who represents all of humanity. |
| Characterization | The process by which an author reveals a character's personality, traits, and qualities through their actions, dialogue, and other narrative elements. |
| Excerpt | A short passage or quotation taken from a longer work, such as a book, play, or poem. |
| Death | A personified figure who comes to Everyman to summon him to Judgment and represents the inevitability of mortality. |
| Riches | Wealth or material possessions, which in Everyman symbolize worldly distractions that prevent him from focusing on spiritual matters. |
| Spiritual Life | The aspect of human existence that deals with the soul, morality, and religious beliefs. |
In conclusion, the chosen excerpt best represents Everyman's characterization overall in the passage by highlighting his fear of death and his neglect of spiritual matters in favor of worldly riches. While there are some pros and cons to this choice, it effectively captures the essence of Everyman's struggle and sets the stage for his moral journey throughout the play.
Closing Message: Understanding the Characterization of Everyman
As we come to the end of this discussion on Everyman, it is important to reflect on the key ideas that have been presented. Throughout the passage, the character of Everyman is portrayed in a unique and complex manner, with various aspects of his personality and behavior being revealed through different excerpts. However, there is one excerpt that stands out as particularly representative of how Everyman is characterized overall in the passage.
The excerpt that best captures Everyman's characterization can be found in lines 895-903, where the character reflects on the fleeting nature of worldly possessions:
I had thought in this world a man should be happy,But I see every day that it is not so,For howsoever a man hath his heart's desire,He must perforce depart when it is time,And give up his life unto nature.Therefore, every man living may well say,That all worldly things be but vanity,For death cometh suddenly and taketh all away.
This passage reveals a number of key traits that define Everyman's character. Firstly, it shows him to be reflective and introspective, with a deep understanding of the transience of life and the inevitability of death. This is a recurring theme throughout the passage, as Everyman grapples with the idea of mortality and struggles to find meaning in a world that is ultimately fleeting.
In addition, this excerpt highlights Everyman's spiritual side, as he begins to turn away from the materialistic and superficial aspects of his life and focus instead on the eternal nature of the soul. This is seen in his rejection of worldly possessions and his recognition that true happiness can only come from a deeper sense of purpose and connection to the divine.
Overall, this passage encapsulates many of the key themes and ideas that define Everyman's character throughout the passage. From his introspection and reflection on mortality to his growing spiritual awareness, Everyman is a complex and multifaceted character who embodies many of the struggles and challenges that we all face in our own lives.
As we conclude this discussion, it is worth reflecting on the lessons that we can learn from Everyman's character. By examining his journey and struggles, we can gain a deeper understanding of our own lives and the challenges that we face. Whether we are grappling with questions of mortality, searching for deeper meaning and purpose, or simply trying to navigate the complexities of modern life, Everyman's story offers valuable insights and guidance.
So, as you leave this blog and go about your day-to-day life, remember the lessons of Everyman and strive to live a life that is meaningful, purposeful, and true to your own values and beliefs. By doing so, you too can find the happiness and fulfillment that we all seek in this fleeting world.
Understanding Everyman's Characterization through Excerpts
What is Everyman?
Everyman is an allegorical play written in the late 15th century that personifies the journey of human life. The main character, Everyman, represents all humans and must face death and judgment with the help of various allegorical characters.
Which Excerpt Best Represents Everyman's Characterization?
The following excerpt from Everyman best represents Everyman's characterization overall:
How ye be named, shew to me anon.
Everyman: Everyman, sir, I am that mon
God: Good, Everyman, thou comest on time,
Thy reckoning to give before the highest justice sublime.
This excerpt highlights Everyman's initial ignorance and fear of judgment. He does not fully understand his purpose or the consequences of his actions, but still recognizes the importance of facing his reckoning.
Other Examples of Everyman's Characterization:
- Everyman's materialistic and hedonistic lifestyle is represented by the character Goods.
- Everyman's acceptance of his fate is shown through his interactions with the character Good Deeds.
- Everyman's reliance on external factors for salvation is highlighted by his interaction with the character Knowledge.
Overall, Everyman represents the human condition and the struggle between worldly desires and spiritual fulfillment. Through his journey, he learns the importance of good deeds and faith in order to achieve salvation.