The intentions and message of EverymanChristina ChristodoulouThe play Everyman is thought to be written in the fifteenth century. Everyman closely resembles an older Flemish play and may only be a translation whereas "Elckerlijc" is seen as more advanced than its later version. More advanced in language, that is and not in the expression of religious views. This theory leads to question the intentions of the original playwright and how effectively the message has been delivered through the performances.We know that the play of Everyman was written and originally performed in the Middle Ages. Throughout these medieval times, there was much poverty and low sanitation, which lead to h ...view middle of the document...
The only person appropriate to accompany him is Good Deeds, who is very weak and frail as Everyman has not performed many good deeds in his life. He is then told to go to Confession, by another character conveniently named Knowledge and he is given forgiveness and his penance begins. Strength, Discretion, Knowledge and Five Wits now leave him and Doctor and Angel come, proclaiming that Everyman is dead and will now face God.The way the play would have been performed in these times would have used no scenery or background, simple props, trapdoors and no curtains or stage wings. This staging proves a modest play (although mainly because of the poor economy and absence of technology) it focuses more on the characters and storyline and not on material props and costuming. This mind set is a common and desirable way of life for many Christians, even today. This play has survived over time because it stands to promote the Christian ideology and religion, which the church is always working towards boosting. The play is written with no scenes or acts, only the entrance of new characters to create a pause in speech and acting. I think that this is an effective tool if viewers might...
