LRJ #1

The 15th century play Everyman, is centered around the common religious theme of inevitable judgement and how no earthy possessions can influence whether you end up in heaven or hell. Throughout the play, Everyman visits each of his mortal companions and comes to find that even though they were each valuable to him. They will play no audience in his audience with God. The only worldly  His various companions symbolize the sinful things man can allow himself to become tempted with.

The author uses the wise character Good-Deeds to teach Everyman an important lesson. "All earthly things is but vanity/ Beauty, Strength, and Discretion do man forsake,/ Foolish friends and kinsman that fair spake/ all fleeth save Good-Deeds and, that am I" (14). This shows the reader the most important theme of the story, the only things you can hold on to for judgement are your Good-Deeds.

Everyman's inner angel also attempts to aid him in his trial before God. "Come, excellent elect spouse to jesu/ Here above thou shalt go/ Because of thy singular virtue."(15). The angel reinforced the theme that Good-Deeds are the only things that are important in the eyes of God.

The important message of Everyman was that none of one's earthly possessions will help him on Judgement day, save one's Good Deeds. This theme was reinforced by Everyman's Friends throughout the play.