Everyman Eng 231

In many religions there is a place of afterlife in which you stride to get to once you leave your earthly being; this place is known as Heaven in the Christian faith. Heaven is described as the holiest place a person can go, its entrance is marked with pearly gates and you are greeted by St. Peter into the cloud filled sanctuary where God dwells and angels fly freely. How exactly does a person gain access to such a divine place as Heaven? What happens if a person loses sight of God’s intent for man? In the 15th century play, Everyman, God calls onto Everyman to seek out these answers for He fears man has lost sight. With a deeper look into symbolism, and good deeds it explains the religious meaning within the play, Everyman.
The play is marked by Everyman’s journey to find someone to go to Heaven with him. In the Catholic faith this is known as Viaticum, a form of Eucharist or communion. Viaticum is Latin for “provisions for a journey”. Provisions for a journey are given to those who may be facing death or who are dying. This rite prepares a person to receive eternal life from God, and gives them the confidence to go before Him. Everyman’s journey symbolized the trials and tribulations a person must overcome before they can reach heaven.   If Everyman had not been given this journey he would not have grasped the understanding of how God plays a role in each person’s life. Every person is allowed the following to prepare themselves for afterlife and going before God: Baptism, confirmation, penance, extreme unction, Eucharist, prayers, and good deeds. When Everyman gives his testament, Knowledge advises him to seek out priesthood, it is after this that Five-Wits explains the purpose of him going.
“…For man’s redemption, it is ever sure; Which God for our soul’s medicine Gave us out of his heart with great pine; Here in this transitory life, for thee and me The blessed sacraments seven there be, Baptism, confirmation, with priesthood good, And the sacrament of... [continues]

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