Perception of Death Research

As such, death is viewed as unforgiving and cruel. Bearing that in mind, the play titled, ‘everyman’, is a perfect depiction of how human race perceive and treat death. In spite of the fact that this morality play was written in the 15th century, the play still resonates with the contemporary society in diverse significant aspects. In particular, the author allegorically personifies ‘death,’ as well as the term, ‘‘everyman’’ as the main characters of the play in order to effectively convey the message to the targeted audience1. This essay will explore the author’s perception with regards to the phenomenon of death as well as how death is treated in the play. In a sense, death reminds ‘everyman’ that they ought to re-consider about their past and present actions, and amend their ways respectively before the end of times or when death says its their turn4.

By the same token, the perception, reaction and the manner in which ‘everyman’ treats death is apparently characterized by confusion, distress, anxiety and fear. This is because ‘‘everyman’’ comes to the realization that he has not lived a relatively righteous and good life by Gods standards, instead he has lived a relatively pleasure and evil oriented lifestyle. As such, ‘everyman’ is not ready for death and therefore he attempts by all means possible to persuade death to grant him a second chance and more time in order to amend his way and make everything right with God. In fact, death makes it plain that it does not give second chances to humanity, besides; it is not a respecter of man Furthermore, the play articulates explicitly how ‘everyman’ detests death and the notion of living the world.

This notion is affirmed by the fact that death does not grant a second chance to rectify ones ways. Besides, even after everyone attempts to persuade their families and friends to accompany him while he confronts death, unfortunately nobody is willing to accompany him. Instead, they choose to continue enjoying their lives here on earth, and the notion of death is resisted with maximum steadfastness6. This happening showcases that every person will eventually confront death and subsequently judgment alone, and at this moment neither family, wealth nor friends will come to their rescue. The worldly and the earthly stuffs including the physical body will be left here on earth and the subsequent judgment will be conducted on an individual basis. Subsequently, he is dressed with a robe which implicitly signifies that he is a new being, and that he is ready to enter the eternal paradise.

This in a sense demonstrates that for every individual to be accepted in Gods kingdom, they must be deemed as repentant, righteous as well clean from all manner of sins in the eyes of Almighty God. Still on the same vein, subsequently, ‘everyman’ is escorted by his distinctive five wits, strength, beauty and discretion. These elements are intended to empower him while he confronts death. Notwithstanding, he later realizes that at the point of death is the far that these elements cannot accompany him, and that they can no longer accompany him to the afterlife. This implies that every person shall confront death alone. Last but not least, if ‘everyman’ confesses their sins and seeks forgiveness, death is perceives as a door of entering heaven to meet God.