ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -This is a rare copy of a famous morality play called The somonynge of every man, first written in the late medieval period and printed c. 1530. It is usually just called Everyman, after the central character – an ordinary, flawed human being representing all mankind.

Detailed explanation-2: -A prime example of an episodic morality play is The Castle of Perseverance, which follows a man from birth to death as he interacts with the personification of the Seven Deadly Sins. This variety of morality play was more limited in scope and usually involved specific time periods in the hero’s life/death.

Detailed explanation-3: -Everyman, an English morality play of the 15th century, probably a version of a Dutch play, Elckerlyc. It achieves a beautiful, simple solemnity in treating allegorically the theme of death and the fate of the human soul-of Everyman’s soul as he tries to justify his time on earth.

Detailed explanation-4: -Other famous Morality Plays are Pride of Life (c1350) and Everyman (1495). The longer Moralities, such as The Castle of Perseverance, were probably played by professional actors in round theatres with several scaffolds. The shorter ones were performed preferably in inner courts of public houses.

Detailed explanation-5: -Overall Theme. As one might expect from a morality play, “Everyman” has a very clear moral, one that is delivered at the beginning, middle, and end of the play. The blatantly religious message is simple: Earthly comforts are fleeting. Only good deeds and God’s grace can provide salvation.