e of the failure of human beings to obey his commandments, ôMan that I made I will destroy, / Beast, worm, and fowl to fly; / For on earth they do me noy, / The folk that are thereonö (Abrams 2000, 381). Because Noah listens to God and his actions are in accordance with GodÆs will, Noah is saved or redeemed, in much the same manner as Everyman is redeemed through penance, charity, compassions, and Good Deeds.
In Everyman, we see that most people leads lives devoted to self-enrichment. However, status, friends, and material goods do not save one from GodÆs wrath. Only by doing Good Deeds is one saved, because only Good Deeds accompany one to the hereafter and count in GodÆs judgement. Likewise, Noah is one of the few who adheres to GodÆs ways. Building the ark seems like a momentous task, especially considering the reality of a major flood does not seem possible. Unlike Everyman and The Second ShepherdÆs Play however, there is no conflict in this story between good and evil or vice and virtue. There is only the illustration of GodÆs redemption when leading a life according to his commandments. Noah is humbled and elated to receive GodÆs redemption, ôLord, I thank Thee through Thy might; / Thy bidding shall be done in hight, / And, as fast a
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