The influence of the Church and Christianity were responsible for often shaping the works of art produced during the fifteenth century. One of these, the morality play Everyman, demonstrates this influence. The moral of the play revolves around the need for human beings to adhere to Church doctrine and the authority of the priests, if they wish to review the reward of Heaven in the afterlife. Only a life of ôGood Deeds,ö is one that will open the gates of GodÆs Kingdom, but such a life will do so for ôevery man.ö
The purpose of Everyman is to demonstrate to audience members what kind of behavior one should exhibit in life to receive entrance to Heaven in the afterlife. The life that should be lived is one that should focus on ôGood Deeds,ö for it is only such a life that will provide on with everlasting life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Everyman must prepare himself to meet GodÆs judgment. He attempts to find co-travelers on his way to judgment, but he discovers that none of those he focused on his life will travel with him. Fellowship, Kinsmen, Goods, and Riches will not go with him, and Everyman realizes they are of little use on judgment day. Though Everyman has often ignored Good Deeds in his life, Good Deeds helps him prepare for judgment day. Knowledge helps Everyman seek Confession. One he has confessed his sins, Everyman understands the nature of Good Deeds. He is now prepared to face judgment, ôInto thy hands, Lord, my soul I commend: Receive it, Lord; that it be not lost,ö (Abrams, p. 466).
Many of the plays created during this era were meant to demonstrate to human beings how to live life in order to benefit from GodÆs mercy and glory in the afterlife. We see that the explanation by Knowledge and Five Wits is meant to show Everyman that humans must accept and adhered to the authority of the priesthood. In preparing for death, Everyman confesses, parts with his material goods,
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