The play is told from the perspective of “Everyman” in rhyme and half rhymes. This is in contrast to Barry Unsworth’s “Morality play” in which the events that are told over the sixteen chapters of the novel have already occurred and are being retold. The two different perspectives that the play and novel are written from, provide both pros and cons when they are analysed. In “Everyman” we see events occur as they happen because it is in present tense. This allows us as the audience to connect more with the audience as there is more immediacy. In comparison “Morality play” is written in past tense which makes it less dramatic. On the other hand because it is written in past tense we are provided with more insight into the scene, as we get the opinion of what Nicholas Barber was thinking and what he thinks now as he retells the story. The novel “Morality Play” is a murder mystery in which a corrupt priest helps to solve the mystery of Thomas Wells death.
The play “Everyman” was written for the mostly illiterate 15th century audience and therefore the language is simple when compared to “Morality play” which although is set in the 15th century, is written for a much more modern sophisticated audience. This is because “Morality Play” was published in 1995. The two plays both explore several themes ranging from religion, sin, death and corruption.
The theme of death which is an essential part of the religious theme in both “Everyman” and “Morality Play” is introduced very early. In “Morality Play” the quote “it was death that began it all and another death that led us on” shows how the theme of death will play a major role in the story’s plot as it is the opening sentence. This is similar to “Everyman” as death is also introduced early in the play. “Almighty God, I am here at your will, Your commendation to fulfil”. From this quote it is revealed that a death will also carry the plotline for this novel. Furthermore from the stage directions at the start of “Everyman” an image of Good Deeds being near to death is portrayed “Good Deeds flattered and weak on the ground…….mutilated books of Everyman’s deeds”. The violent use of the adjective “mutilated” symbolises very early that Everyman’s death is near as a part of him is already nearly dead. The journey to death is also revealed to be inescapable very early “which he in no wise may escape”. However although inescapable the quote “Except that Alms be his good friend” reveals religious aspects of his journey to death and that as he begins to realise that he may only take with him what he has done in his life and not what he owns he will begin to become a good Christian. This is contrast to the spiritual journey which takes place in “Morality Play” as Nicholas Barber is able to have several companions on his path. Furthermore these companions also personify several of the abstract things that Everyman is unable to journey with. However the end of the two journeys are both similar as they reveal that God is all powerful. This is because in “Morality Play” although they solve who has been killing the boys, God has already punished the sinner with death. This also occurs in “Everyman” as although the metaphor “For I have a great enemy that hath me in wait” shows that he fears death as the play comes to an end he embraces his death.
“Everyman” and “Morality Play” are both allegorical as they both tell the story of a man going through a spiritual and physical journey. Furthermore they are both didactic as they attempt to provide a moral message for the reader or audience even though it is not welcome. In “Everyman” we are shown how we should not value our possessions over our good deeds since possessions are not taken with us to the after life. In “Morality Play” it is conveyed that although someone can be corrupted, they can still be a good person. Both morals relate to religious themes of the play and novel as they convey how God is forgiving of peoples sins and this is why we see both protagonists attempt to do something good in order to counter what they have done wrong. This is further evident in “Everyman” as Death can be interpreted, out of the compassion and mercy of God, as a last and final opportunity for Everyman to repent and see the truth. Furthermore the religious theme is made clearer when “Everyman” says that his “book of reckoning” is not ready. This is used to portray another biblical concept in which the good deeds and sins of an unsaved person must be presented to God in order to be judged. In addition the theme of corruption is present in “Morality Play” and has been embodied into the protagonist Nicholas Barber as he is a priest who has broken his vow of chastity and therefore has had to flee from the church. The irony of a corrupt priest being the hero of the novel, I feel is Barry Unsworth’s attempt at changing the conventions of the morality play as the protagonist is no longer striving to be a good Christian but instead Nicholas Barber is attempting to avoid punishment from the church for his sins. This I feel was done to create a new twist as this morality play was for a much more modern audience. The rejection Nicholas Barber shows towards the church is similar to the beginning of “Everyman” as the quote “What, sent to me?” although not showing him rejecting God does reveal that Everyman is unaware of Gods presence which further reveals how the play tries to make to audience aware of God so they become religious. As “Everyman” progresses though we see the clear contrast as Everyman is attempting to rectify the way he has lived his life by doing as many good deeds as he can to avoid damnation.
In conclusion both “Everyman” and “Morality Play” share both several comparisons. The play and novel both have the protagonist go on a journey of spiritual enlightenment which occurs due to a death or impending death. Furthermore we see that both the play and novel although written in different periods share the themes death, religion, corruption and sin. The way these themes are portrayed is also very similar, death is portrayed through the journey they both undertake and corruption is symbolised in both protagonists at the start of their journeys as both have lived sinful lives. This corruption is then turned to religion as Everyman accepts his fate and tries to perform as many good deeds as he can before he dies and Nicholas Barber solves the mystery of the Thomas Wells death and saves the girl from death. Furthermore the portrayal of religion in both texts is similar as both protagonists at first reject religion but then as the story’s come to a close they accept the power of religion.
