Topics for Further Study
Everyman is a morality play. Discuss how morality plays shaped Renaissance dramas, particularly those by Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare. You might use Dr. Faustus or Macbeth as examples of later morality plays.
In what ways are all the characters in Everyman allegorical?
If you were directing this play, how would you design the costumes? Would you opt for modern attire, a science fiction theme, or do you believe medieval costumes would be most effective? Be ready to justify your choice as crucial for enhancing the audience's comprehension of the play.
Investigate the evolution of medieval morality plays in England.
Given the origins of medieval morality plays like Everyman, why do you think they still resonate today? How or why does sixteenth-century religious drama address a contemporary need for spirituality in human life?
Compare Everyman to another accessible morality play such as The Second Shepherd's Play. What insights do these plays offer about medieval life?
It is believed that the principles of modern civilization have their origins in early drama. What contemporary values and beliefs can you identify in the themes presented in Everyman?
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