Question

What does the character Everyman suggest about the common English person of the time period?

Answer 1

The play Everyman was written in the 1400s. It is what is known as a "Morality" play. Its aim is to teach people how to live and how to save their souls. The character Everyman was a common English person of the period the play was written in. He had neglected his spiritual life. He repents of his sins and changes his ways in time to save his soul before he dies. The common English person of the day, as well as most people today, don't really worry about the long term consequences of the lives they live and the impact their behaviour will have on their afterlife. This play draws our attention to the fact that we actually need to consider the way we live before we die. 

Answer 2

Answer:

The character Everyman is meant to represent all people. It seems from the text that people of this time were very concerned with wealth and material possessions. Everyman’s traits reflect the idea that the common person is easy prey for the seven deadly sins and leads a life of corruption and debauchery. He is blinded by worldly possessions and has moved far away from God. The condition of the common person is highlighted in the words of God in the opening section of the play:

And now I see the people do clean forsake me.

They use the seven deadly sins d*mnable,

As pride, covetise, wrath, and lechery,

Now in the world be made commendable

In the play, God is angry that people have devoted themselves to earthly pleasures and have no fear of God's judgment. They show no interest in developing themselves spiritually. The play shows the audience the folly of leading such a life and teaches that penance can lead to salvation.

Explanation:

directly from plato