Meaning Of Lines In Everyman: Fellowship, Jollity, And More
Hey guys! Let's break down this powerful passage from the play Everyman: "When the body lieth in clay, Here shall you see how Fellowship and jollity, Both Strength, Pleasure, and Beauty, Will fade from thee as flower in May." This quote encapsulates a core theme of the morality play Everyman, which is the transient nature of earthly companions and attributes in the face of death. Understanding the meaning behind these lines requires us to delve into the symbolism of each element mentioned: the body in clay, Fellowship, Jollity, Strength, Pleasure, and Beauty, and their fleeting nature compared to a flower in May. So, buckle up, and let's get started!
The Body in Clay: Mortality's Stark Reality
The body lying in clay is a powerful image representing death and the physical decay that follows. Clay, often associated with the earth, symbolizes the mortal realm from which we come and to which we return. This line immediately sets a somber tone, reminding the audience of the inevitability of death for all human beings. It's a stark contrast to the vibrant life Everyman experiences at the beginning of the play, highlighting the temporary nature of our physical existence. The use of the word "lieth" also emphasizes the stillness and passivity of the body once life has departed. This image serves as a foundation for the subsequent lines, which explore what fades away when death arrives. The physicality of the body turning to clay further underscores the tangible loss that death represents, making it all the more relatable for the audience. This understanding is crucial, guys, as it sets the stage for the play's exploration of what truly matters in the face of mortality. The imagery is deliberately blunt, serving as a memento mori, a reminder of death's ever-present reality. Thinking about this, we can appreciate how effectively the play uses this imagery to drive home its central message about the importance of spiritual preparation for the afterlife. It's not just about fearing death, but about living a life that transcends the physical realm. The clay imagery also subtly connects to the biblical story of creation, where humans are formed from clay, reinforcing the idea of our earthly origins and eventual return. It's this combination of religious and philosophical undertones that makes the play so compelling and relevant even today.
Fellowship and Jollity: The Fair-Weather Friends
Fellowship and Jollity, representing camaraderie and merrymaking, are the first to be mentioned as things that will fade. In the context of Everyman, these characters are personifications of the bonds and pleasures we experience in life. However, the play suggests that these bonds are often superficial and dependent on our worldly success and well-being. Think about it: how many people are truly there for you when times get tough, and not just when things are fun and easy? This line implies that when death approaches, those who are merely companions in good times will abandon us, just like Fellowship and Jollity abandon Everyman. The ephemeral nature of these relationships is further emphasized by the comparison to a flower in May, a symbol of fleeting beauty and vitality. The play uses these characters to illustrate the unreliability of worldly friendships in the face of death. Guys, it's a harsh truth, but the play doesn't shy away from it. The implication is not that friendship is inherently bad, but rather that relying solely on worldly companions for fulfillment is a mistake. True friendship, the play subtly suggests, is rooted in something deeper than shared pleasure and good times. The departure of Fellowship and Jollity is a poignant moment in the play, highlighting Everyman's growing isolation as he faces his mortality. It forces him to confront the reality that he must ultimately face judgment alone. This realization is a crucial step in his spiritual journey, pushing him to seek solace and redemption in more lasting values. The betrayal by these characters is not just a personal loss for Everyman, but a symbolic representation of the failure of earthly connections to provide true comfort in the face of death. It's a universal theme that resonates with audiences across centuries, reminding us to consider the nature of our relationships and what truly sustains us.
Strength, Pleasure, and Beauty: The Fleeting Physical Attributes
Strength, Pleasure, and Beauty represent the physical and sensual aspects of life. These are qualities that are highly valued in the world, but they are also inherently transient. Strength diminishes with age and illness, pleasure is fleeting and often leads to sorrow, and beauty fades with time. The play underscores the futility of clinging to these attributes as sources of lasting value. The comparison to a flower in May is particularly apt here, as it emphasizes the delicate and short-lived nature of these qualities. The lines suggest that these aspects of life, while enjoyable in the moment, cannot accompany us into the afterlife. The play challenges the audience to consider what truly endures beyond physical prowess, sensual indulgence, and outward appearance. The departure of these characters is a symbolic representation of the physical and sensual losses that accompany death. It reinforces the idea that true value lies not in the material world, but in the spiritual realm. Guys, the play is not necessarily condemning physical strength, pleasure, or beauty, but rather putting them in their proper perspective. These things are not inherently bad, but they are not the ultimate sources of happiness or meaning. The play suggests that a life focused solely on these things is ultimately a shallow and unfulfilling one. The fading of these attributes also serves as a reminder of the limitations of the human body and the inevitability of physical decline. It encourages the audience to look beyond the physical and to cultivate qualities of the soul that will endure beyond death. The play's message is not one of despair, but rather one of hope, suggesting that true and lasting fulfillment can be found in spiritual growth and devotion.
The Flower in May: A Symbol of Ephemeral Existence
The simile "as flower in May" beautifully encapsulates the transitory nature of life and its joys. A flower in May is at its peak of beauty and vibrancy, but it is also short-lived. This comparison highlights the ephemeral nature of all the qualities mentioned – Fellowship, Jollity, Strength, Pleasure, and Beauty. Just as a flower blooms briefly and then withers, these aspects of life will fade away with the approach of death. This image serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency of preparing for the afterlife. The play uses this simile to underscore the importance of focusing on lasting values rather than fleeting pleasures. Guys, the flower in May is a powerful symbol that resonates with audiences even today. It's a reminder that time is precious and that we should make the most of the opportunities we have to live a meaningful life. The beauty of the flower also serves as a contrast to the harsh reality of death, making the message of the play even more impactful. The image is both beautiful and melancholic, capturing the essence of human existence – the joy of life tempered by the knowledge of its impermanence. The flower also symbolizes renewal and rebirth, hinting at the possibility of a spiritual life beyond death. It's not just about the end, but about what comes next. The simile invites the audience to contemplate the bigger picture and to consider what truly matters in the grand scheme of things.
Conclusion: The Enduring Message of Everyman
In conclusion, the lines "When the body lieth in clay, Here shall you see how Fellowship and jollity, Both Strength, Pleasure, and Beauty, Will fade from thee as flower in May" are a central statement in Everyman. They highlight the fleeting nature of earthly companions and attributes in the face of death. The lines emphasize the importance of preparing for the afterlife by focusing on spiritual values rather than worldly pleasures. The imagery of the body in clay, the departure of fair-weather friends, the fading of physical attributes, and the comparison to a flower in May all contribute to this powerful message. Guys, the play reminds us that true fulfillment lies not in the things that fade away, but in the qualities of the soul that endure. Everyman's journey is a timeless reminder of the human condition and the universal need for redemption and spiritual growth. Thinking about these lines, it's clear that Everyman is not just a play about death, but a play about life, and how to live it well. The play challenges us to consider our own mortality and to make choices that will lead to lasting happiness and fulfillment, both in this life and the next. It's a message that is as relevant today as it was centuries ago. The core of the play encourages self-reflection and emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous life in preparation for the inevitable. So, what do you guys think? How does this passage resonate with you in your own lives?