Here's how it plays out:
* The Play's Theme: Everyman is a personification of humanity, called to account by Death for his life.
* The "Account": Everyman is forced to confront the consequences of his actions. He's judged based on his deeds: good or bad.
* "Good Deeds" as Evidence: Everyman desperately seeks companions to accompany him on his journey to Death. He finds out that only "Good Deeds" will stand by him. This represents the importance of righteous living and the consequences of neglecting it.
The story isn't about a literal accounting ledger, but about the spiritual ledger of one's life. Everyman's journey is a metaphor for facing judgment and the weight of our actions.
Here's how the "accounting" concept is illustrated in the play:
* The Summoning of Everyman: Death's arrival is a call to account for how Everyman has lived.
* The Search for Companions: His efforts to find companions like Fellowship, Kindred, Goods, and Strength reveal the emptiness of material possessions and fleeting relationships in the face of death.
* The Power of Good Deeds: Good Deeds, unlike the others, stays by Everyman's side, demonstrating the enduring value of a life lived righteously.
The play's message is that our deeds are our legacy, and we will be judged by them. This resonates even today, encouraging us to reflect on how we live and what we leave behind.