Everyman: meaning, definitions and examples

Literature

• The term 'everyman' has roots in medieval morality plays, where characters personified moral attributes or common human experiences.
• In literature, 'everyman' often goes on a journey or faces challenges that reflect what many people experience in life.

Philosophy

• Philosophically, the everyman symbolizes the struggle for identity and meaning in a complex world, making their story universally relatable.
• Many philosophers argue that understanding the everyman helps us grasp larger societal issues and human behavior.

Pop Culture

• In movies and books, everyman characters like Arthur Dent from 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' highlight ordinary reactions to extraordinary situations.
• Superheroes often have an 'everyman' persona, like Spider-Man, who is an average teenager grappling with typical life challenges alongside his superpowers.

Psychology

• Psychologically, everyman characters create a sense of empathy, allowing audiences to see themselves in different narratives.
• They can also serve as a mirror for societal norms and pressures, as they often reflect our fears, dreams, and struggles.

History

• The concept of everyman has evolved through the centuries, influencing how we perceive heroism and virtue in historical narratives.
• Everyman-like figures in history, like the common soldier or the everyday worker, emphasize the importance of grassroots movements.