The medieval period was a time of great change for England. People began to abandon their old barbaric ways and adopt a knightly code of behavior known as chivalry. The most important aspects of life became truth, honor, courtesy, and valor. The literature of the time often stressed this standard of living by incorporating a spiritual reassessment or moral reconciliation of one of the major characters. Everyman, Morte D'Arthur, and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight are three works of this period in which this is evident.
             "Full unready am I such reckoning to give. " This statement establishes early on in the work the plot of Everyman. When confronted by Death and warned of his final judgement, Everyman begs for time to make up his book of accounts and gather friends to accompany him on his final journey. He first goes to Fellowship, who abandons him as soon as he learns the nature of Everyman's request. Kindred and Cousin do likewise. Everyman next approaches Goods, only to receive yet another refusal. In a desperate attempt to find a companion, Everyman searches for Good Deeds, but she is too weak to go with him. She does, however, call her sister Knowledge to help. Knowledge leads Everyman to Confession and penance. Good Deeds, then healed, joins Everyman along with Discretion, Strength, Beauty, and Five Wits. Aided thus, Everyman makes up his book of accounts. Discretion, Strength, Beauty, and Five Wits abandon Everyman in his old age, for they do not want to die with him. Knowledge sta!
             ys until his death, and Good Deeds accompanies him to his grave. At the end of the play, Everyman realizes that it is what he does, not what he has, that determines his final judgement.
             In Morte D'Arthur, Sir Bedivere faces a moral crisis. When the dying King Arthur tells Bedivere to throw his sword, Excalibur, into the water, he agrees to do so; but as Bedivere approaches the water, he realizes the value of the sword and hides it inst...