Everyman is a classic morality play on the transitory nature of mortal existence. It is also the title of the latest novel by Philip Roth. Unlike its medieval namesake, however, Roth's novel offers no hope in the prospects of eternal life.
What does this have to do with the BofG? Glad you asked! In the new novel, Everyman's father runs a jewelry store, called, appropriately enough, Everyman's Jewelry Shop. In contrast to the stark naturalism of the book's title character, Everyman's father is a metaphorical stand-in for God and traditional notions of eternal life. Diamonds are touted for their immortal brightness, and the shop's many watches refer not only to the passage of time but the classic image of God as the divine watchmaker.
Like the original play, Roth's novel is short--180 pages. Which is good, because life is short and painful and there's so much left undone.
Woe.
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