Portrayal of Death

Portrayal of Death

When literature was first introduced to the world, it was not accepted with open arms, due to the fact that the majority of people did not have the privilege of knowing how to read. Once people were taught to read, their interest in reading grew. This opened up new avenues for authors, and sparked a domino effect. New talents emerged and more and more people began to take an interest in writing. Just as everyone's work is different, so is the interpretation of their writing. Literature is a way for one to express their thoughts, feelings, experiences and ideas on to paper for others to enjoy. Over the years, literature has evolved into many genres, written by an array of talented writers. Literature essentially transforms and intensifies ordinary language. It requires specialized vocabulary. One may chose to write a poem, play, novel, or short story. In my essay, I will be covering three works of literature that have a common element. The particular element that I will be discussing is the element of death.

In order for one to read or write about death, one must understand the meaning of the word. According to Merriam-Webster's dictionary, the word death is defined as: a permanent cessation of all vital functions: the end of life; a cause or occasion of loss of life; a cause of ruin; the state of being dead; the passing or destruction of something inanimate, or beyond endurance (Death, 2010). The element of death is part of life, and it is something that is mentioned quite frequently. It leaves a feeling of sadness and disbelief, and for a moment makes one ponder over why it may have happened at all. Although many philosophers and religious leaders have tried to discover the meaning of death, no one is certain that they can understand the cycle of life. Death is an element often used in literary works in order to capture the attention of an audience, because of the mystery behind it. For many years, writers, poets, and authors have incorporated the element of death in their work to establish a sudden end to their story, or to lead the reader to discern what happened as part of a mystery. Knowing that one may die, may strike a feeling of fear or one of anger. Death can happen due to negligence or end as a sacrifice, all of which could leave a person in tears.

"Because I Could Not Stop for Death", by Emily Dickinson talks about the contemplation of death, the mortality of it and life after death. Written in 1863, this poem is considered one of Emily's greatest works. This authors portrayal of death is one of peaceful delay, bound by the understanding that there is little retreat from its grasp. Dickinson's interpretation of death is not one of a conventional manner where desolation and disaster accompany. Her vision of death is one that has a calm presence instead of one that is demonic. The wording she uses gives the reader a feeling that she is welcoming death or that she is curious about it, as she refers to the carriage arriving to claim her. It is almost as if she has come to terms with the fact that she is dying and has accepted it as her concluding fate. In her opening lines, Dickinson leads the reader to believe that death is a gentleman or a suitor calling upon a lady. She states that death kindly stopped for her, referring to death as being generous:

Because I could not stop for Death--

He kindly stopped for me--

The Carriage held but just Ourselves--

And Immortality. (cited in DiYanni, 2007, p. 810)

By giving death human characteristics, it adds more depth to the poem then it simply referring to death as a concept or action.

Throughout the poem, death is manifested as a force that seeks to irradiate meaning and

purpose. While death is the only thing that escorts the speaker, the poem gives an essence that there is no hurry. The ride is like taking leisurely paced stroll down memory lane as it provides a vision of loveliness and beauty within the world. She describes passing a school where children are playing, wheat growing in the fields and the setting sun as if she is seeing her surroundings one last time. Each one of these visions represent parts of her life. The children at play symbolizes her childhood, the growing fields symbolizes her life as she matured, and the setting sun symbolizes the end of her life.

The Dews drew quivering and chill--

For only Gossamer, my Gown--

My Tippet--only Tulle-- (cited in DiYanni, 2007, p. 810)

In this stanza, the speaker is referring to her wardrobe as if it were colder weather. She also uses descriptive words such as "Quivering" and "chill" which are words indicative of death. In the fifth stanza, Dickinson describes stopping in front of a house where the roof was hardly visible. As she describes the "swelling of the ground", it is evident that she is referring to her grave or final resting place. Here she is portraying death as being comfortable, as she describes spending eternity in a comfortable home rather than a cold, dark, and gloomy grave.

The closing stanza indicates that while the speaker has come to terms with death years before, it does not feel as if so much time has passed. This is a great example of how hours seem like days when you are waiting on something with great anticipation. Her closing words lead one to believe that she has made it to her destination; whether that was heaven or hell, or somewhere into oblivion. No one really knows what happens after death, therefore it leads one to speculate; however, Emily describes riding toward death in a carriage, in which she believes it will take her into eternity:

Since then--'tis Centuries-and yet

Feels shorter than the Day

I first surmised the Horses' Heads

Were toward Eternity-- (cited in DiYanni, 2007, p.810)

"When I Have Fears That I May Cease to Be", by John Keats was revolving around the fear of death and the regret of dying at a young age. This poem was written in 1818 and was of Shakespearean sonnet. It is only assumed to believe that this poem is a direct reflection of his life. Keats was only 25 when he passed away. In his early years, Keats experienced a great deal of turmoil, which transcended into his work. John Keats believed in the concept of "Negative Capability", in which one could unite truth and beauty to overcome the