Written by Sonaxi Satpathi
Edited by Aishwarya
Illustrated by Ilakiya PB
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Death has been a central theme in literature for centuries, acting as a device to explore the human condition by tortured poets and impassioned writers. Till the Renaissance, religious beliefs influenced the portrayal of death heavily, but as science advanced, depictions of death in art became more lifelike. From Shakespeare's tragedies to contemporary novels, authors have confronted human mortality in various ways, viewing it as a philosophical and psychological phenomenon among others. These works can be analyzed using the existentialist ideas of Nietzsche and Camus, which offer distinct perspectives on the nature of existence and the confrontation with death.
One way writers confront mortality is through the portrayal of death as an integral part of the human experience. For example, Shakespeare’s Hamlet which presents one of the most iconic contemplations of mortality in literature. Here, death drives the plot and characters, acting not just as an event but a catalyst. The titular character's famous soliloquy, "To be, or not to be: that is the question," encapsulates Hamlet’s struggle with the existential question of life's meaning in the face of death. Hamlet’s indecisiveness and philosophical dilemma aligns with Nietzsche’s concept of the “eternal recurrence,” suggesting that the inevitability of death forces individuals to confront the value of their existence.
Similarly, Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray delves into the theme of mortality via the protagonist’s desire of youth and beauty, his pursuit for vanity and aestheticism. Dorian’s desire to escape aging symbolizes humanity's aversion to mortality, yet his eventual demise emphasizes the inescapable reality of death. This illustrates the emptiness of the pursuit of social status and material wealth; Nietzsche would see Dorian’s pursuit of eternal youth as a denial of the natural order and an attempt to evade reality. Conversely, Camus might view Dorian’s eventual demise as a consequence of his refusal to accept the inherent absurdity of life and embrace its fleeting nature.
Writers like Sylvia Plath have also used death to explore the psychological aspects of mortality, playing along Nietzsche’s idea of the "will to power." The poem portrays the speaker’s acceptance in the face of death, likening herself to Lazarus, who rises from the dead. The repeated imagery of resurrection and rebirth reflects her tumultuous relationship with death. Plath’s poem challenges traditional notions of mortality and invites a reinterpretation of it.
Furthermore, death is often used as a metaphor for larger existential questions about the human condition plagued with grief and loss. In Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Raven," the raven’s repetitive refrain, "Nevermore," serves as a reminder of the finality of death, this reads into Camus’ ideas of the meaninglessness of life and the inevitability of death. Through the protagonist's conversation with the raven, a symbol of death, Poe's take on the longing for the deceased illustrates the psychological impact of when faced with mortality.
Moreover, writers use various literary devices to convey the emotional impact of death on their characters and readers. Symbolism, imagery, and allegory are often employed to evoke deeper meanings and introspection. For example, in Emily Dickinson's poetry, death is personified as a suitor or a friend, offering a comforting or ominous presence depending on the context. Her poem "Because I could not stop for Death" explores death by personifying it as a gentle carriage ride. Dickinson’s portrayal of death as a peaceful transition challenges conventional notions of mortality. In a way Dickinson alludes to Camus’ idea of acceptance of the absurdity of existence and the inevitability of death. Dickinson’s portrayal of death as a peaceful transition contrasts with Poe’s more harrowing depiction, highlighting the diverse interpretations of mortality in literature.
In conclusion, death is a universal theme in literature that writers use to confront the human condition and explore questions about existence, meaning, and the nature of reality. Through their work, writers offer insights into the ways in which individuals deal with mortality. Whether through reflections on grief, philosophical takes on the absurdity of life, or symbolic representations of death as a transformative force, literature serves as a powerful medium for confronting the ultimate unknown.
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