Theme of Death in Hamlet, Dante's Inferno, and The Death of
Death is something that all must face at some time or another or in one way or another. It is the ultimate equalizer in that in death the king is brought to the level of the peasant. The concept and theme of death whether it be its inevitability, power to bring one into the realization of truth, or ability to provide justice is a major and prevailing theme in the works of Hamlet, Dante's Inferno, and The Death of Ivan Ilych. By observing the role of death and the way it is portrayed in each work, one may be able to draw some conclusions about what the author believes not only about death, but also about life in the world we live in. In Hamlet the theme of death is very prevalent in different ways. Hamlet, after his own father's death, seems to be constantly thinking about and obsessing over the concept of death. The concept of life after death arises with the introduction of the ghost, Hamlet's dead father. Shakespeare also introduces this theme with Hamlet's thoughts about suicide. He wonders if it is better to simply die and forget all the pain and suffering in this world or to live and endure it. He yearns for death but is afraid of what will happen to him after death. This may show Shakespeare's possible belief i
It is truly inevitable for when it knocks at the door one has no choice but to answer. Tolstoy powerfully shows that life is short and death is inevitable so one must focus on what is truly important and not get wrapped up in the falseness of needing a life of total success and high status. It does not just end in darkness and despair but opens up into a whole new realm of existence perhaps symbolizing a sort of conversion experience or passage from life on earth to life in heaven after death. In the story the sinners are punished by God in direct proportion to the type of sin they committed. When he understands this he then begins to accept death and find peace in it. It cannot be escaped or evaded; death will have its way. The black sac is symbolic of him passing from life to death but on a deeper level, from non-life to life, for on the other side there is more to see and experience. He then begins to see what life is really about and finally finds peace in all his suffering. Dante presents the idea that death is the doorway to the eternal where one may live in peace and harmony or pain and suffering. Death is the ultimate equalizer that brings all men into submission and provides justice. After fooling himself and struggling to hold onto what he thought was a good life, he realizes that death is coming and there is nothing he can do about it. By observing the concept of death in these three works and its many forms and perspectives, one may have a better understanding not only of the entire work itself, but also perhaps the views and beliefs of the authors themselves. In The Death of Ivan Ilych the most prevalent themes relating to death are probably its inevitability and its power. Death is powerful and death is truth, shattering the falseness and illusions of this life and jarring one into reality.
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Acceptance Essays
