Elisabeth Kubler-Ross' On Death and Dying is an easy to understand look at important issues, attitudes and factors that contribute to society's anxiety about death presented in a kind but factual manner. Kubler-Ross illustrates the many problems that can arise from not discussing death and dying and the heartache it can cause the terminally ill and their families. The book is based on hundreds of sample interviews and conversations with dying patient which provide a better understanding of the effects which death has on patients and their families.
             Kubler-Ross identifies the five stages of dying of which many terminally ill patients progress through when they are told about their illness. The stages go in progression through denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. However, these stages are not absolute and rigid but fluid and last for different periods of time. They may exist side by side or one may experience any number out of the five. "The one thing though that usually persists through all of the stages is hope." (138)
             Kubler-Ross describes the stage of denial and isolation as a "healthy way of dealing with the uncomfortable and painful situation" (39) and that in
             most cases, is a temporary defense that is usually replaced by at least partial acceptance. The first reaction of disbelief, the "no it's not true, no, it cannot involve me" usually gives way to the realization that there is no mistake and the inevitability of pending death is true. Once the fantasy is given up, anger, rage, resentment and envy seeps in and the "why me and not you" reaction takes hold.
             The third stage, bargaining, is a sort of proposed agreement or deal the patient makes with God. "If we have been unable to face the sad facts in the first period and have been angry at people and God in the second phase, maybe we can succeed in entering into some
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