The poem, "Thanatopsis," written by William Cullen Bryant, is a wonderful literary work
which explores the often controversial questions of death. Within his well written lines
Bryant attempts to show the relationship between death's eternal questions and the
ongoing cycle of nature and life. Upon concluding the poem many readers are able to
reaffirm their faith of an afterlife, while others are left aimlessly pondering this
strange possibility.
Throughout the poem Bryant creates images which connect death and sleep. In fact, once
the reader gets halfway through the poem they discover that Bryant uses these words
almost interchangeably. In the second stanza he writes, "All that tread the globe are
but a handful to the tribes that slumber in its bosom." Instead of referring to death he
uses the word "slumber." These connections continue in a number of places. Other
examples include lines 57 and 66. In line 57 he writes, "In their last sleep the dead
reign there alone," and in line 66, referring to death and burial, Bryant writes, "And
make their bed with thee." This connection between death and sleep creates an intriguing
metaphor which adds depth and meaning to the poem.
By using this strange metaphor I believe Bryant wishes to suggest his faith in an
afterlife. While examining the differences and similarities of death and sleep the
reader is left with some very thought provoking questions. The answers to these
questions reassure some readers while confusing others. Sleep is a time of rest. It
allows preparation for the next day or event, and by relating this definition to death
Bryant gives new insight on one's fate after earthly existence. When identifying sleep
with death Bryant gives death many characteristics of slumber. People generally wake
from sleep, and Bryant expands this occurrence to death. Death could simply be a time of
rest that retires the bodies' of earthly beings, and allows the soul to wake. Upon
waking the soul is freed, and enters a new plane of existence. This idea of a spiritual
awakening is demonstrated in "Thanatopsis." In lines 50 and 51 Bryant writes, "Take the
wings of morning, pierce the Barcan wilderness." To me, the wings in this statement
symbolize a spiritual, angelic being, and the morning suggests a time of waking. After
waking, the angelic being breaks through the confinement of the human grave, and
continues its existence elsewhere. In my opinion these lines indicate Bryant's belief in
an afterlife.
After reflective meditation in the wilderness Bryant comes to terms with death. He
knows death is a conclusion to the material world, but in this conclusion is a type of
rebirth. Bryant believes death prepares the soul for its next journey. With this belief
he is put at ease, but I cannot say the same for myself. I am truly confused about the
subject. It is a source of great frustration for me. I, like many people, talk about
the possibility of an afterlife, but it seems rather pointless. I spend countless hours
pondering a question that shall never be answered in this lifetime. In addition, I
realize death, along with being the end of the earthly life, is an end to all earthly
traits. The afterlife begins following death, and cannot contain earthly
characteristics. Therefore, it is illogical for me to attempt the comprehension of an
afterlife. Even if it exists it is still impossible for me, as a living person, to
understand or fathom.
|