Death in Literature

Paper Summary:

How we view death is often determined by how we view life. This paper examines how two stories that illustrate opposite points of view regarding this subject are William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and Francois Voltaire's "Candide." It looks at how with Hamlet, Shakespeare presents us with a character whose life is totally disrupted and for all intents and purposes, destroyed by death. From the onset of the play, Hamlet is forced to deal with death. In contrast, it shows how Voltaire looks at death in a completely different way through the theme of resurrection. With "Candide," we see how death hardly has an impact on the characters at all and how this notion is emphasized through the resurrection of Pangloss, Cunegonde and her brother, the baron.

From the Paper:

"The physical aspect of death strikes Hamlet when he discovers Yorick's skull. The skull is a very real symbol of death that leaves a lasting impression in Hamlet's mind. In a very real sense, Hamlet has touched death. We see the impact this scene has on Hamlet when he says, "Here hung those lips that I have kissed I know not how oft. Where be your gibes now? your gambols? your songs?" (Shakespeare V.i.164-5). Hamlet sees the skull but he also sees Yorick very clearly. This moment leads him to consider the fact that all human beings end their lives in this fashion, including the politician to the pauper. Hamlet realizes that even in death, Caesar "turned to clay" (V.i.185)."

More papers on Death in Literature:

• Analytical Essay # 136716 : "Death in LIterature"
• Comparison Essay # 65318 : "Literal and Metaphorical Death in Literature"
• Comparison Essay # 88573 : "Visions of Death in Literature"
• Analytical Essay # 66137 : "Death in Literature"

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