Abstract This paper compares and analyzes two poems about death that were written almost three centuries apart. The reviewer believes that the poems "Death be not Proud" by John Donne and "On Death, without Exaggeration" by Wislawa Szymborska demonstrate the beliefs of two different generations on the topic of death. The reviewer further describes the former as condemning death's pride, and the latter as mocking death's frailty. "Death Be Not Proud" speaks of death as a subtle reality of life, whereas the modern-day poem "On Death, without Exaggeration" criticizes the imperfection of death.
From the Paper "Donne goes on to say that death is similar to natural rest or sleep. "From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be" (1453) implies that every time a man falls into sleep, he is performing an innocuous practice for the experience of death; however, death remains a part of life from which no one is exempt. Death, inevitable as it may be, is an assurance of Donne's believe that there is a supreme destination after death. It is a component of humanity and causes the poem to reflect a reverence toward and optimism about death."
Tags: John Donne Death Be Not Proud Wislawa Szymborska On Death, without Exaggeration
Abstract This paper explores the controversial issue of the death penalty. The author presents the pros and cons of this topic in a list format and also gives a history of capital punishment. Also discussed are alternatives to the death penalty and how differing segments of society view this issue. The paper also considers the financial implications of the death penalty, especially as it relates to the court system. The paper concludes by stating that an opinion on this issue must be based on research.
Outline:
Introduction
Capital Punishment: Death Penalty
History of Death Penalty
The Pros and Cons of Death Penalty
Death Penalty Alternatives
Cost
4 Issues of the Death Penalty
Deterrence
Arbitrariness
Retribution
Wrongful Convictions
Conclusion
From the Paper "Death Penalty, also referred to as capital punishment, is the lawful execution of a prisoner as a punishment for serious crime, often called capital offense. Being one of the controversial topics in the United States and all over the world, I decided to have my interests focused on doing a research about this topic. "
"As you read along, you might encounter topics that you will find critical. Bear in mind that I am doing this research not to influence your thoughts on this sensitive issue. Each one is still entitled to his opinion in the end. What I would like is to help my readers broaden their knowledge on death penalty by understanding its history and developments. And explore further by presenting the pros and cons behind it, available alternatives, different points of views of the different sectors in the society and the common issues tackled."
Tags:death, penalty, capital, punishment, wrongful, convictions, court, system
Abstract This paper examines death as addressed by two influential philosophers, Socrates and Epicurus. These philosophers take different approaches in viewing death and both have their own distinct reasons regarding it, however they reach the same conclusion, that death should not be feared. The paper discusses how Socrates addressees the uncertainty that follows death and how death may be even more pleasant than the life we once lived, while Epicurus addressees the non-existence of death, and illustrates how death does not affect us.
From the Paper "We shall begin our examination by looking at Socrates and the various arguments he makes. Socrates, a prolific philosopher in ancient Greece, was sentenced to execution and though given the chance to escape chose to stay and accept his punishment. According to Socrates, death is the will of the Gods and they alone know what lies after death. Mankind does not have the ability to acquire such knowledge, and therefore the afterlife is unknown to man. Socrates believes that individuals fear death because they fear the unknown, he therefore concludes that "fear of death is indeed the pretence of wisdom" (Plato, p. 3-4). Socrates gives two possible scenarios of what the afterlife may be like: "Either death is a state of nothingness and utter unconsciousness, or... there is a change and migration of the soul from this world to another" (Plato, p. 8). Socrates contends that there is no reason to fear an endless sleep, as it is a placid period which is pleasant to oneself."
Abstract In this paper, the writer makes use of the views of a doctor and of Socrates to demonstrate different views on death and dying. The writer examines the concept of a "good death" and death with dignity. The writer discusses how death with dignity currently refers more to medical science easing the pain of death, than to the Socratic idea.
From the Paper "A great deal has been written in recent years about the concept of a good death or death with dignity. Sherwin B. Nuland stated that an entire mythology has grown up around the process of dying. Like most mythologies, it is based on the inborn psychological need that all humankind shares. The mythologies of death are meant to combat fear on the one hand and its opposite wishes on the other. It will be argued in this report that death with dignity is now understood ... "
Abstract This paper argues against the death penalty, noting that the death penalty has been a part of American law for a long time, removed completely only for a period of time after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled it was poorly conceived in the law in 1972, but many states rewrote their statutes and re-instituted the death penalty, often in response to public fears about violent crime. The death penalty is often raised as a solution during periods of high crime rates, though in fact evidence that the death penalty has any deterrent effect is at best mixed.
From the Paper "The people are demanding the death penalty as if it were a quick solution to a complex problem, when in fact it is no solution at all but merely a case of public revenge and scapegoating. It is scapegoating because the death of one prisoner comes to stand in for all the street crime in the nation, as if his or her death would..."
Abstract This paper examines the moral as well as legal issues regarding the sentencing of a minor to death for crimes. It argues how the sentencing of minor to the death penalty is wrong because it undermines the rehabilitation system that is currently in place throughout the United States. It stipulates how all citizens of the world, especially children deserve a chance to turn their lives around rather than have them cut short by a no turning back death sentence and how there are many reason why capital punishment for minors should be re-examined, from the costs of execution to the simple fact that a person does not develop fully until later in his or her teenage years. It looks at some of the underlying factors that cause juvenile crime and the debate of the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent versus the cost of capital punishment. It evaluates other ways to deal with young offenders such as the different probation programs available.
From the Paper "It is hard to comprehend the effects of the death penalty on a country, especially on as large as the United States but the reality of the situation is alarming. The facts are that as of 1996 over fifty percent of the prisoners on death row have the educational equivalency of an eleventh grader. This means that fifty percent of inmates on death row have had little or no chance to progress in their home, community, city, state, and country. These death row inmates have no chance to change, learn, or make anything of their lives. They have been sent away to rot in a cell while they awaits their execution and while their minds lay dormant. There have been several cases where minors have been sentenced to death. The Supreme Court has wrestled with this dilemma for a while and found that there are no clear objections from any region of the United States to executing a person as young as sixteen."
Abstract This paper discusses the death of Alexander the Great. The paper puts forward the circumstance surrounding his death and the various versions of his death as recalled by various people and cultures.
Abstract Emily Dickinson's approach to the concept of death is haunting, for it provides us with a unique point of view. Her poetry is extremely personal and allows us to discern much from a psychoanalytic perspective. The paper shows that Dickinson's attempts to come to terms with her own death illustrate her courage and curiosity. Although she never "solves" the mystery of death, her observations are astute, and her attempts to grasp such a solemn subject demonstrate her seriousness as a thinker and a poet. The paper shows that Dickinson's obsession with death led her to write powerful poetry that not only attempts to solve life's greatest mysteries, but also gives us insight into her character. The paper uses several of Dickinson's poems as references.
From the Paper "In the poem, ?I Felt a Funeral in My Brain,? Dickinson also explores the possibility of an afterlife. The analogy is the obvious funeral in her brain and the funeral service itself. This is quite an unusual poem because it is written after her death has occurred and her body is placed in the coffin. This is an excellent example of Dickinson delving into the world of possibility. She is able to confront the anxiety she has toward death by imagining herself dead, yet conscious. This mood of this poem is macabre in that it represents a type of desperation that cannot be avoided. That consciousness is a possibility after death, is quite a unique approach that obviously helps Dickinson face her fears about death, though not so pleasantly. Indeed, Dickinson may bring herself face to face with the solitary nothingness of life after death, but the act in and of itself is no reward."
Tags: Because, I, Could, Not, Stop, for, Death, macabre
Abstract This paper presents an historical look at the enforcement of the death penalty in America and examines how the length of time a death row inmate may sit on death row varies from state to state. The paper also looks at the impact the length of time spent on death row may have on murder rates.
From the Paper "The first recorded execution in American was in 1608, the first woman executed was in 1632, and the first juvenile offender was in 1642 (Streib, 4). Capital punishment can best be described as punishment that fits the crime. These capitally punished crimes began to be limited to murder, violent crimes, treason, and various acts of sodomy by the late 18th century (Streib, 4). Different states reduced the crimes that the death penalty could be punishment for (Streib, 5). According to Streib, "In 1846, Michigan became the first state to abolish the death penalty for all crimes except treason. About a dozen other states joined Michigan in the early 20th century" (5). Fewer and fewer death penalties are being dealt to criminals and many blame rising crime rates on this fact."
Abstract This paper discusses whether there is a "better death" when someone is ailing and expected to pass away versus the experience mourners engage in when one passes away in a tragic accident such as those who passed in the 9/11 attacks on America. The author postulates that there is, truly, no "better" death just differing ways of accepting it. The paper examines the culture of death in society through discussions of what, if anything, constitutes the "better" death as related in religion and literature.
From the Paper "Death is a topic not often discussed and probably one of the most feared aspects of life, indeed, is the end of life. As Shakespeare wrote, "Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, It seems to me most strange that men should fear, Seeing that death, a necessary end, Will come when it will come" (Julius Caesar). Death constitutes an end and, at that, one which is mysterious in that no one is precisely certain what happens after death; is there a heaven and hell as the Judeo Christian system relates; is reincarnation a possibility - what happens? But, beyond this fear of the unknown, is the unmatched loss that death leaves in its wake. Throughout the course of this paper examines the culture of death in society through discussion of what, if anything, constitutes the "better" death."
Abstract This paper looks briefly at some of the facets of the death penalty in the US and how one might make a decision about whether or not to support the death penalty. The paper discusses the perspectives of Republicans and Democrats and whether or not either side is entirely for or against the death penalty. The final conclusion in the paper, after briefly examining both sides of the arguments, is that the death penalty is illogical, unfair and racially and socially biased.
From the Paper "One of the most controversial topics in the US at any given time is that of whether or not to support the death penalty in a particular state. While some people may have extremely strong opinions on the matter, many are are often undecided or have conflicting viewpoints, being able to see valid points on both sides and are unable to make a definitive choice on the subject. This second group is exactly where I was when I started this paper topic. There were certain very serious crimes that seemed like they needed to be dealt with harshly, but I wondered if my emotions were outweighing my logic in those cases, and questioned whether or not any human had the right to decide the value of another person's life. The arguments I have discussed below are interesting and compelling in both cases, and have led me to lean more..."
Abstract This paper discusses the history of the death penalty in the United States, noting that it demonstrates a society that has been divided on the issue of executing criminals. The paper explains that opponents of the death penalty believe that as long as the process of the state committing executions exists there will be a violation of Constitutional laws intended to prevent cruel and unusual punishment. The paper also discusses the contention of those in favor of the death penalty that the punishment for a criminal act should fit the crime and that there are some crimes that are so horrendous that the death penalty is the only just punishment. Additionally, the paper points out that, although the debate has created periods in the nation's history in which executions have passed through a moratorium, most states in modern society continue to pass laws that provide for state executions, with the rate of modern executions climbing each year.
Abstract This paper reviews and compares the poems 'Death Be Not Proud' by John Donnes and 'On Death, Without Exaggeration' by Wislawa Szybmborska. The paper reports that written almost three centuries apart, each poem narrates fine points about death, its immediate effects on life and the flaws of its character in carrying out its duties in this world.
From the Paper "However, in contrast to Death Be Not Proud, the modern-day poem, On Death, without Exaggeration critically defines the imperfection of death. Evidently, the author, Wislawa Szymborska, wants to put across the conception that death by its natural means has its own defects. Death is just an obstacle to life, for so many times it can't even perform its duties according to the interest of death's natural occurrence. Death deters the beauty of life and the hopes of man's future. This unavoidable occurrence has prevented so many of man's plans for his future to be fulfilled. "
This paper discusses the meaning of life and death, using the Bible and Greek mythology to explain and support the argument that there is life after death.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 3 sources, 2002, $ 69.95
Abstract This paper discusses the meaning of life and death, using the Bible and Greek mythology to explain and support the argument that there is life after death. The author examines the meaning of God, and spirituality, and how God has put us on earth for a purpose, and that purpose does not just end when we die.
From the paper:
"Another reason that I believe that we are supposed to end up in union with God is all the instances in literature that say the same thing. For instance, in Genesis, man is originally depicted as living in union with God while living in the Garden of Eden, and eventually man would be transformed into an even more unified being with God. However, this original union is broken by Eve's eating of the apple and Adam doing the same. This resulted in mankind being banished from the Garden, and having to live a life of struggle and pain. However, the possibility remains that man can once again be reunited with God in Heaven."
Abstract A study of the meanings behind William Faulkner's 'Sound and the Fury'. In the novel, Faulkner examines death from many different perspectives within the Compson family. The characters of Quentin, Jason, and Caddy are afflicted with three main types of death: physical, spiritual and emotional. Faulkner also uses the characters of the Compson family to demonstrate that various forms of death often serve as coping mechanisms by which people try to deal with an oftentimes incomprehensible world.
From the Paper "In the novel The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner, Faulker examines death from many different perspectives within the Compson family. The characters of Quentin, Jason, and Caddy are afflicted with three main types of death: physical, spiritual, and emotional. Within the framework of death, Faulkner illustrates his pessimistic view of the fate of the Compsons, and quite possibly of mankind. By using the Compson children as examples, Faulkner explores death on a physical, spiritual, and emotional level throughout the novel."
