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 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 This paper examines the international history of the death penalty and then takes a closer look at the use of the death penalty in the United States. The paper highlights the fact that in most countries, gender and age discrimination are not a factor with regards to the death penalty. The writer points out that there are juveniles on death row. The writer also looks at different religions and their opinion on the death penalty. The writer concludes that until the law changes, law enforcement and prosecutors should continue to advocate the death penalty in cases of murder and crimes involving children. The writer also believes that the death penalty is the only punishment that sends the message to criminals that murder and other acts of violence and crimes are absolutely unacceptable.
From the Paper "There are crimes considered by our society to be so atrocious and intolerable such as murder or rape of a child that if convicted, that the only punishment suitable for committing these crimes is the Death Penalty. The Death Penalty, also called Capital Punishment, is the execution of a convicted criminal by the state as reprisal for crimes known as capital crimes or offenses. This type of punishment is set aside for crimes like premeditated murder, espionage and treason. From the primitive people to the modern world as it is today, the death penalty remains the largest and most controversial part of the criminal justice system. Supporters of capital punishment argue that it deters crimes, while opponents of capital punishment argue that it violates human rights. As we explore this much debated topic, we will discover the past, present and future of death penalty."
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 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 examines the death penalty as it pertains to juveniles and discusses the importance of the issue. The writer cites several recent juvenile death penalty cases heard by the Supreme Court and provides analysis into their issues. The writer then provides a well reasoned conclusion and proposal regarding the death penalty as it pertains to juveniles.
Outline:
Introduction
The Juvenile Death Penalty Debate
Pros and Cons
Cons
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "In recent years Americans have watched in horror as teenagers committed more grisly crimes than ever before. Shooting sprees at high schools, acting as a sniper on the freeway and murdering neighbors for the sake of a few dollars worth of jewelry are just some of the juvenile cases that have received national attention. The American judicial system is faced with the task of punishing the teenagers who commit these crimes, while at the same time trying to remain fair to the United States Constitution. Over the past few decades, juvenile defendants convicted of various violent crimes have been sentenced to death. This has created heated debates in many sectors of the public as well as the legal profession. Should juveniles be put to death? That is the question that has haunted society for decades. The Supreme Court recently ruled that using the death penalty for a juvenile is no different than using it on a mentally retarded individual and should be considered cruel and inhumane punishment. Though the decision has been made and juveniles convicted of previously capital punishment cases will now serve life in prison the debate rages on about the correctness of that decision. Some believe that juveniles do not have the mental or emotional capability to understand the seriousness or the consequence of their crime. "
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. "
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the famous painting 'The Death of Marat' by Jacques-Louis David is considered to be a masterpiece of neoclassical art. It is also probably one of the most iconic images of the French Revolution. The writer describes that in the center of the painting, the torso of a bleeding, dying man emerges. In his left hand, resting on a table, is a piece of paper with writing on it, while in his right hand, falling down to the ground, is a quill. The writer discusses that David's 'Death of Marat' is meant to dramatize the moment when Jean-Paul Marat, who published the radical newspaper 'The Friend of the People', was murdered. The event occurred dramatically when Marat was writing in his bathtub. The writer maintains that it is largely thanks to the 'Death of Marat' that David is now regarded as one of the great painters of the French Revolution. The writer concludes that the 'Death of Marat' can be found in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Brussels, although copies of the painting, created in the revolutionary fervor that followed its unveiling, are on display in museums throughout France.
From the Paper "It is also not coincidental that David, of all people, would choose to depict Marat's death via painting. Like Marat, David had close ties to the Jacobins. A strong supporter of Robespierre, David became close friends with Marat during his lifetime. Marat and Robespierre both had the charisma and talent of overwhelming large masses of people through their speeches and actions. David would take on the responsibility of organizing Marat's funeral, as well as painting this beautiful, moving homage to the fallen hero. It is in many ways reminiscent of one of his earlier paintings, The Death of Lepelletier de Saint-Fargeau.
"David completed The Death of Marat in a very short time span. It would go on to become one of the most famous paintings of Neoclassicism, and is frequently evoked as David's best painting. Many critics have also evoked David as a precursor of Modernism, thanks to The Death of Marat."
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."
