Symbolism In Thanatopsis

I believe that death is not an event that should be feared, and this goes along with the message represented in “Thanatopsis.” On line 80 and 81 it states “Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.” This line compares death to a warm couch where someone is sleeping comfortable. This shows that William Cullen Bryant does not fear death, but rater sees it as rest. Death happens to each person, so it should not be feared. I also believe that as each person lives they should live as if it was their last day on earth. I also live each day as if it is the last day that those around me are living. This is why I try to make the people around me feel loved and appreciated. In line number 60 and 61 it says, “All that breathe will share thy destiny.” I also believe that we are not alone through the death process. I will meet those who are close to me, who have passed on before me, but those that I leave behind will also join me. I do not have very many beliefs about life and death that contradict this poem. I have never thought about grave decorations before, when I think about death frequently. In this poem he explains how the mountains and nature are the decorations on the grave. In line numbers 41-45 they say, “In …show more content…
The traditional idea of an afterlife in heaven is shown in the ideas about visiting those who have died before you when you die and have those that pass on after join you in a heaven like place. On lines 33-37 is says “Thou shalt lie down with patriarchs of the infant world with kings, the powerful of the earth the wise, the good, fair forms, and hoary seers of ages past, all in one mighty sepulcher.” This shows the traditional of life after death, and visiting all of those that have passed on before them. A quote that shows that people that pass on after one dies and meets he or she is on lines 60 and 61 and 65 and 66. “All that breathe shall share thy destiny…and shall come and make their bed with