Virginia Woolf's The Death Of The Moth

Virginia Woolf demonstrates the universal struggle between life and death in "The Death of the Moth". Observing the moth, Woolf sees that is trying to accomplish something unattainable by going into and out of a windowpane to get outside. Virginia Woolf sees the moth in another context that recognizes the moth not as insignificant and in demand of pity, but as a small creature of the world. The moth symbolizes the wonder of life and death by being used as an example of the simplicity of life, the need to accept the inevitable, and to not to fear death. Upon reflection, one sees many possible deeper meanings such as life is not based on physical appearance. Instead, it is about having a goal for a better life, striving for it, and resulting to overcoming fear of death.
The moth is described as uncolourful, and when compared to a butterfly, it is not as exciting. Although it is not beautiful, Woolf illustrates its simplicity :"Nevertheless, the present specimen, with his narrow hay-coloured wings, fringed with a tassel of the same colour, seemed to be content with life" (56). It is significant that regardless of its appearance, lacking colour or excitement, the moth just continues to live. The moth does not see himself as there are no …show more content…
Instead, he feared losing the battle for his goal of freedom. The moth is not going to stop trying until he succeeds or dies trying: "I watched his futile attempts for a time without thinking, unconsciously waiting for him to resume his flight" (58). It seemed that it is essentially worse than death for the moth to give up its ambition of way of life because in never giving up, Woolf enhances conquering the fear of death. After numerous attempts, the moth finally reached its death, failing to reach its paradise, but succeed on not giving up to reach it. Significantly, the moth simply lived to struggle in hopes to overcome the glass between its entry to its ideal life of freedom beyond the