The poem, “Thanatopsis,” written by William Cullen Bryant, is a wonderful literary work that explores the often controversial questions of death. Within his well written lines, Bryant attempts to show the relationship between death’s eternal questions and the ongoing cycle of nature and life. Upon concluding the poem many readers are able to reaffirm their faith in an afterlife, while others are left aimlessly pondering this strange possibility.
Throughout the poem, Bryant creates images that connect death and sleep. In fact, once the reader gets halfway through the poem they discover that Bryant uses these words almost interchangeably. In the second stanza, he writes, “All that tread The globe are but a handful to the tribes that slumber in its bosom.”
Instead of referring to death, he uses the word “slumber.” These connections continue in a number of places. Other examples include lines 57 and 66. In line 57 he writes, “In their last sleep the dead reign there alone,” and in line 66, referring to death and burial, Bryant writes, “And make their bed with thee.” This connection between death and sleep creates an intriguing metaphor that adds depth and meaning to the poem.
By using this strange metaphor I believe Bryant wishes to suggest his faith in an afterlife. While examining the differences and similarities between death and sleep the reader is left with some very thought provoking questions. The answers to these questions reassure some readers while confusing others. Sleep is a time of rest.
It allows preparation for the next day or event, and by relating this definition to death Bryant gives new insight into one’s fate after earthly existence. When identifying sleep with death Bryant gives death many characteristics of slumber. People generally wake from sleep, and Bryant expands this occurrence to death. Death could simply be a time of rest that retires the bodies’ of earthly beings, and allows the soul to wake. Upon waking the soul is freed, and enters a new plane of existence.
This idea of a spiritual awakening is demonstrated in “Thanatopsis.” In lines 50 and 51 Bryant writes, “Take the wings of morning, pierce the Barcan wilderness.”
To me, the wings in this statement symbolize a spiritual, angelic being, and the morning suggests a time of waking. After waking, the angelic being breaks through the confinement of the human grave, and continues its existence elsewhere. In my opinion, these lines indicate Bryant’s belief in an afterlife.
After reflective meditation in the wilderness, Bryant comes to terms with death. He knows death is a conclusion to the material world, but in this conclusion is a type of rebirth. Bryant believes death prepares the soul for its next journey.
