QUICKWRITE How does the thought of death make you feel? What comforts you when you think of your own death?

“Thanatopsis” By William Cullen Bryant

Objectives u analyze a Romantic poem u identify examples of figurative language and imagery

Understanding the Title From Greek Mythology: u Thanatos was Death personified, the son of Night and Darkness and the brother of Hypnos (Sleep). u He was not portrayed as a frightening being but as a winged man who lived in the Underworld.

Theme u “Death is not to be feared; it is everyone’s destiny, a union with nature and all who have already died.”

“Thanatopsis” Chart Create a three column chart for the following: ¬ EXAMPLES OF IMAGERY ¬ EXPLANATION OF IMAGE ¬ SENSES APPEALED

“Thanatopsis” Chart ­ Explain the images and their purpose (What does it help the reader to understand about the poem’s theme?)

“Thanatopsis” Chart ® Identify the five senses to which each image appeals.

FIND EXAMPLES OF THE FOLLOWING FIGURES OF SPEECH: u 5 METAPHORS u 3 SIMILES u 5 PERSONIFICATION

FIND THE ALLUSION! Hint: Look in the footnotes.

LINE BY LINE ANALYSIS

Lines 1-4 u Nature speaks to those who know her, in both happy and sad times, and has a comforting voice for both occasions.

Lines 5-13 u When horrible thoughts of death frighten one to the point of agony and sickness, one should look to nature for comfort.

Lines u Go outside and listen to Nature’s teachings. From all around, both earth and water, a still voice will come to him/her.

Lines (1) u Nature speaks to the poet and reveals that life is short and all will die soon.

Lines (2) u One will no longer see the sun; one’s body/image will no longer exist on land or sea once it is placed in the ground.

Lines (3) u The Earth that has nourished you will reclaim your form (ashes to ashes).

Lines (4) u The body will lose its physical form to be mixed with the earth’s elements. u The earth will become your family, feeding upon you.

Lines (1) u When one dies, he will not be alone. All will be laid in one mighty tomb (the earth) with royalty, the wise, seers, the good, and all people.

Lines (2) u All aspects of nature will decorate one’s tomb: hills, woods, rivers, brooks, and meadows.

Lines (1) The number of people living is smaller than the number who have died. People are buried in the earth, from the desert in Libya to the woods in Oregon.

Lines (2) u All will rest in this eternal place.

Lines u If one dies alone, do not fear. Eventually, the living will share this experience as well.

Lines u Do not live life in fear like a slave trying to escape at night. Rather, live like one who, when he dies, will be lying down to dream pleasant dreams.