Death is a controversial topic for many people since its perception varies from person to person. Some see it as liberation from earthly shackles while others dread it and try to postpone the final moment of life for as long as physically possible. Nonetheless, human lives are finite, and at some point, everybody should accept the inevitable end. Sonnets written by John Donne and Percy Shelley picture concepts of death, life, and the afterlife in a contrasting manner. Both authors are attempting to convey a message, translate a certain mood, and give their audience their subjective perception of life’s end. While Donne and Shelley both discuss the attitudes to mortal life and death, the former views afterlife as eternal pleasure on heaven, and the latter claims that afterlife as a just reward., but physical life is more important.
Both authors agree that physical life is bound to come to an end; however, the importance of mortal life can be viewed differently by people. For some, the acquisition of money and power may be a worthy objective. They may strive to achieve something even greater by trying to leave a mark in history. Others prioritize the afterlife since they believe in its eternity and see it as infinitely more important than earthly pleasures.
The first type of attitude is depicted in Percy Shelley’s sonnet “Ozymandias.” It is an alternative name of one of the most powerful pharaohs, Ramses II. The poem describes the statue in his Honor in the middle of a desert. It is in a pitiful state with only two legs and a disconnected head remaining. The sculpture’s expression and the words written at the pedestal help to understand the deceased king’s character. The words engraved on the pedestal state: “My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings; Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!” (Shelley 546). Both the statue’s condition and the area where it is situated serve as a symbol of human ambitions’ futility. Death took the life of the king who saw himself above all, time and decay took his civilization, and his monument, which was meant to make his heritage immortal, lies in ruins. The Pharaoh’s arrogant and prideful words only strengthen the author’s message that everybody is equal before death despite the status, wealth, social position, and power. The king’s desire to be revered by his people forever met an end, and soon no memory of him will remain.
John Donne does not focus on mortal life, clarifying his own attitude to death. The author addresses it directly and questions whether or not it is reasonable to be afraid of it. Unlike Percy Shelley, John Donne does not see death as a power that is above all but rather attempts to ridicule and humble it. He states that death cannot “kill” anybody since it only has power over mortal bodies, but not the souls: “For those whom thou think’st thou dost overthrow die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me” (Donne 22). Hence, the only purpose it serves is the transfer of human souls to heaven. The author then proceeds to ridicule Death by comparing the process to a pleasant sleep. Furthermore, Donne sees death as subordinate to destiny and the will of powerful men who can administrate it through wars and executions (22). In the end, John Donne states that even death can die since it is not capable of exerting influence on people in the afterlife.
Analyzing the concept of eternal life proves to be difficult since two authors focus on different aspects of the subject. Percy Shelley illustrates the afterlife from the perspective of a mortal man, to whom eternal life after death does not have much meaning. The author demonstrates a complete lack of connection between the afterlife and mortal life by showcasing the “colossal Wreck” that is left from any personal achievements that the deceased managed to accomplish and even commemorate. On the other hand, John Donne sees the afterlife as a just reward at the end of life, comparing it to sleep, a temporary state that leads to further awakening in heaven. The former highlights the negative aspect of death and views it as an inevitable decay, an almighty power which will take away everything the person possesses, no matter their social status, wealth, wisdom. The latter sees death as liberation from mortal shackles, a prospect of eternal life free of pain and suffering.
In conclusion, both authors view the concept of death from different perspectives. Percy Shelly’s sonnet “Ozymandias” concentrates attention on the physical lifespan and the consequences that death has. He highlights that death not only ends a life, it also deprives a person of any achievements. No matter how successful, powerful, and influential the deceased was, their heritage cannot be commemorated and is bound to slowly decay. On the other hand, John Donne focuses on the promise of eternal pleasure and the afterlife in heaven, free of pain and suffering. He belittles death and questions why should people dread it. Both authors have a valid point; however, the former focuses on the impact Death has on mortal life, while the latter highlights Death’s irrelevance in the afterlife. The meaning of death is highly subjective and depends on personal values and priorities. It can be an indomitable force for people who cherish mortal life, and it can also imply a simple transition to the afterlife.
Works Cited
Donne, John. Holy Sonnets 1 to 19. Createspace Independent Pub, 2012
Shelley, Percy. The Complete Poetical Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley.Vol. 2, edited by Thomas Hutchinson, Oxford UP, 1914