Assignment Question
Elisabeth Kübler Ross and Ernest Becker each have distinct views on the ways in which death and society intersect. Using the lens of one or both of these two theorists, examine the works of at least two authors/artist/directors that we have studied so far this semester. The works available for analysis are as follows: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close; Edgar Allen Poe’s “Ligeia” and “The Fall of the House of Usher”; Emily Dickinson’s poetry; and the two Louisa May Alcott stories, “My Contraband” and “A Night.”
Answer
Introduction
Death is a universal and complex phenomenon, central to human existence and intricately woven into the fabric of society. The intersection of death and society has intrigued scholars, leading to various theories and perspectives. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and Ernest Becker are two prominent theorists who offer unique insights into the ways death and society interact. This paper aims to delve into their theories, examining how they shed light on the works of authors and artists we have studied during this semester, including “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close,” Edgar Allan Poe’s “Ligeia” and “The Fall of the House of Usher,” Emily Dickinson’s poetry, and Louisa May Alcott’s “My Contraband” and “A Night.” By analyzing these works through the lenses of Kübler-Ross and Becker, we will explore the profound impact of death on human interactions, relationships, and societal constructs.
Kübler-Ross’s Stages of Grief
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, renowned for her work on the stages of grief, provides a framework that helps us better understand the human response to death (Kübler-Ross, 1969). When examining “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” by Jonathan Safran Foer, Kübler-Ross’s stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance become evident as the young protagonist, Oskar, navigates the loss of his father in the 9/11 attacks (Foer, 2005). Oskar’s journey reflects the universal struggle individuals face when confronted with death, as they grapple with the reality of their loss, anger at the injustice, attempts to make sense of it, and the eventual acceptance. Kübler-Ross’s framework thus serves as a powerful lens for interpreting the novel’s portrayal of grief and healing.
Ernest Becker’s “Denial of Death”
Ernest Becker’s concept of the “denial of death” (Becker, 1973) offers an alternative perspective, emphasizing the ways in which individuals construct personal and societal meaning to shield themselves from the existential dread of mortality. In Emily Dickinson’s poetry, this idea resonates, as her verses frequently explore themes of death and immortality. Through her poetic lens, Dickinson contemplates the human tendency to deny death’s inevitability and the various mechanisms people employ to cope with this daunting reality (Dickinson, 1862-1886). Becker’s concept provides a rich context for understanding Dickinson’s poetic exploration of the human psyche in the face of death.
Poe’s Gothic Exploration of Death and the Human Psyche
The works of Edgar Allan Poe, particularly “Ligeia” and “The Fall of the House of Usher,” offer a Gothic perspective on the intersection of death and society. Poe’s tales delve into themes of obsession, morbidity, and the blurred boundaries between life and death. Kübler-Ross’s stages of grief and Becker’s denial of death are present in the characters’ struggles with loss, as seen in the narrator’s fixation on the deceased Ligeia and Roderick Usher’s descent into madness (Poe, 1838, 1845). These stories serve as compelling examples of how death can cast a pervasive shadow on the human psyche, leading to unsettling and often tragic consequences.
Kübler-Ross and Becker in Poe’s Tales
Poe’s “Ligeia” is a tale of undying love and resurrection, wherein the narrator is haunted by the memory of his deceased wife. Kübler-Ross’s stages of grief are evident as the narrator moves through denial, anger at her loss, and a desperate desire to bring her back to life, reflecting his inability to accept her death. Moreover, Becker’s notion of the denial of death is reflected in the narrator’s obsession with Ligeia, symbolizing his refusal to let go and acknowledge the finality of death (Poe, 1838). In “The Fall of the House of Usher,” we witness the gradual deterioration of Roderick Usher’s mental and physical state following the death of his sister, Madeline. Kübler-Ross’s stages of grief are evident in his emotional turmoil and decline, while Becker’s denial of death is represented in his attempts to preserve his sister’s life through premature burial (Poe, 1845). These works by Poe, when viewed through the lenses of Kübler-Ross and Becker, reveal the intricate ways in which death impacts human psychology and relationships, plunging individuals into states of denial, anger, and obsession.
Grief and Coping Mechanisms in “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close”
In “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” by Jonathan Safran Foer, Oskar’s journey through the five stages of grief proposed by Kübler-Ross offers a compelling perspective on how individuals cope with death. Oskar’s initial denial of his father’s death is palpable as he clings to the idea that his father is still alive and leaves messages for him. His anger surfaces as he grapples with the injustice of his father’s death, and he bargains with himself, searching for a hidden message that could make sense of the tragedy. Oskar’s deep depression becomes evident as he unravels the mysteries left behind by his father, and ultimately, he reaches a form of acceptance, finding closure in connecting with others who have experienced loss (Foer, 2005). Kübler-Ross’s framework helps us decipher the emotional rollercoaster Oskar experiences as he navigates the complex terrain of grief, providing a lens through which to understand the profound impact of death on individuals and their interactions.
Ernest Becker’s “Denial of Death” in “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close”
Ernest Becker’s concept of the “denial of death” finds resonance in Oskar’s quest for meaning in “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.” Oskar’s obsession with solving the mysteries left behind by his father, driven by a need to make sense of his death, reflects the human tendency to deny the finality of death by searching for significance in the face of it. This denial mechanism, as proposed by Becker, underscores the lengths to which individuals go to shield themselves from the overwhelming reality of mortality (Becker, 1973). In this context, Oskar’s journey becomes a poignant exploration of how people construct narratives to grapple with the existential dread of death.
Emily Dickinson’s Poetry
The poetry of Emily Dickinson offers a profound insight into the human struggle with mortality. Many of Dickinson’s poems, written in the 19th century, explore themes of death, immortality, and the human psyche. Her work provides a unique perspective on Kübler-Ross’s stages of grief, particularly the stages of acceptance and depression. In her poem “Because I could not stop for Death,” Dickinson portrays death as a gentle and inevitable companion, leading the speaker towards her final resting place (Dickinson, 1863). This perspective aligns with Kübler-Ross’s notion of acceptance, where death is no longer resisted but embraced as an inescapable part of life’s journey.
Ernest Becker’s Influence in Emily Dickinson’s Poetry
Furthermore, Becker’s concept of the denial of death is also present in Dickinson’s poetry. Many of her poems reveal the human tendency to downplay or evade the reality of mortality. In “I heard a Fly buzz – when I died,” the speaker’s focus on mundane details during the dying process reflects a form of denial, diverting her attention from the profound finality of death (Dickinson, 1862). Becker’s theory can be applied to understand the coping mechanisms individuals employ in the face of death, such as fixating on trivial matters to avoid confronting the existential dread.
Societal Impacts of Death in Alcott’s Stories
The works of Louisa May Alcott, particularly “My Contraband” and “A Night,” offer a perspective on the societal impacts of death, particularly in the context of the American Civil War. Becker’s concept of heroism in the face of mortality (Becker, 1973) is evident in the characters’ selfless acts in times of war. “My Contraband” portrays the transformation of a nurse who overcomes her initial fear of death to care for wounded soldiers, highlighting the valor individuals can display when faced with mortality (Alcott, 1863). Alcott’s stories provide a window into the societal dynamics that emerge during times of conflict, where death plays a central role in shaping human interactions and responses.
Transformation and Heroism in “My Contraband”
In “My Contraband,” Alcott introduces the character of Nurse Periwinkle, who initially recoils from the gruesome realities of the Civil War hospitals. She represents the common human response of fear and denial in the face of death. However, as the story progresses, Nurse Periwinkle evolves, embracing her role as a caregiver and demonstrating immense courage in tending to the wounded soldiers. Becker’s concept of heroism in the face of mortality is evident in her transformation, as she overcomes her fear and actively engages with death on the battlefield (Alcott, 1863).
Grief and Family Dynamics in “A Night”
The societal impacts of death are further explored in “A Night,” where Alcott portrays the emotional toll that the death of a soldier takes on his family. The grieving process experienced by the soldier’s sister, Sophie, and her father mirrors Kübler-Ross’s stages of grief. The initial denial of the soldier’s death, followed by anger, depression, and ultimately, acceptance, illustrates the profound influence of death on family dynamics and individual psychological states (Alcott, 1863). Kübler-Ross’s framework allows us to understand the characters’ emotional responses to death and how they navigate their grief.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the theories of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and Ernest Becker offer valuable perspectives on the intricate relationship between death and society. Through their theories, we gain insights into the diverse ways in which death influences human behavior, grief processes, and societal constructs. When applied to the works of the authors and artists we have studied, such as Foer, Dickinson, Poe, and Alcott, these theories reveal the profound impact of death on human interactions, relationships, and the intricate fabric of society itself. The complexities of human response to death, as explored through these literary works, underscore the enduring relevance and significance of Kübler-Ross and Becker’s ideas in understanding the human experience.
References
Alcott, L. M. (1863). My Contraband. The Independent, 15(771), 7-9.
Becker, E. (1973). The Denial of Death. The Free Press.
Dickinson, E. (1862-1886). Selected Poems.
Foer, J. S. (2005). Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Houghton Mifflin.
Kübler-Ross, E. (1969). On Death and Dying. The Macmillan Company.
Poe, E. A. (1838). Ligeia. The American Museum.
Poe, E. A. (1845). The Fall of the House of Usher. Burton’s Gentleman’s Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are Kübler-Ross and Becker’s theories about death and society?
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s theory focuses on the stages of grief, while Ernest Becker’s theory centers on the denial of death. These theories help us understand how individuals and societies deal with the concept of death.
How do Kübler-Ross and Becker’s theories relate to literature and art?
We explore how these theories intersect with literary works such as “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close,” Poe’s stories, Emily Dickinson’s poetry, and Louisa May Alcott’s writings. These works reflect the impact of death on human interactions and relationships.
What is the significance of Kübler-Ross’s stages of grief in literature?
Kübler-Ross’s stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance provide a framework for understanding characters’ responses to death in literature. This helps readers analyze the emotional journeys of literary figures.
How does Becker’s concept of the “denial of death” apply to literature?
Becker’s theory highlights how individuals construct meaning to cope with the fear of death. In literature, this concept can be seen in characters’ attempts to deny or evade the reality of mortality, often leading to complex and intriguing narratives.
Which literary works are discussed in relation to these theories?
The works explored include “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close,” Poe’s “Ligeia” and “The Fall of the House of Usher,” Emily Dickinson’s poetry, and Louisa May Alcott’s “My Contraband” and “A Night.”
