THEME → DEATH

Beowulf
The theme of death is a prominent and recurring motif in Beowulf. The poem grapples with the inevitability of
death and the contrasting ways in which characters face mortality. Several aspects of death are explored
throughout the narrative, offering insights into the worldview and values of the early mediaeval period.

Heroic Deaths: Beowulf is a story of heroic deeds and epic battles, and death is an integral part of this heroic
narrative. The poem depicts the deaths of several warriors who meet their end in battle. There is always a
sense of honour and glory attached to dying as a hero on the battlefield.

"We must all expect an end to life in this world; let him who can win fame before death, because that is a dead
man's best memorial" (Lines 1885-1887)

In this quote, Beowulf reflects on the inevitability of death and the transitory nature of human life. He
acknowledges that everyone will eventually face their end in this world. However, he also emphasises the
importance of achieving glory and honour before death. For Beowulf, as a heroic warrior, earning fame and
leaving a lasting legacy is the ultimate goal. This quote highlights the heroic ideal of valiantly facing death and
seeking to be remembered for one's brave deeds.

Fatalism and Destiny: The concept of fate and the inevitability of death are recurring themes in Beowulf.
Characters often acknowledge the power of fate and accept that everyone's life has a predestined course. This
fatalistic worldview is evident in how characters face death with a sense of resignation and inevitability.

"We must all expect an end to life in this world;...” (Lines 1885-1886)

Mourning and Funeral Rites: Beowulf also explores the rituals and customs surrounding death and mourning
in early mediaeval society. When warriors die, their comrades mourn their loss, and there are elaborate funeral
ceremonies to honour the fallen heroes. Beowulf's own funeral at the end of the poem is a significant example
of this, where his people honour him and prepare an elaborate burial mound.

“The people of the Geats prepared for Bewoulf, as he had asked of them, a splendid pyre hung about with
helmets, shields, and shining corselets. Then, mourning, the soldiers laid their loved and illustrious prince in
the midst. Upon the hill the men.at-arms lit a gigantic funeral fire. Black wood-smoke whirled over the
conflagration; the roar of flames mixed with the noise of weeping, until the furious draught subsided and the
white-hot body crumbled to pieces. Sadly they complained of their grief and of the death of their king.” (Lines
3138-3147)

When Beowulf dies, his people mourn his loss and honour him with a grand funeral. The elaborate funeral rites
underscore the significance of death in the poem and demonstrate the respect and admiration Beowulf's
people had for their fallen hero. It also reflects the belief in the importance of proper burial ceremonies and
rituals to honour the dead and show reverence for their deeds.

The Cyclical Nature of Life: The theme of death is closely linked to the cyclical nature of life. As one
generation of heroic warriors passes away, another rises to take its place. The poem depicts the transition of
power and leadership from one ruler to the next, underscoring the continuity of life despite individual mortality.

Overall, the theme of death in Beowulf adds depth and complexity to the narrative, reflecting the beliefs and
attitudes of the early mediaeval period toward mortality, heroism, and the transient nature of human existence.
It also underscores the central role that death plays in shaping the lives and actions of the characters,
emphasising the idea that life and death are intricately connected in the grand tapestry of human experience.

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 The Canterbury Tales
The theme of death is a recurring and significant motif. Chaucer explores various aspects of mortality,
mortality's inevitability, and the different ways people confront and respond to death. The theme of death is
evident in several of the individual tales as well as in the overarching framework of the pilgrimage itself.

The Frame Narrative: The entire collection of tales is set within the context of a pilgrimage to the shrine of
Thomas Becket in Canterbury. The pilgrims embark on this journey with a shared purpose - to seek spiritual
fulfilment and divine grace. The pilgrimage itself is a metaphorical representation of the journey of life and,
ultimately, the destination of death. As they travel together, they share their stories, highlighting their diverse
perspectives and experiences of life and mortality.

The Pardoner's Tale: This tale directly addresses the theme of death and its consequences. The Pardoner, a
religious figure who sells indulgences for sins, tells a cautionary tale about three young men who set out to find
and kill Death. Instead, they encounter a treasure, which leads to their downfall due to greed and betrayal. The
tale serves as a memento mori, reminding the listeners of their mortality and the transience of worldly pursuits.

Radix malorum est Cupiditas:

For the love of money is the root of all evil.
(1 Timothy 6:10) (Page 376)

This quote is the Pardoner's refrain throughout his tale, emphasising the destructive nature of greed and how it
can lead to one's downfall.

The Knight's Tale: This story explores the theme of death through themes of love, rivalry, and destiny. Two
knights, Palamon and Arcite, become rivals for the love of a woman, Emelye. The tale delves into the
uncertainties of life, as the knights' fates intertwine with the whims of fate and fortune. The tale highlights that
no matter how powerful or honourable one may be, death eventually comes for everyone.

Destiny, that Minister-General,

Who executes on earth, over all,
The Providence that God saw long before,
Has such power that though all men swore
The contrary of a thing by yea or nay,
Yet there will come to pass upon a day
What will not happen in a thousand years.
For certainly our appetites down here,
Be they for war, or peace, hate or love,
All are ruled by the vision that’s above. (Page 51)

Throughout the various tales, Chaucer uses death as a lens to explore human behaviour, morality, and the
complexities of life. The tales offer diverse perspectives on mortality, from the comedic and satirical to the
serious and contemplative, reminding the readers of the universal truth that death is an integral part of the
human experience.

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 Much Ado About Nothing
Death is not a central focus of the play, but it serves as a backdrop to highlight the transient nature of life and
the consequences of deception and misunderstandings. A significant instance of death occurs when Claudio
falsely believes that Hero, his betrothed, has died due to her alleged infidelity. The staged death of Hero
serves as a turning point in the play, leading to a series of misunderstandings and emotional turmoil among
the characters. Claudio's harsh accusations and the public shaming of Hero are consequences of this
deception.

Deception and False Accusation: Hero's supposed infidelity stems from a malicious plot orchestrated by
Don John, the illegitimate brother of Don Pedro. Don John, jealous of his brother's status and the camaraderie
among the other characters, seeks to disrupt the joyful atmosphere by causing chaos and dishonour. He
conspires with his accomplices, Borachio and Margaret, to create a scene that appears as Hero being
unfaithful to Claudio.

The Wedding Scene: During Claudio and Hero's wedding ceremony, Don John's plan is set into motion.
Borachio and Margaret act out a romantic encounter at Hero's window, and the Watchmen, on Claudio's
orders, publicly accuse her of being unchaste. Claudio, without seeking further evidence or listening to Hero's
defence, denounces her at the altar, breaking off the marriage.

The Effect on Hero: The false accusations and public humiliation have a severe impact on Hero. She is
devastated and emotionally overwhelmed by Claudio's sudden rejection. The betrayal of trust by someone she
loves deeply and the loss of her honour deeply wounds her. The experience is akin to a figurative death, as
she is cut off from her family, community, and the prospect of marriage.

When Claudio believes Hero to be unfaithful and publicly shames her at their wedding, he exclaims:

"There Leonato, take her back again. Give not this rotten orange to your friend. She's but the sign and
semblance of her honour. Behold how like a maid she blushes here! O, what authority and show of truth can
cunning sin cover itself withal!" (Act 4, Scene 1)

Claudio's harsh accusations against Hero metaphorically tarnish her reputation and social standing, leading to
the metaphorical "death" of her honour and innocence.

Social Death and Disgrace: In Shakespearean society, a woman's virtue and reputation were paramount.
The public slander and rejection make Hero an outcast, symbolising a form of social death where she is no
longer considered respectable or worthy of acceptance. This further highlights the vulnerability and lack of
agency that women faced in such circumstances.

The Importance of Truth and Redemption: The revelation of the truth is a crucial aspect of Hero's
"resurrection." Dogberry, the bumbling constable, and his watchmen eventually capture Borachio and Conrad,
Don John's accomplices, who inadvertently reveal the truth about the plot. This revelation becomes pivotal in
vindicating Hero's innocence and restoring her honour.

Once the truth is unveiled, Claudio deeply regrets his hasty actions and publicly mourns Hero's apparent
death. He agrees to Leonato's request to pen an epitaph for her tomb as a sign of remorse. Claudio's
willingness to accept responsibility for his mistake and his desire to atone show a path towards redemption.

In conclusion, the imagined death of Hero serves as a turning point, intensifying the themes of deception,
honour, and gender roles. It underscores the significance of truth and the potential for redemption, leading to
the resolution of conflicts and the eventual happy ending in which love conquers the obstacles created by
deception.