The Reoccurring Theme Of Death In 'Twa Corby'

Thousands of ballads and sonnets are in existence, but what connects many of them is a common theme. “Twa Corbies”, “Sonnet 74”, “Sylvester’s Dying Death”, and “Death, be not proud” all share the common theme of death. Throughout history, no one has escaped the inevitability of death; however as centuries pass, death is a reoccurring theme. In the four literary pieces, the theme of death being an enlightenment bringing upon revelations regarding self-reflection or relationships can be found.

The literary piece, “Twa Corbies” discusses the theme of death being an enlightenment regarding the truths about the knight’s artificial relationship. Knights were prominent member of society, who were well respected; however the knight in “Twa Corbies”

After losing his wife, the author, John Donne, wrote the sonnet expressing his thoughts (“John Donne”). Through the death of the author’s wife the Donne is brought to the realization that death is only a slave to other forces and has no tangible authority (Arnold). The author personifies Death voicing to it not to be prideful. Death itself never has destroyed lives, but instead illness, fate, and desperation do and death is just the outcome. The author points out that death is so powerless that even the common man can control it through suicide. The speaker portrays death as a sleep, “From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be” (Donne 5). The sonnet compares death to a sleep or rest diminishing death’s infinite quality. The author to enlightened to believe that death did not kill his wife and nor will it kill him, because though death, a resting period, he will awaken into Eternal Life. (Holy sonnet 10). The author goes far enough to predict that death itself will die “Death, thou shalt die.” (Donne 14). The author discusses how death is its own downfall. By dying the author realized that he will overcome death destroying it because he will be raised into an Eternal Life (Gordon and Kissel). Through the death of Donne’s wife, Donne is able to drawn the conclusion that death is not only impotent but

The speaker wakes up to his family surrounding him crying and wishing him to not die. The speaker realizes that his death is inevitable, but he can accept it willingly. The speaker is accepting of his death saying “I felt ma time’s a-comin” (Hughes 17). “The poem remains upbeat even though the situation is solemn” (Gath). The ballad begins with speaker waking up as if it was normal day until he notices his family crying around him. But as the ballad continues it is made obvious that Sylvester is in fact dying. As the speaker faces death he realizes how long of a life he has lived, “But I’s still Sweet Papa ’Vester;/ Yes, sir! Long as life do last!” (Hughes 21-22). Sylvester realizes all that he has been able to accomplished. Instead of feeling remorseful for himself, he resolves to reveal on all the good he had accomplished and established. Through his impending death the speaker learns to appreciate the life he has