American literature essay. Literary analysis of works and characters - Sykalo Evgen 2023

“The Dead”: Gravestones and Grins: Confronting Mortality with Wit and Wonder in Collins's Afterlife
Billy Collins

In Billy Collins's "The Dead," death is portrayed as a jovial clown, a master of ceremonies arranging a lavish get-together in the afterlife, rather than a menacing reaper. By use of his astute insights and amusing metaphors, Collins encourages us to face mortality with a sense of humor and serene acceptance rather than terror. He turns the gloomy cemetery into a gory comedy, with the "grins carved in stone" serving as invitations to a common knowledge of our ultimate destiny.

Laughter in the Face of the Eternal: "The dead, I've noticed, never call or write" is how the poem begins, displaying a lighthearted defiance. Collins makes fun of people's propensity to romanticize the dead by seeing them as silent spectators who are always there on the edge of existence. This lighthearted jab establishes the tone for the poem and foreshadows Collins' irreverent attitude toward death. Laughter, not sorrow, is his weapon against death's inevitable conclusion.

Punchlines from Gravestones: The poem's main idea centers on the tombstones, which are turned from serious monuments into amusing puns. With a wry sense of humor, Collins highlights the absurdity in their inscriptions, which read, "Here lies a lover, cold and still. / (Except for nights with a full moon's chill)." We are forced to grin wryly at our own mortality as a result of the comic dissonance created by the contrast of romantic passion with the sobering truth of death.

The anonymous characters in the poem, referred to as the "dead," take on the role of carnival barkers, inviting the living to join their never-ending celebration. Their "winks and waves from underground" are teasing jibes, implying that we will ultimately be included in the great reunion. This humorous depiction of the afterlife lessens the pain of death by making it seem like a shared human experience without discounting its finality.

Collins uses humor and wit in a way that goes beyond being lighthearted. Wit as a Shield Against Fear. It acts as a buffer against the innate fear of dying, enabling us to address the subject matter detachedly and even humorously. Laughing at death disarms it, allowing us to accept its inevitable nature without giving up.

Beyond the Smiles: A Slight Astonishment However, there is a hint of wonder hidden beneath the humor. The poem recognizes the enigma surrounding the afterlife and the immense void that lies beyond the curtain of life. The "murmurs and whispers" coming from the tombs allude to a secret realm that is both comforting and unnerving, alien and familiar. This hint of amazement gives the poem more depth by serving as a reminder that, despite death being the joke, life is still a huge, amazing mystery.

In conclusion, "The Dead" is proof of poetry's ability to tackle even the most serious subjects with wonder and wit. Collins's lighthearted perspective on death does not lessen its importance; rather, it gives us permission to consider it with acceptance and even humor. He serves as a reminder that laughter, like love and grief, is a human emotion that knows no bounds and exists everywhere. We learn to confront the inevitable with a bit of humor, grace, and an open heart to the wonders that lie beyond the curtain when we embrace the grins inscribed in stone.

Remember that this is only the beginning of your essay. You can delve deeper into each topic by examining particular instances from Collins's poem and by examining the language, themes, and images that are employed to illustrate these concepts. Additionally, you can think about adding your own interpretations and insights and making links to the works of other poets or philosophers. A constant tone and style should be used throughout your essay, and don't forget to credit your sources.