- Death - The Inevitable “Topic” of Entertainment and Life

1. - Death - The Inevitable “Topic” of Entertainment and Life Created by Jeremy Geddis English II October 23, 2013 4th Period

2. What is Death? Merriam-Webster defines Death as “the end of life.” No matter what language, what part of the world, everyone knows or has personally experienced death. People will always be fascinated with the mystery that surrounds death, the implications that it brings, and the inevitability it has. Death is apparent all around us and in the play/story Oedipus Rex, the movie Harold and Maude, and from a painting titled The Triumph of Death. All Is Vanity – Painted by Charles Allan Gilbert – 1892

3. Oedipus Rex First premiered in 429 BC, Oedipus Rex is the story of a man who arrives in a city under a curse from a Sphinx who will not set the city free unless a riddle is solved. Oedipus solves the riddle and, since the king has recently been murdered, becomes the king and marries the queen. Later on, we come to find out that he is actually from the city, the king’s son, cast out as a baby. He has killed his father and married his mother. He later blinds himself and leaves the city forever. Oedipus Rex is a good example of the Universal Topic of Death. The type of story itself hints at the mere thought of death – a Tragedy. The story revolves around the death of a king and the attempted murder of a child. A city is under a curse, and suffering from a famine. Hundreds of people are dying and as the story progresses and certain things come to light, the queen herself, commits suicide.

4. Harold and Maude Harold and Maudewas released in 1971. The story revolves around a 20 year old named Harold. Harold is obsessed with death. In order to get the attention of his mother, Harold stages many fake suicides. He likes to attend funerals and later on meets a 79 year old woman name Maude who shares his “hobby”. Much to the dissatisfaction of Harold's family, they fall in love. Maude later commits suicide on her 80th birthday as she feels “80 is the proper age to die.” How is this not a good example of Death as a Universal Topic! The whole story revolves around suicide and death. Harold likes to attend random funerals and even modified his car to look like a hearse. Harold “dies” many times in the film in order to scare people ; some of his deaths include him setting himself on fire, shooting himself in the forehead, and even “drowning” himself in his pool.

5. The Triumph of Death The Triumph of Death – shown below– is a painting done by Pieter Bruegel the Elder in 1562. The painting shows an “army of skeletons wreaking havoc across a desolate landscape.” The Triumph of Death is focused around the idea of death. Legions of skeletons are shown advancing on the living, people are herded into traps, a dog nibbles at the face of a person, and a skeleton chases after people on horseback. Interestingly for its time, the painting shows people of all backgrounds from peasants to kings and even a catholic cardinal. Full Size Version http://bit.ly/7b4bCS

6. Text – to - Self Death has affected me very personally. In 2005, my father died from the result of a suicide. My whole world came crashing down. I completely shut down. But, my life has gotten a bit better, and I try everyday to prove to him what he wrote to me in his “note”. I will succeed. Death though, will inevitably come for me...one day. My Dad in the US Marines in 1967 at the age of 19.

7. Conclusion People will always be fascinated by death. It’s affected us all personally. Because it is known by everyone, in my opinion, it is one of the best Universal Topics. Be it in story's, movies, art, or our own lives, Death will be there. It will always be there.

8. Bibliography • All Is Vanity – Painted by Charles Allan Gilbert – 1892 • Harold and Maude – Directed by Hal Ashby – 1971 • Sophocles – Oedipus Rex – 429 BC • The Triumph of Death – Painted by Pieter Bruegel the Elder – 1562