The speaker tells us that when we die, we’ll "lie down" with all kinds of fancy and important people. The poem, “Thanatopsis,” written by William Cullen Bryant, is a wonderful literary work which explores the often controversial questions of death. That sounds pretty good, right? Thanatopsis Lines 31-37 | Shmoop For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. That’s what this whole section of the poem is about, the idea that when we die we all lie down together in one big grave. It was published by Bryant’s father for him, and the original version lacked lines 1 to 17 and lines 32 to 44. In-depth explanations of the themes found in Thanatopsis. Even when the topic is sad and grim, the sound is soothing. Sure it's better than that claustrophobic coffin, but it's still not great. In fact, the speaker tells us we’re headed for a "magnificent" and comfy resting place, like a "couch." The sound we hear running through this poem is always calm and cool. The ocean in "Thanatopsis" is giant, scary, and a bit sad. They almost force you into a smooth, calm, quiet tone of voice. It was first published in the North American Review in 1817. Thou shalt lie down. Try saying these lines aloud: […] while from all around—Earth and her waters, and the depths of air—Comes a still voice— […] (lines 15-17). Up until now, we’ve only been talking about the sad and scary aspects of dying. A detailed summary and explanation of Lines 31-37 in Thanatopsis by William Cullen Bryant. Thanatopsis Summary "Thanatopsis" starts by talking about nature's ability to make us feel better. All of this reminds us of the sound and feeling of a summer breeze, the kind you might hear while you are lying out in a field with your eyes closed, the bright sun on your face. The poem was a hit, and it was republished, with an added introduction and conclusion, in Bryant’s Poems , which came out in 1821. William Cullen Bryant ’s poem “Thanatopsis” is considered to be the best of a number of poems he wrote on the subject of death. This also makes us think of the Biblical patriarchs, like Abraham. Way better than the "narrow house" we were worrying about in line 12. Just like this poem. The speaker tells us that nature can make pain less painful. Thanatopsis By William Cullen Bryant About this Poet Poet and editor William Cullen Bryant stood among the most celebrated figures in the frieze of 19th-century America. There will also be old ("hoary") prophets ("seers"). By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from Shmoop and verify that you are over the age of 13. The first version of "Thanatopsis" appeared in that magazine in the September 1817 issue. © 2020 Shmoop University Inc | All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal. The Ocean. There will be "patriarchs" (that means fathers, heads of families, or male leaders) from long ago when the Earth was young ("the infant world"). For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Just a phrase like "depths of air" is full of soft sounds. “Thanatopsis” was written probably in 1811, when Bryant was 17 years old. Free, fun, and packed with the most important details! Sometimes it can be cool and steady, sometimes it’s just an occasional warm gust. Even though there’s some bad news about going to our "eternal resting place," the speaker wants us to know that we won’t go there ("retire") all by ourselves. We’re making a big swing here, from creepy to comforting. This is a big turn in the poem. With patriarchs of the infant world—with kings, The powerful of the earth—the wise, the good,Fair forms, and hoary seers of ages past, © 2020 Shmoop University Inc | All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal. In this final resting place, there will be beautiful people ("fair forms"). For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The fame he won as a … For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Within his well written lines Bryant attempts to show the relationship between death’s eternal questions and the ongoing cycle of nature and life. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from Shmoop and verify that you are over the age of 13. In "Thanatopsis" the sun is always separate from the world of death and sadness and fear that humans live in. He tells us that, when we start to worry about death, we … JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. The breeze might change a little. Now we get a big "Yet." There will also be kings and others who are "powerful," "wise" and "good.". It rustles and whispers, instead of crashing and thundering. This free poetry study guide will help you understand what you're reading. The ocean is another powerful and important representation of the natural world in this poem. That giant tomb, of course, is the Earth. It has a smooth, breathy voice, never sharp or harsh or grating. Yet not to thine eternal resting-place Shalt thou retire alone, nor couldst thou wish, Couch more magnificent. To add to our summary of “Thanatopsis,” we’ll give a little background information on the poem. The original poem was shorter, covering only what we now consider to be lines 17-66. You're feeling a bit special now, aren't you. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from Shmoop and verify that you are over the age of 13. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Maybe it’s hard to see where this is headed, but he’s building to a point, we promise. What’s cool is how Bryant can make that sound like a good thing. Is the idea of your body turning into oak tree Miracle-Gro comforting? It’s a symbol of everything unchanging and pure and eternal. All of these important people from lines 34-36 will lie down with you in one giant tomb ("sepulcher"). Even as the sound and feeling shifts, though, it’s always gentle and calm and full of love and peace.

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