Question

death the leveller full review

Answer 1

Death the Leveller’ is an excerpt from James Shirley’s play “The Contention of Ajax and Ulysses.” The poem reflects his sympathy to Kings who believe themselves to be above all but fails to realize nobody can or will ever be above fate. In this poem, death is personified to showcase that everyone has to face it sooner or later and no one can be permanent victor as everyone has to die when times comes.

The poem opens with glint of optimism praising the glory of blood and state but soon takes a darkly philosophical turn stating that nothing last forever. Atheistic view is projected throughout the poem keeping faith at the highest staple. It is a very pessimistic poem telling us that nothing is under our control and discourages us to look forward at better aspects of life.

As pessimistic as it sounds, it is a very practical and social poem respecting humanity and spreading awareness of equality. No matter whom we are and how dearly we hold to our power and pelf one day we shall be buried under the same earth as every other human being. Royal or traitor, kind or cruel, rich or poor, black or white and all those segregation means nothing to death and after we die what remain of us is mixed in the soil.

Some people consider themselves invincible after winning few battles and conquering some land. They plant fresh laurels to show off their victor but blinded by earthly luxuries they fail to realize neither they nor their laurels will last, at the touch of death nothing will mean anything. Neither their power, nor their riches or their name or fame will be boasting worthy as death claims their soul and their body is left to be laid in cold tomb and buried deep. However, one thing that remains is their deeds hidden in some cosy corner of human memory which shall forever be treasured.

In the end, ‘Death the Leveller’ projects a humanistic view with death as ultimate conquer and captures the uncertainty of human existence. It gives us a realistic picture of life and death, stating that everyone is equal and no one can challenge fate. Though it is a Caroline era poem it is applicable to today’s sophisticated modern era.