Question

Read the poem given below in the context of ‘The Sermon at Benaras’. It was actually delivered as a part of a sermon in 1910 by the author, Canon Henry Scott Holland (1847—1918), a priest at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. After reading the poem, discuss in groups of four and list the similarities and differences between ‘The Sermon at Benaras’ and ‘Death Is Nothing At All’. For example the theme, the situation, the philosophy of the two speakers etc. Death Is Nothing At All Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I, and you are you, and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just round the corner. All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again! Canon Henry Scott Holland

Answer 1

The theme of this poem "Death is Nothing" is hope in the afterlife and once they reunite they will be happier and forever will be one together.

Explanation:

This poem is a part of sermon in 1910 "Death the king of terrors" was preached while the death of king Edward VII was lying in state at Westminster. The speaker depricates the space between someone who has died and those that are mourning. Love remains after death. Love towards your beloved one does not change.

Death is common to all. He says even after death our loved ones will remain close by in the next room as they find place in the afterlife. The philosophy of two speakers states that death is common to all and no one can escape from death.