Final answer:
The question 'If the dead rise not, then who has not risen?' is examined through the lens of English literature, which often intertwines with spiritual beliefs. The passages cumulatively express that the act of rising can be interpreted on both a literal and metaphorical level, incorporating themes of judgment, afterlife continuity, and spiritual awakening.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of the question pertains to the theme of resurrection and the afterlife, present in various forms of literature and spiritual texts. The phrase, 'If the dead rise not, then who has not risen?' explores the concept of resurrection. The excerpts provided draw upon the rich tapestry of literary works, that explore the ideas of life, death, resurrection, and the eternal soul. These works suggest that the dead rise in different ways, be it literally rising from the grave or living on through the impact they've had on the world.
In one passage, we see the idea that blessed souls ascend to heaven with the help of angels. Another snippet suggests that some acts, like breaking the natural laws through witchcraft, can disturb the peace of the dead. The implication is that such disturbances can prevent the dead from 'rising' peacefully. Furthermore, there's a sense of continuity of life and a suggestion that death is not an end but a transformation into another state, where life goes 'onward and outward'.
Finally, a passage emphasizes the concept of judgment and the soul's journey after death, which may not necessarily involve a physical rising, but rather a spiritual awakening or final peace. Collectively, these texts suggest that the question of who has risen can be answered in many ways, depending on one's beliefs or the context of the supposed resurrection.