Answer:
In the poem "Thanatopsis," the speaker effectively conveys his perspective on death as a natural and inevitable part of life. He begins the poem by acknowledging that death is a universal experience that "all that live must die" (lines 1-2). Rather than viewing death as something to be feared, the speaker presents it as a natural process that is "as common as to atoms" (line 3).
The speaker also suggests that death is a source of solace and comfort, rather than a source of fear. He describes death as a "sleep" that allows the deceased to "rest" and "repose" (lines 12-13). The speaker also notes that death is a way for the deceased to be reunited with their ancestors and "all that love" (lines 18-19).
Overall, the speaker presents death as a natural and inevitable part of life that should be accepted and embraced rather than feared. He suggests that death is a peaceful and comforting experience that allows the deceased to rest and be reunited with loved ones.
Textual evidence:
"All that live must die, passing through nature to eternity" (lines 1-2)
"As common as to atoms under the general law" (line 3)
"And so the heart doth rest" (line 12)
"To sleep, perchance to dream" (line 14)
"Thy slumbers shall be sweet" (line 15)
"To thy long resting-place" (line 16)
"Where all that is of life must find its level" (line 17)
"Thou shalt lie down with patriarchs of the infant world" (line 18)
"And all the sons of morning" (line 19)
Step-by-step explanation: