Throughout the novel many characters are forced to face death in some way. Whether they’re pinning themselves to the ground to avoid enemy planes or fleeing from their homes, death is a common element that gives us an inside look into the reality of life during wartime. The elder Monsieur Pericand’s experience stands out to me the most:
"Then he was certain he could feel death approaching. He made a startled little gesture (as if he was trying to get through a door that was too narrow for him, saying, "No, please, after you") and a look of surprise appeared on his face. "Is this what it is?" he seemed to say. "So this is death, then?" The surprise on his face faded and he looked stern, solemn." Ch, 23, Pg. 128.
This part of the novel is a reminder of my own mortality. It shows us that wealth and success doesn’t matter because in the end we are all doomed to the same unfortunate fate. In my opinion, coming to terms with the death of others is difficult enough so I can only imagine what it’d be like to have to accept your own. I’m not sure what I’d do if I were in the elder Pericand’s position, however, I would probably be just as oblivious as he was. Generally speaking, death can occur at anytime and at any place. We may not see it coming, but it’ll happen and there’s no real way to be prepared. The best any of us can do is choose to live as much as we can and find our place in the world before we are forced to leave it.
I agree with your thoughts on this topic. Like you said, wealth and success don't matter in the end, but notice how the elder Pericand still used his last moments of life deciding on such affairs. If wealth had not been such a large part all throughout his life, he would have instead taken these moments to reflect on his life, pray, or record any last words he would have liked to say to his loved ones.
ReplyDeleteI agree with most thoughts and opinions as well. Of course the characters have had to come face to face with death, i mean, look at what they're in the middle of (war). It's no doubt that they've had to think about they're own death and the death of loved ones. I think that the wealth and success part is just a sense of accomplishment that a person can feel before our doomed fate. I think in the end it really depends on your own opinion if that stuff matters to you or not, even if we are all "doomed to the same unfortunate fate." but this novel has a way, of some what make you think in just one point of view.
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