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115 Death Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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Death is an inevitable part of life that has been contemplated and explored by humans throughout history. It is a subject that evokes a wide range of emotions and thoughts, from fear and sorrow to curiosity and acceptance. Writing an essay about death can be a profound and thought-provoking experience, allowing individuals to reflect on their own mortality and explore existential questions. To inspire your writing, here are 115 death essay topic ideas and examples.

• The concept of death in different cultures.
• The role of death in religious beliefs.
• The fear of death and its impact on human behavior.
• Death as a theme in literature and poetry.
• The portrayal of death in art and cinema.
• The psychology of grief and mourning.
• The stages of grief according to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross.
• How to cope with the loss of a loved one.
• The impact of death on family dynamics.
• The connection between death and existentialism.
• Near-death experiences and their implications.
• The debate between the existence of an afterlife and oblivion.
• The significance of death rituals and funeral customs.
• The ethics of euthanasia and assisted suicide.
• The right to die: exploring the concept of death with dignity.
• The role of death in philosophical thought.
• Death as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation.
• The impact of death anxiety on mental health.
• Exploring the concept of a "good death."
• The portrayal of death in popular culture.
• Death and the meaning of life.
• The portrayal of death in ancient mythology.
• Death and the concept of time.
• The impact of death on medical ethics.
• The portrayal of death in children's literature.
• The intersection of death and technology.
• Death and the fear of the unknown.
• The impact of death on social media and digital legacies.
• The acceptance of death: exploring different perspectives.
• The role of humor in coping with death.
• Death and the concept of justice.
• The impact of death on religious beliefs and practices.
• The influence of death on artistic expression.
• Death and the concept of free will.
• The portrayal of death in different historical periods.
• Death and the concept of fate.
• The impact of death on the concept of identity.
• Death and the concept of soul.
• Death and the concept of pain.
• The impact of death on medical advancements.
• Death and the concept of forgiveness.
• The portrayal of death in video games.
• Death and the concept of sacrifice.
• The impact of death on cultural traditions.
• Death and the concept of legacy.
• Death and the concept of beauty.
• The portrayal of death in religious texts.
• Death and the concept of morality.
• The impact of death on social structures.
• Death and the concept of justice in different societies.
• The portrayal of death in different artistic mediums.
• Death and the concept of love.
• The impact of death on the concept of time.
• Death and the concept of truth.
• The portrayal of death in different musical genres.
• Death and the concept of suffering.
• The impact of death on the concept of freedom.
• Death and the concept of redemption.
• The portrayal of death in different dance forms.
• Death and the concept of rebirth.
• The impact of death on the concept of beauty.
• Death and the concept of forgiveness in different cultures.
• The portrayal of death in different architectural styles.
• Death and the concept of fate in different societies.
• The impact of death on the concept of identity in different periods.
• Death and the concept of pain in different cultures.
• The portrayal of death in different fashion trends.
• Death and the concept of sacrifice in different religions.
• The impact of death on the concept of legacy in different civilizations.
• Death and the concept of beauty in different art forms.
• The portrayal of death in different culinary traditions.
• Death and the concept of justice in different historical eras.
• The impact of death on the concept of morality in different societies.
• Death and the concept of love in different cultures.
• The portrayal of death in different sports.
• Death and the concept of suffering in different religions.
• The impact of death on the concept of freedom in different periods.
• Death and the concept of redemption in different belief systems.
• The portrayal of death in different circus acts.
• Death and the concept of rebirth in different mythologies.
• The impact of death on the concept of beauty in different civilizations.
• Death and the concept of forgiveness in different cultural practices.
• The portrayal of death in different gardening styles.
• Death and the concept of fate in different belief systems.
• The impact of death on the concept of identity in different societies.
• Death and the concept of pain in different historical periods.
• The portrayal of death in different interior design trends.
• Death and the concept of sacrifice in different cultural practices.
• Death and the concept of beauty in different fashion trends.
• The portrayal of death in different music genres.
• The impact of death on the concept of morality in different periods.
• The portrayal of death in different film genres.
• The impact of death on the concept of freedom in different societies.
• The portrayal of death in different theater styles.
• The portrayal of death in different dance styles.
• The portrayal of death in different visual art forms.
• Death and the concept of beauty in different architectural styles.
• The portrayal of death in different literary genres.

Whether you choose to explore the philosophical, cultural, psychological, or artistic aspects of death, these essay topic ideas provide a wide range of possibilities to delve into this profound subject. Remember to approach the topic with sensitivity and respect, as death is a deeply personal and meaningful experience for many individuals.

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5 moving, beautiful essays about death and dying

by Sarah Kliff

It is never easy to contemplate the end-of-life, whether its own our experience or that of a loved one.

This has made a recent swath of beautiful essays a surprise. In different publications over the past few weeks, I've stumbled upon writers who were contemplating final days. These are, no doubt, hard stories to read. I had to take breaks as I read about Paul Kalanithi's experience facing metastatic lung cancer while parenting a toddler, and was devastated as I followed Liz Lopatto's contemplations on how to give her ailing cat the best death possible. But I also learned so much from reading these essays, too, about what it means to have a good death versus a difficult end from those forced to grapple with the issue. These are four stories that have stood out to me recently, alongside one essay from a few years ago that sticks with me today.

My Own Life | Oliver Sacks

As recently as last month, popular author and neurologist Oliver Sacks was in great health, even swimming a mile every day. Then, everything changed: the 81-year-old was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. In a beautiful op-ed , published in late February in the New York Times, he describes his state of mind and how he'll face his final moments. What I liked about this essay is how Sacks describes how his world view shifts as he sees his time on earth getting shorter, and how he thinks about the value of his time.

Before I go | Paul Kalanithi

Kalanthi began noticing symptoms — "weight loss, fevers, night sweats, unremitting back pain, cough" — during his sixth year of residency as a neurologist at Stanford. A CT scan revealed metastatic lung cancer. Kalanthi writes about his daughter, Cady and how he "probably won't live long enough for her to have a memory of me." Much of his essay focuses on an interesting discussion of time, how it's become a double-edged sword. Each day, he sees his daughter grow older, a joy. But every day is also one that brings him closer to his likely death from cancer.

As I lay dying | Laurie Becklund

Becklund's essay was published posthumonously after her death on February 8 of this year. One of the unique issues she grapples with is how to discuss her terminal diagnosis with others and the challenge of not becoming defined by a disease. "Who would ever sign another book contract with a dying woman?" she writes. "Or remember Laurie Becklund, valedictorian, Fulbright scholar, former Times staff writer who exposed the Salvadoran death squads and helped The Times win a Pulitzer Prize for coverage of the 1992 L.A. riots? More important, and more honest, who would ever again look at me just as Laurie?"

Everything I know about a good death I learned from my cat | Liz Lopatto

Dorothy Parker was Lopatto's cat, a stray adopted from a local vet. And Dorothy Parker, known mostly as Dottie, died peacefully when she passed away earlier this month. Lopatto's essay is, in part, about what she learned about end-of-life care for humans from her cat. But perhaps more than that, it's also about the limitations of how much her experience caring for a pet can transfer to caring for another person.

Yes, Lopatto's essay is about a cat rather than a human being. No, it does not make it any easier to read. She describes in searing detail about the experience of caring for another being at the end of life. "Dottie used to weigh almost 20 pounds; she now weighs six," Lopatto writes. "My vet is right about Dottie being close to death, that it’s probably a matter of weeks rather than months."

Letting Go | Atul Gawande

"Letting Go" is a beautiful, difficult true story of death. You know from the very first sentence — "Sara Thomas Monopoli was pregnant with her first child when her doctors learned that she was going to die" — that it is going to be tragic. This story has long been one of my favorite pieces of health care journalism because it grapples so starkly with the difficult realities of end-of-life care.

In the story, Monopoli is diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, a surprise for a non-smoking young woman. It's a devastating death sentence: doctors know that lung cancer that advanced is terminal. Gawande knew this too — Monpoli was his patient. But actually discussing this fact with a young patient with a newborn baby seemed impossible.

"Having any sort of discussion where you begin to say, 'look you probably only have a few months to live. How do we make the best of that time without giving up on the options that you have?' That was a conversation I wasn't ready to have," Gawande recounts of the case in a new Frontline documentary .

What's tragic about Monopoli's case was, of course, her death at an early age, in her 30s. But the tragedy that Gawande hones in on — the type of tragedy we talk about much less — is how terribly Monopoli's last days played out.

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218 Death Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on death, ✍️ death essay topics for college, 👍 good death research topics & essay examples, 🌶️ hot death ideas to write about, 🎓 most interesting death research titles, 📌 easy death essay topics, 💡 simple death essay ideas, ❓ questions about death.

• Jeremy Dutcher “Mehcinut” (Death Chant): Style of the Song
• Death in Emily Dickinson’s Poems
• Philosophical Views on Death
• The Concept of Death and Dying
• Death Within Edgar Allan Poe’s Works
• The Death Penalty: Arguments in Favor
• Death by Fire: The Death Penalty in Texas
• “The Death of Artemio Cruz” by Carlos Fuentes The Death of Artemio Cruz is a book written by Carlos Fuentes in 1962 about the Mexican Revolution and its aftermath.
• Death Penalty Abolishment: Arguments For and Against The practice’s opponents believe that the death penalty is inhumane, while proponents argue that it is a fair retribution for certain types of crimes.
• The Soul Never Dies: John Donne’s “Death, Be Not Proud” Tis paper discusses the formal analysis of the sonnet, death as the central image embodies by multiple poetic means, and the paradox of the poem.
• Death Culture in Filipinos and Its Peculiarities In Filipino culture, there are several objects and symbols related to death. The whole death culture may differ from the cultures in other countries.
• Estimating the Time of Death: The Main Factors This paper describes how to determine the time of death of a person, the factors and signs of the causes of death, that can help in the investigation.
• Emily Jerry’s Death: The Root Cause Analysis Emily Jerry was a two-year-old patient who died during her stay in a hospital due to mismanagement of medical equipment and hospital staff incompetence.
• People’s Attitude Towards Death Most philosophers agree that the fact of the inability to understand and experience life is the main evil that death brings.
• Pentecostal’s Church Approach to Death, After-Life, and End of Life About 4 million Pentecostals live in the United States. This paper aims to discuss the Pentecostal church’s approach to death, after-life, and end of life.
• The Triumph of Death: A Prominent Theme in Gothic Literature The paper states that gothic fiction peers through humans’ gravest fears with surgical precision and terrifying brutality.
• Love and Death in Poetry by Emily Dickinson The main themes of Dickinson’s poetry were nature, death, love and Gospel the main points her manner of presentation and her inner state through.
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Health Promotion Plan This paper aims at developing a health promotion plan that investigates SIDS and related best health improvement practices.
• Death and Dying: A Case Study In the case of George, the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) means that he has a limited time to live and that his health is highly likely to deteriorate with time.
• Approaches to Death, Their Types and Differences This paper discusses how do the biological, psychological, anthropological, philosophical, and sociological approaches to death differ.
• Justification of the Death Penalty The paper argues that the death penalty is only justifiable under three circumstances, including retribution, deterrence and a form of communication.
• An Interpretation of Dickinson’s Views on Death in Her Poetry The paper considers Dickinson’s substantial contribution of almost 1800 poems into the field of mysticism and her particular views on death within her fascinating poems.
• Haitian Cultural Considerations of Death This paper looks at the customs, attitude, and ideas that Haitians have concerning the concept of death and dying.
• Death Penalty: Contradictions Several crimes can lead to the death penalty: rape, racism, and murder. The death penalty has many and serious disadvantages and advantages.
• Early Martin Heidegger on “Death” Martin Heidegger is one of the most significant philosophers of the 20th century. He viewed death as a defining phenomenon for time and being.
• The Advantages of the Death Penalty This paper claims that the death penalty justified from an ethic since it reduces the number of criminals, satisfy the victims, and the state will not suffer financial losses.
• History of “The Black Death” by Rosemary Horrox In “The Black Death,” Rosemmary Horrox traced how the Black Death in Europe and part of Asia affected the entire continent and spread across the part of England and Ukraine.
• Sikhism and Christianity: A View on Life and Death The purpose of this essay is to discuss the relationship between the two religious movements to the purpose of human life and the phenomenon of the afterlife.
• Death Penalty in Case of Mental Illnesses American legal thought posited that the defendant’s mental competence was a necessary prerequisite for issuing and implementing the death penalty.
• Psychological Aspects of Desdemona’s Death: The Power of Deceptions and Racial Differences Desdemona’s death at her husband’s hands proves that jealousy seeds are easy to sow because they are reinforced by the outside psychological and racial means.
• Stephen King’s 1408: The Image of Death in Contemporary Gothic Literature In this essay, the author describes Stephen King’s story “1408” and argues for signs of its relationship to contemporary Gothic literature.
• Death and Culture: Cross-Cultural Beliefs and Practices Associated With Death The concept of death is, perhaps, the most recognized idea globally. It is a natural phenomenon that marks the end of life.
• Poe’s View on “The Masque of the Red Death” Edgar Allan Poe uses the word “masque” in the title to symbolize a one-of-a-kind celebration where people cover their identities behind masks to foster safety and experience joy.
• Gary Davis: “Death Don’t Have No Mercy” The song is a terrible embodiment of the variability of life, the sudden possibility of decease at any moment; this part of human existence greatly worried the author.
• Encountering the Landscapes of Life and Death: Literature Review This essay examines two stories – “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and “Death by Landscape” by Margaret Atwood.
• “Organizational Change as a Process of Death, Dying, and Rebirth” by Zell “Organizational Change as a Process of Death, Dying, and Rebirth” by Zell, the author presents the results of study on the resistance to organizational change in professional bureaucracies.
• Bereavement Loss and Death Practices Across Cultures Death refers to the permanent end of all processes that sustain life in a human being. Grief and mourning are major elements of death in all societies.
• The Concept of Death in Islam According to Islam, death is the soul’s return to its creator, who is Allah. Thus, this religion regards human life as a complex of severe trials, which always end in death.
• Death and Dying in “What Really Matters…” by Miller BJ Miller provides an uncommon viewpoint borrowing from a traumatic near-death encounter that cost him his feet and arm.
• Death Penalty: The Utilitarianism Ethical Theory Utilitarianism gives moral justification for the death penalty as long as it promotes society’s total well-being, approval, and happiness.
• Aging and Death in Literature: Larkin and Shakespeare This paper aims to compare Philip Larkin’s “The Old Fools” and Shakespeare’s Sonnet 64, which present contrasting views of aging and mortality.
• Love, Life, Death, and God Concepts in Poetry The themes of love, life, death, and belief are commonly discussed in poetry, and people are free to expand their own opinions and judgments.
• The Black Death Description and Analysis The book The Black Death by Philip Ziegler attempts to provide an account of the events followed by the arrival of the plague.
• Dying and Death From a Nursing Perspective Current cosmic scale necropolitics is trying to frame death, dying, and mourning in the modern world to existence.
• “The Mask of the Red Death”: Story by Edgar Allan Poe Edgar Allan Poe published several stories with gothic inspiration, but none more critically acclaimed than “The Mask of the Red Death.”
• Life Stages: Old Age, Dying, and Death Death is perceived as a natural and inevitable part of life. We may not be sure about the outcomes of our lives, but one thing we are confident of is that we are all going to die.
• Discussion of Global Death Sentence It is no secret that capital punishment has always been a topic surrounded by controversies in many humanitarian disciplines such as philosophy, law, and sociology.
• Death Concept: Accepting Its Transformational Power Death is the end of earthly life, while one can still question if it is the real end. Depending on the attitude, the answer can be different.
• A Good Death: Family Ritual of Death Anniversary Death anniversary is one of the everyday rituals that every family practices in memory of their departed relatives.
• Funeral Ceremony: The Song of Death, the Hymn of Life In this paper, the ritual Gisaro performed by the Kaluli people of Papua New Guinea will be examined and related to the present context.
• Fast Foods Lead to Fast Death: Informative Speech The fast-food industry has expanded at a rapid pace during the past half-century. The consequence has been the rapid expansion of the nation’s collective waistline.
• The Concept of Death and Dying in Religions The worldview of each religion is the key to understanding the human essence, and holding this or that position allows differently assessing both earthly existence and life after death.
• Emily Dickinson’s Reasons to Write About Death Death is one of the main and strongest reoccurring themes in Dickinson’s poetry that can be properly discussed through the events of the Civil War in the 19th century.
• Near-Death Experiences and Explanatory Models The psyche’s deprivation and disintegration are frequently accompanied by reports about seeing a bright light: golden flashes of lightning or sunshine along with angels.
• Airline Liability for Passenger Injury or Death The selected legal topic for this discussion revolves around the issue of liability after the death or injury of passengers after air crashes.
• Death Penalty and “Eye for an Eye” System The argument that the death penalty fits the narrative of the “eye for an eye” idea is valid. However, the state has the right to take away someone’s rights.
• Annotated Bibliography Assignment: Position on Death Sentence The intended outcome involves proving that the DS is inseparable from costly mistakes, including those reinforced by prejudice.
• The Death Philosophy in Religion and Science This paper aims to answer the question that still swirls in the minds of many philosophers: is death a fearful phenomenon or the beginning of a new life?
• The Death of Enkidu and the Enlightenment of Gilgamesh The great epic poem of Gilgamesh explores a vast number of themes, but the one that sets the epic into motion is the subject of friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu.
• Death in the Village of Gold, Zamfara Province The village of Gold is a case experiencing a life-threatening condition to its population after numerous deaths are reported amongst children in three villages of Zamfara Province.
• Wrongful Death Lawsuit: Case Study The right thing to do is to resolve the issue by settlement out of the court. A payment is preferable to a trial if the insurance company is willing to pay the damage caused.
• Pronouncing a Brain-Dead Patient’s Death: Yusef Camp’s Case At the time of the situation, local legislation had no law to authorize death pronouncement based on brain criteria alone.
• The Concept of Death in Perspectives of Christianity and Hinduism Each individual interprets and deals with such situations according to personal values. This perspective is often based on a system of beliefs such as a religion.
• Workplace Death and Injuries The paper analyzes the article “The Occupational Safety and Health Act’s Preemptive Effect on State Criminal Prosecutions of Employers for Workplace Death and Injuries”.
• Is Smoking Cigarettes Just for Fun or a Death Sentence? Smoking cigarettes is one of the most popular bad habits in the world. Those who are addicted to it keep saying that there is nothing wrong about smoking.
• “The Death of Ivan Ilyich” by Leo Tolstoy The story The Death of Ivan Ilyich was first published in 1886. It, like The Confessions, reflects Tolstoy’s spiritual quest.
• Understanding Amish Attitudes Toward Death: Implications for End-of-Life Care While the Amish focus on the world beyond this world, they certainly feel sadness and loss just like any other people when loved ones pass away.
• Tupac’s Fake Death Conspiracy Theory The author is convinced that Tupac staged his own death as part of a larger plan to evade the FBI and other law enforcement agencies who were after him.
• Universal Determination of Death Act (UDDA) The Uniform Determination of Death Act (UDDA) is a draft state law provides a definition of death mainly for application in situations that require legal intervention.
• Preventing Children’s Death in Nepal The paper gives a detailed analysis of the leading causes of death in children in Nepal and explains how this country has implemented evidence-based strategies to prevent.
• Attitudes Toward Death: Thomas vs. Whitman In the paper, attention will be paid to the two poems written by different authors and in different centuries but united by a common theme and several strong literary devices.
• The Top Five Causes of Death in the US The five major causes of death in the United States encompass heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, chronic lower respiratory disease, and stroke and cerebrovascular diseases.
• Attitude Towards Aging, Death, and Dying Both medicine and religion began to touch upon the topics of death and the possibility of eternal life, whether spiritual or physical.
• Death in Poetry: the Analysis of Poems by E. Dickinson, J. Donne, and A. Sexton This essay will analyze poems by E. Dickinson, J. Donne, and A. Sexton and attempt to decipher the points of view presented in the poems.
• Arts and the Black Death In the mid-14th century, the Black Death plague swept across Europe, killing more than 40% of the population.
• Old Age and Death in Different Cultures Culture and age play a fundamental part in people’s attitudes to old age and death. Provide better care to people who are dying or experiencing the loss of a loved one.
• The Meaning of Death and a Person’s Attitude Towards It Living a life that has no regrets can help an individual reduce the impact of the fear of death. An individual should also focus on his or her own death so that he or she can live a fulfilling life.
• Death from Christian and Buddist Perspectives This discussion examines the case of a patient with a terminal condition from two different religious perspectives: Christian and Buddhist.
• Human Life and Death in Christianity and Buddhism Illness often leads to agony and prompts the search for the meaning of life as people try to understand the reasons behind their predicaments.
• Death and Dying Rituals in Buddhism The Buddhist perspective on death is undeniably positive as it helps in relieving pain and grief and preparing the living for eventual death.
• The Traditions of Death Practices The paper discusses the traditions of death practices. It includes the Dia de los Muertos celebration and human composting burial practice.
• The Death Penalty: James Holmes’ Case The death penalty does not violate the Sixth Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment. It does shape certain procedural aspects.
• Race, Ethnicity, and Age Trends of Death From COVID-19 The article “Race, ethnicity, and age trends in persons…” analyzes deaths due to COVID-19 from the perspective of race, ethnicity, and age of its victims.
• Aspects of Death Penalty Acceptance The death penalty is a form of punishment that should be used to justify criminals when they commit severe crimes concerning other people.
• Court Cases That Impacted to Death Penalty Daryl Atkins, who has an IQ of 59, was found guilty of murdering an Air Force enlisted man inside a convenience shop and was sentenced to death for his crime.
• Fetal Death Rates: International Comparison The paper states that the diagram and findings that ensue from it are not demonstrative of fetal mortality. The graph includes only ten nations.
• Death Of Student at LA High School Case Discussion The case to be discussed further in this essay occurred in one of Los Angeles’s high schools, where a 15-year-old teenager died from a fentanyl overdose.
• Against the Death Penalty in the US The article presents arguments against the death penalty in the United States, focusing on its ineffectiveness as a deterrent, high costs, and racial and subjective biases.
• Emily Dickenson’s Poem “Because I Could Not Stop for Death” In this paper, the poem Because I Could Not Stop for Death is discussed from the perspective of a message that can be gained about its theme.
• Ethics of Ending Life Support After Brain Death The case study is about the attempts of the family of the girl whose brain is already dead, and she has no chance for improvement, to impose the ban on ending her life support.
• Death Penalty Position in Society Death penalty is the most severe punishment a government may sentence a person to for breaking the law, for example, by committing murder.
• Grief Counselling on Managing Child Terminal Death Whereas anticipatory grief for older patients such as parents or grandparents is relatively common, preparing for the death of a child can be significantly more impactful.
• Heaven, Hell, and Dying Well: Images of Death in the Middle Ages The paper discusses “Heaven, Hell, and Dying Well: Images of Death in the Middle Ages”. It is an art exhibit presented by the J. Paul Getty Museum in 2012.
• Caring for Individuals Experiencing Common Health Challenges: Death and Dying The main idea of palliative care is integrating a holistic approach when nurses do everything possible to improve the quality of human life, even if death is inevitable.
• When the Death of a Star Becomes a Black Hole Black holes are among the most exciting phenomena in the universe. They are thick and have a powerful gravitational pull that not even light can flee their clutches.
• Becoming an Organ Donor After the Death Transplanted organs save lives every day, yet doctors often have to lose precious time seeking a viable organ due to a lack of donors.
• The Death and Burial of the Chinese Death in Eastern countries is considered best of all in the example of China because it is the country where the classical form of the cult of ancestors is the most developed.
• The Black Death: Impact on European Society By the beginning of the epidemic of the Black Death in 1346, Europe was considered overpopulated, and the standard of living was rapidly falling.
• Methodological Flaws in Studies of Air Pollution and COVID-19 Death Rates The research reviews the considerations related to studying the correlation between ambient air pollution and its effects on the symptoms of COVID-19.
• Discussion: Meditation on Death Awareness This paper summarizes the article about the death awareness meditation that has three parts – the inevitability of death, the uncertainty, and the benefits of the spiritual insight.
• The Culture of Death in the American Civil War The paper discusses the perception of death during the Civil War era. It shows the contrast between people’s opinions about it in the past and the present.
• Liability of Death from Food Poisoning Woeste ate raw oysters at Washington Platform Saloon restaurant and died of food poisoning. Later his estate sued the restaurant and the company that harvested the oysters.
• “The Odyssey,” “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” and “The Sauptikaparvan”: “Good Death” Idea “The Odyssey,” “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” and “The Sauptikaparvan” promote the concept of a “good death” as the notion of perfection of a warrior who dies on the battlefield.
• The Film “Black Death” by Christopher Smith “Black Death”, a 2011 film by Christopher Smith, is one of the many cinematic deliberations on the subject of the 14th-century Black Plague in cinema.
• Surviving the Death of a Parent “The Death of a Parent Affects Even Grown Children Psychologically and Physically,” explains how parental loss affects adults.
• The Idea of Aging and the Inevitable Death The idea of aging and the inevitable death seem distant to young people. As one ages, the necessity to reconcile with the fear of demise emerges.
• The Death of “Billy Budd” by Herman Melville Melville’s story “Billy Budde” culminates in the death of the main character – an innocent, inexperienced sailor, who through no fault of his, was hanged.
• Socrates: Life and Death Discussion Socrates gave three distinct arguments in favor of life after death. His reasoning is not obliged to embrace the idea of soul immortality.
• “Because I Could Not Stop for Death” by Emily Dickinson In “Because I Could Not Stop for Death,” Emily Dickinson applies tone, personification, and metaphor to outline the lethargic journey of an individual from life to Death.
• Alcoholism and Edgar Allan Poe’s Death Many arguments support alcoholism as the cause of Poe’s death, including his friends’ testimonials, newspapers’ reports about brain congestion, and social observations.
• Life After Death: Nevitt’s Survivalism vs. Oderberg’s Survivalism Nevitt’s examines the views of corruptionists and survivalists on Aquinas and his beliefs on the status of human beings after death and before the resurrection.
• Wisdom and Death in Socrates’ Philosophy Socrates’ philosophy, revealed through the themes of death, wisdom, and other eternal concepts, is rich and interprets many aspects of life.
• Gilgamesh’s Search for Immortality: Inevitability of Death in a Story The Epic of Gilgamesh is generally the story of one man’s journey to outfox’s demise, and, strangely, the needs of a contemporary American have not changed much.
• Immortality, Personal Identity, Death and God The paper discusses the idea of the hereafter is connected to the understanding of the absolute and its influences on memory and body levels.
• Care and Death Rates Among Nursing Home Residents The essay here starts by analyzing the conditions and experiences of residents in care facilities. It establishes the major causes of death rates among nursing home residents.
• Deadly Deliveries: Insufficient Safety Practices & Maternal Death A short film Deadly Deliveries by Dufour and Gruber to support USA Today’s investigation into recent maternal death cases sheds light on the insufficiency of safety practices.
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Description Babies usually die quietly and without evidence of a struggle. SIDS’s diagnosis is set when the infant’s death cannot be explained.
• Relationship Between Gender and Death Anxiety “Death Anxiety Among Elderly People” provides multiple insights into the relationship between death anxiety, spirituality, and gender among older patients in the Indian context.
• Defending a Foreign Citizen Facing the Death Sentence in the United States Although Mexico developed robust legal assistance to its citizens abroad, there were several death-sentence cases when U.S. authorities failed to inform Mexican defendants.
• Healthcare Ethics: Physician-Assisted Death Physician-assisted death should be illegal since the goal of healthcare must be to maintain treatment that sustains life for patients, by seeking alternatives in palliative care.
• Products Liability: SUV Wrongful Death Case The jury of a Florida court ordered Mitsubishi Motors Corp. to pay almost eleven million dollars ($) in wrongful death damages.
• The Death of Mothers as Healthcare Challenge Mothers die because of the impossibility of obtaining qualified medical services. This fact can be taken as the major healthcare challenge which the modern world faces.
• The Death From Patriarchal Dependence Louise Mallard died of heart disease caused by years of suffering in marriage, lack of personal freedom, and a hazy future full of pretense and service to her husband.
• Criminal Punishment, Inmates on Death Row, and Prison Educational Programs This paper will review the characteristics of inmates, including those facing death penalties and the benefits of educational programs for prisoners.
• Exploring Death Anxiety Among Staff Who Work in Outpatient Hemodialysis Units This critique is based on the quantitative study by Lee and King “Exploring death anxiety and burnout among staff members who work in outpatient hemodialysis units”.
• Black Death Impact on the Direction of Western Civilization The Black Death was a catastrophic global Bubonic Pest outbreak in the mid-1300s that affected Europe and Asia.
• Philosophy of Death and Dying Death has always been a significant theme of religious practices, philosophy, medicine, and art. They all turn to the specific features of the process of dying.
• Beta-Agonist Use and Death From Asthma Relationship The major objective of the study is to establish, according to previous studies, the relationship between beta-agonist uses and death from asthma.
• Prevalence and Death Rates of Asthma in Australia This paper will look at asthma in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians who have a high prevalence rate.
• Law and Medical Ethics: Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Death Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide are practices that occur in many countries. Some countries and states such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Oregon have made these practices legal.
• Christianity and Shintoism: Death and Dying Every religion has its peculiarities and customs that determine what life the followers of this religion lead. The focus of this paper will be Christianity and Shintoism.
• Death Sentencing and Its Various Statutes The paper recalls the historical background of the death penalty and lists the various statutes that provide for death sentencing in the United States.
• The Incident With Wolterman: The First Line-Of-Duty Death in the History of Hfd The incident with Wolterman appeared to be the first line-of-duty death in the history of HFD since 1971. Wolterman’s line-of-duty death is the most recent of them.
• Death in John Donne’s and Percy Shelley’s Sonnets Sonnets were written by John Donne and Percy Shelley picture concepts of death, life, and the afterlife in a contrasting manner.
• Death With Dignity: Ethical Dilemma Brittany Maynard had an aggressive form of brain cancer, and to preserve her control over her life, she decided to move to the state that authorized the Death with Dignity Act.
• Disconnecting with the World and Other People after the Death of Close People The client is in the office due to the fact that he feels extremely disconnected with the world and other people after the death of his wife.
• Death by Refusal of Treatment and Healthcare Directives End-of-life care decisions are a sensitive issue that requires careful handling and collaboration between patients, their families, and health care professionals.
• Brain Death, Consciousness, and Organ Transplantation Problem The articles reviewed in the paper touch upon the problem of dead/dying brain and the ethical question of organ transplantation from brain dead patients.
• Dealing With a Death of a Loved One In December 2003, Didion’s husband suffered a heart attack at the dinner table. They lived together for forty years. This terrible loss became a crucial moment in Didion’s life.
• The History of Mongols, the Black Death Human society can be compared with a living organism that is the constant process of development. The currents that present special interest for the present work are the Mongols.
• Death Concept in “Because I Could Not Stop for Death” by Emily Dickenson The poem tells the story of a woman’s experience of death, but rather than being the horrifying thing most people imagine it to be, Dickinson’s portrayal of it is more peaceful.
• TV and Newspaper Advertising Death This paper relates the key causes of the death of TV and newspaper advertising to various marketing concepts covered in high-level studies.
• Death and Dying: How We Die, Reflections on Life’s Final Chapter This paper was a brief examination of the book How We Die, Reflections on Life’s Final Chapter by Sherwin B. Nuland.
• Capital Punishment – Life or Death Punishment for crimes which are deemed cruel and unusual is forbidden by the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This amendment is often invoked when discussing the legal merits of the death penalty.
• Dying-Death and Loss-Grief in Different Cultures Culture is a product of evolution and human creativity; it comprises all aspects of human adjustment which include sets of ideals, beliefs, including the culture of death.
• On the Death of Jesus in Early Christianity This writing reflects on the book ‘The Death of Jesus in Early Christianity’ by Carroll and Green and proposes a unique approach and interpretation of the primary text.
• Death Explanation in Christian Religion Human death has been explained in many different ways by the different religions existing in this global world.
• Death & Dying Ethics in Buddhism and Christianity The paper describes the ethical challenge the patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is facing and the best approaches to support him using religious values or ideas.
• Death & Dying Ethics in Hinduism and Christianity Death and dying are essential notions in belief systems. In some religions, death brings an end to a person’s existence, in others, the soul continues to exist in the afterlife.
• Death & Dying Ethics in Christianity and Buddhism The paper will discuss the attitude toward the deliberate ending of life from the viewpoint of Christianity and Buddhism.
• Religion in “Ceremony,” “Death Comes for the Archbishop,” and “Desert Solitaire” The works Ceremony, Desert Solitaire, and Death Comes for the Archbishop also have religious motifs that are introduced to trace the role religion plays in persons’ lives and all changes they undergo in their life.
• Opioid Use Disorder and Death: Evidence Appraisal Overdose is now one of the leading causes of mortality by injury in the United States. It results in ten thousand of preventable deaths every year.
• Ethical Dilemma in Facing Death Situations The purpose of this essay is to answer the question: what is ethical in the situation where numerous people are facing death?
• Death Row Prisoners in the United States: Abolishing the Capital Punishment Although some people are opposed to the abolishment of this form of punishment, the level of civilisation in the country does not allow the state to decide on whether a person should live.
• Near-Death Experiences and Life Understanding Learning from stories of those who have had near-death experiences might enhance one’s awareness of life, but it is essential to abide by scientific methodology.
• Death Before and After Urbanization The fact that people’s attitude towards dying varies among cultures and religions shows that it is not universal, and might depend on the way civilizations emerged and evolved.
• Death in “On My First Daughter” and “Mid-Term Break” In “On My First Daughter” by Ben Jonson and “Mid-Term Break” by Seamus Heaney, the attitude toward an inevitable death is sympathetic, with a significant amount of pain and sorrow.
• The Portrayal of Death in Lullabies Lullabies, being a relatively simple genre derived from folklore, do not elaborate much on various aspects of death.
• Kathe Kollwitz’s “Death and the Mother” Painting Because of the specific aesthetics and the incredible expressivity, every single piece of art by Kathe Kollwitz breaks the well-known idea about the impersonality of art.
• Religious Perspective of Death and Dying: George’s Case The presented case describes the dilemma facing George who has Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and explores how his condition can be dealt with from different religious perspectives.
• Nursing View on Death and Dying in America Hospice nurses establish and maintain relationships with patients on the basis of respect for the rights and dignity of the individual.
• Death and Dying in America: A Nursing Point of View Birth and death are the two things that a single person can never avoid in this life. It is possible to avoid illnesses, financial challenges, hunger, psychological disorders, etc.
• Natural Death Act and Life-Sustaining Treatment The common form of the natural death act is a declaration to withdraw or withhold life-sustaining treatment in terminal state occurrence.
• “The Black Death and the World It Made” by Cantor The Black Death is known as one of the most horrible and destructive pandemics that hit the medieval world. It surfaced in Europe in the fourteenth century at around 1347 to 1350.
• Death Perception Along the Life Span The relationship between age and death works in two separate ways: our reaction to a person’s death depends both on his or her age, as well as on ours.
• Terrorist Attacks: Death and Horrifying Effects on Innocent People The perception of terrorist attacks is highly recognized across the globe and is among the frequently cited issues of the current society.
• Death and Dying in Christianity and Buddhism Using Christianity and Buddhism as two diverse religious perspectives, this discussion explores how patient’s health demands can be met by healthcare practitioners.
• James Deem’s Auschwitz: Voices from the Death Camp The goal of James Deem’s book Auschwitz: Voices from the Death Camp is to draw the reader’s attention to the problem of the Holocaust and realities of living in Auschwitz
• Stages of Grief: Acceptance of Death in Diverse Cultures Death is an inevitability, and sooner or later every human being is put to face it. Grief comes together with death, especially when a loved one dies.
• Birds Starvation and Death in Alaska The article Thousands of Birds Found Dead along Alaskan Shoreline by Seth Kovar and Steve Almasy addresses the death of the birds in Alaska because of starvation.
• Mental Disorders and Vulnerability to Homicidal Death The current article supports the fact that mental disorders are risk factors for accidental death and suicide, but there is limited data to suggest their association with homicide.
• Death Upon Request: Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide In the documentary Death Upon Request assisted euthanasia is the result of the patient’s decision, since some people prefer to die in dignity in order not to burden their loved ones.
• An Overview of How Death Affects People in Different Ways
• Analysis of Religious and Non-religious Ideas About Death and the Afterlife
• Black Death and Its Effects on European and Asian Societies
• Cultural Characteristics That Influence the Attitude Towards Death
• Death and Funeral Services of the Haitian Culture
• Arguing for Quick Executions of Convicted Death Penalty Inmates
• Christianity and Life After Death
• Death and Its Personification in Greek Mythology and Other Cultures
• Birth, Death, and Dynamic Inefficiency in an Endogenous Growth Model
• Black Death: The Social and Economic Repercussions on Florence
• Between Life and Death, the Crucial Difference
• Life and Death Concepts as Perceived by Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle
• Individual Mortality and Macroeconomic Conditions From Birth to Death
• The Ancient Egyptian and Ancient Mesopotamian Practice and Beliefs on Death and the After Life
• Cultural Diversity: Racial Disparity in the Application of the Death Penalty
• The Effect of Death on the Perception of Reality
• American Ambivalence Regarding the Death Penalty
• Car Accidents Are the Main Source of Death for Young People
• Assisted Suicide and Death With Dignity
• Death and Afterlife Egyptian, History Other
• The Death and Dying Beliefs of Australian Aborigines
• How Do Different Cultures React to Death and Dying?
• Can Aging and Death be ‘Controlled’?
• What Does the Victorian Attitude to Death Tell Us About the Period?
• Does Anything Survive Death in Buddhism?
• How Are Death and Survival Linked?
• What Does the Tradition Teach About Life After Death?
• Should Physician-Assisted Death Be Legal?
• How Does Death Affect the Behavior of People?
• Why Are White Death Rates Rising?
• How Are Death Rituals Indicative of Aspects of Identity?
• What Caused Death and Injury During and After Ancient Battles?
• Does Early Career Achievement Lead to Earlier Death?
• How Does Islamic Religion Explain Human Death?
• Can Work Addiction Lead to Death?
• Was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Death Due to Natural Causes or Was He Murdered?
• How Did Black Death Change Medicine?
• Are Socrates’s Arguments About Death Sound?
• How Did England Change After the Death of Queen Elizabeth in the Early 17th Century?
• Does Palliative Care Provide a Peaceful Death?
• How Can Death Affect the Perception of Reality?
• Can Death Penalty Prevent the Rise in Crime Rate?
• How Has Death Changed Within Changing Societies?
• Should the Death Penalty Apply to Juvenile Criminals?
• Does the Death Sentence Violate the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments?
• How Did Black Death Transform Europe?

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StudyCorgi . "218 Death Essay Topics." December 21, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/death-essay-topics/.

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These essay examples and topics on Death were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on January 5, 2024 .

May 3, 2023

Contemplating Mortality: Powerful Essays on Death and Inspiring Perspectives

The prospect of death may be unsettling, but it also holds a deep fascination for many of us. If you're curious to explore the many facets of mortality, from the scientific to the spiritual, our article is the perfect place to start. With expert guidance and a wealth of inspiration, we'll help you write an essay that engages and enlightens readers on one of life's most enduring mysteries!

Death is a universal human experience that we all must face at some point in our lives. While it can be difficult to contemplate mortality, reflecting on death and loss can offer inspiring perspectives on the nature of life and the importance of living in the present moment. In this collection of powerful essays about death, we explore profound writings that delve into the human experience of coping with death, grief, acceptance, and philosophical reflections on mortality.

Through these essays, readers can gain insight into different perspectives on death and how we can cope with it. From personal accounts of loss to philosophical reflections on the meaning of life, these essays offer a diverse range of perspectives that will inspire and challenge readers to contemplate their mortality.

The Inevitable: Coping with Mortality and Grief

Mortality is a reality that we all have to face, and it is something that we cannot avoid. While we may all wish to live forever, the truth is that we will all eventually pass away. In this article, we will explore different aspects of coping with mortality and grief, including understanding the grieving process, dealing with the fear of death, finding meaning in life, and seeking support.

Understanding the Grieving Process

Grief is a natural and normal response to loss. It is a process that we all go through when we lose someone or something important to us. The grieving process can be different for each person and can take different amounts of time. Some common stages of grief include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. It is important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve and that it is a personal process.

Denial is often the first stage of grief. It is a natural response to shock and disbelief. During this stage, we may refuse to believe that our loved one has passed away or that we are facing our mortality.

Anger is a common stage of grief. It can manifest as feelings of frustration, resentment, and even rage. It is important to allow yourself to feel angry and to express your emotions healthily.

Bargaining is often the stage of grief where we try to make deals with a higher power or the universe in an attempt to avoid our grief or loss. We may make promises or ask for help in exchange for something else.

Depression is a natural response to loss. It is important to allow yourself to feel sad and to seek support from others.

Acceptance is often the final stage of grief. It is when we come to terms with our loss and begin to move forward with our lives.

Dealing with the Fear of Death

The fear of death is a natural response to the realization of our mortality. It is important to acknowledge and accept our fear of death but also to not let it control our lives. Here are some ways to deal with the fear of death:

Accepting Mortality

Accepting our mortality is an important step in dealing with the fear of death. We must understand that death is a natural part of life and that it is something that we cannot avoid.

Finding Meaning in Life

Finding meaning in life can help us cope with the fear of death. It is important to pursue activities and goals that are meaningful and fulfilling to us.

Seeking Support

Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can help us cope with the fear of death. Talking about our fears and feelings can help us process them and move forward.

Finding meaning in life is important in coping with mortality and grief. It can help us find purpose and fulfillment, even in difficult times. Here are some ways to find meaning in life:

Pursuing Passions

Pursuing our passions and interests can help us find meaning and purpose in life. It is important to do things that we enjoy and that give us a sense of accomplishment.

Helping Others

Helping others can give us a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It can also help us feel connected to others and make a positive impact on the world.

Making Connections

Making connections with others is important in finding meaning in life. It is important to build relationships and connections with people who share our values and interests.

Seeking support is crucial when coping with mortality and grief. Here are some ways to seek support:

Talking to Friends and Family

Talking to friends and family members can provide us with a sense of comfort and support. It is important to express our feelings and emotions to those we trust.

Joining a Support Group

Joining a support group can help us connect with others who are going through similar experiences. It can provide us with a safe space to share our feelings and find support.

Seeking Professional Help

Seeking help from a therapist or counselor can help cope with grief and mortality. A mental health professional can provide us with the tools and support we need to process our emotions and move forward.

Coping with mortality and grief is a natural part of life. It is important to understand that grief is a personal process that may take time to work through. Finding meaning in life, dealing with the fear of death, and seeking support are all important ways to cope with mortality and grief. Remember to take care of yourself, allow yourself to feel your emotions, and seek support when needed.

The Ethics of Death: A Philosophical Exploration

Death is an inevitable part of life, and it is something that we will all experience at some point. It is a topic that has fascinated philosophers for centuries, and it continues to be debated to this day. In this article, we will explore the ethics of death from a philosophical perspective, considering questions such as what it means to die, the morality of assisted suicide, and the meaning of life in the face of death.

Death is a topic that elicits a wide range of emotions, from fear and sadness to acceptance and peace. Philosophers have long been interested in exploring the ethical implications of death, and in this article, we will delve into some of the most pressing questions in this field.

What does it mean to die?

The concept of death is a complex one, and there are many different ways to approach it from a philosophical perspective. One question that arises is what it means to die. Is death simply the cessation of bodily functions, or is there something more to it than that? Many philosophers argue that death represents the end of consciousness and the self, which raises questions about the nature of the soul and the afterlife.

The morality of assisted suicide

Assisted suicide is a controversial topic, and it raises several ethical concerns. On the one hand, some argue that individuals have the right to end their own lives if they are suffering from a terminal illness or unbearable pain. On the other hand, others argue that assisting someone in taking their own life is morally wrong and violates the sanctity of life. We will explore these arguments and consider the ethical implications of assisted suicide.

The meaning of life in the face of death

The inevitability of death raises important questions about the meaning of life. If our time on earth is finite, what is the purpose of our existence? Is there a higher meaning to life, or is it simply a product of biological processes? Many philosophers have grappled with these questions, and we will explore some of the most influential theories in this field.

The role of death in shaping our lives

While death is often seen as a negative force, it can also have a positive impact on our lives. The knowledge that our time on earth is limited can motivate us to live life to the fullest and to prioritize the things that truly matter. We will explore the role of death in shaping our values, goals, and priorities, and consider how we can use this knowledge to live more fulfilling lives.

The ethics of mourning

The process of mourning is an important part of the human experience, and it raises several ethical questions. How should we respond to the death of others, and what is our ethical responsibility to those who are grieving? We will explore these questions and consider how we can support those who are mourning while also respecting their autonomy and individual experiences.

The ethics of immortality

The idea of immortality has long been a fascination for humanity, but it raises important ethical questions. If we were able to live forever, what would be the implications for our sense of self, our relationships with others, and our moral responsibilities? We will explore the ethical implications of immortality and consider how it might challenge our understanding of what it means to be human.

The ethics of death in different cultural contexts

Death is a universal human experience, but how it is understood and experienced varies across different cultures. We will explore how different cultures approach death, mourning, and the afterlife, and consider the ethical implications of these differences.

Death is a complex and multifaceted topic, and it raises important questions about the nature of life, morality, and human experience. By exploring the ethics of death from a philosophical perspective, we can gain a deeper understanding of these questions and how they shape our lives.

The Ripple Effect of Loss: How Death Impacts Relationships

Losing a loved one is one of the most challenging experiences one can go through in life. It is a universal experience that touches people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. The grief that follows the death of someone close can be overwhelming and can take a significant toll on an individual's mental and physical health. However, it is not only the individual who experiences the grief but also the people around them. In this article, we will discuss the ripple effect of loss and how death impacts relationships.

Understanding Grief and Loss

Grief is the natural response to loss, and it can manifest in many different ways. The process of grieving is unique to each individual and can be affected by many factors, such as culture, religion, and personal beliefs. Grief can be intense and can impact all areas of life, including relationships, work, and physical health.

The Impact of Loss on Relationships

Death can impact relationships in many ways, and the effects can be long-lasting. Below are some of how loss can affect relationships:

1. Changes in Roles and Responsibilities

When someone dies, the roles and responsibilities within a family or social circle can shift dramatically. For example, a spouse who has lost their partner may have to take on responsibilities they never had before, such as managing finances or taking care of children. This can be a difficult adjustment, and it can put a strain on the relationship.

2. Changes in Communication

Grief can make it challenging to communicate with others effectively. Some people may withdraw and isolate themselves, while others may become angry and lash out. It is essential to understand that everyone grieves differently, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. However, these changes in communication can impact relationships, and it may take time to adjust to new ways of interacting with others.

3. Changes in Emotional Connection

When someone dies, the emotional connection between individuals can change. For example, a parent who has lost a child may find it challenging to connect with other parents who still have their children. This can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection, and it can strain relationships.

4. Changes in Social Support

Social support is critical when dealing with grief and loss. However, it is not uncommon for people to feel unsupported during this time. Friends and family may not know what to say or do, or they may simply be too overwhelmed with their grief to offer support. This lack of social support can impact relationships and make it challenging to cope with grief.

Coping with Loss and Its Impact on Relationships

Coping with grief and loss is a long and difficult process, but it is possible to find ways to manage the impact on relationships. Below are some strategies that can help:

1. Communication

Effective communication is essential when dealing with grief and loss. It is essential to talk about how you feel and what you need from others. This can help to reduce misunderstandings and make it easier to navigate changes in relationships.

2. Seek Support

It is important to seek support from friends, family, or a professional if you are struggling to cope with grief and loss. Having someone to talk to can help to alleviate feelings of isolation and provide a safe space to process emotions.

3. Self-Care

Self-care is critical when dealing with grief and loss. It is essential to take care of your physical and emotional well-being. This can include things like exercise, eating well, and engaging in activities that you enjoy.

4. Allow for Flexibility

It is essential to allow for flexibility in relationships when dealing with grief and loss. People may not be able to provide the same level of support they once did or may need more support than they did before. Being open to changes in roles and responsibilities can help to reduce strain on relationships.

5. Find Meaning

Finding meaning in the loss can be a powerful way to cope with grief and loss. This can involve creating a memorial, participating in a support group, or volunteering for a cause that is meaningful to you.

The impact of loss is not limited to the individual who experiences it but extends to those around them as well. Relationships can be greatly impacted by the death of a loved one, and it is important to be aware of the changes that may occur. Coping with loss and its impact on relationships involves effective communication, seeking support, self-care, flexibility, and finding meaning.

What Lies Beyond Reflections on the Mystery of Death

Death is an inevitable part of life, and yet it remains one of the greatest mysteries that we face as humans. What happens when we die? Is there an afterlife? These are questions that have puzzled us for centuries, and they continue to do so today. In this article, we will explore the various perspectives on death and what lies beyond.

Understanding Death

Before we can delve into what lies beyond, we must first understand what death is. Death is defined as the permanent cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism. This can occur as a result of illness, injury, or simply old age. Death is a natural process that occurs to all living things, but it is also a process that is often accompanied by fear and uncertainty.

The Physical Process of Death

When a person dies, their body undergoes several physical changes. The heart stops beating, and the body begins to cool and stiffen. This is known as rigor mortis, and it typically sets in within 2-6 hours after death. The body also begins to break down, and this can lead to a release of gases that cause bloating and discoloration.

The Psychological Experience of Death

In addition to the physical changes that occur during and after death, there is also a psychological experience that accompanies it. Many people report feeling a sense of detachment from their physical body, as well as a sense of peace and calm. Others report seeing bright lights or visions of loved ones who have already passed on.

Perspectives on What Lies Beyond

There are many different perspectives on what lies beyond death. Some people believe in an afterlife, while others believe in reincarnation or simply that death is the end of consciousness. Let's explore some of these perspectives in more detail.

One of the most common beliefs about what lies beyond death is the idea of an afterlife. This can take many forms, depending on one's religious or spiritual beliefs. For example, many Christians believe in heaven and hell, where people go after they die depending on their actions during life. Muslims believe in paradise and hellfire, while Hindus believe in reincarnation.

Reincarnation

Reincarnation is the belief that after we die, our consciousness is reborn into a new body. This can be based on karma, meaning that the quality of one's past actions will determine the quality of their next life. Some people believe that we can choose the circumstances of our next life based on our desires and attachments in this life.

End of Consciousness

The idea that death is simply the end of consciousness is a common belief among atheists and materialists. This view holds that the brain is responsible for creating consciousness, and when the brain dies, consciousness ceases to exist. While this view may be comforting to some, others find it unsettling.

Death is a complex and mysterious phenomenon that continues to fascinate us. While we may never fully understand what lies beyond death, it's important to remember that everyone has their own beliefs and perspectives on the matter. Whether you believe in an afterlife, reincarnation, or simply the end of consciousness, it's important to find ways to cope with the loss of a loved one and to find peace with your mortality.

Final Words

In conclusion, these powerful essays on death offer inspiring perspectives and deep insights into the human experience of coping with mortality, grief, and loss. From personal accounts to philosophical reflections, these essays provide a diverse range of perspectives that encourage readers to contemplate their mortality and the meaning of life.

By reading and reflecting on these essays, readers can gain a better understanding of how death shapes our lives and relationships, and how we can learn to accept and cope with this inevitable part of the human experience.

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1001 Writing Prompts About Life and Death

March 16, 2021

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Writing stories about life and death is not easy because the theme could make you ask questions that you are not ready to answer yet, like “What would happen to my loved1

ones when I die” or “What is the afterlife like?” But, it could also lead you to a wonderful masterpiece.

An example of a story with this theme that was written amazingly is Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie. The memoir—which is about the American author’s series of visits to his former sociology professor Morrie Schwartz, after finding out that Schwartz is gradually dying—was written so simple and straight to the point that readers could figure out the message of each chapter even before they were stated. 

Another example is Lauren Oliver’s Before I Fall—a teen fiction written in the first-person perspective of a teenager who is forced to relive the day of her death every day for a week. It was a touching novel that can make you feel very emotional.  

If you are interested in writing about life and death, here are some writing prompts you could find helpful: 

• He opened the door of the small truck and looked inside. The body was bloody and disfigured from the accident.
• You’re somewhere in the afterlife. Hover around a human’s home, especially his bedroom, and notice what’s in it. Write about your own bedroom.
• Do you believe in life after death? Time to change that.
• Write a post-apocalyptic dungeon crawl.
• Discuss death, dying, the undertaker, burial, death rituals, and funerals.
• Death is never a good thing. Until you actually experience it for yourself.
• Imagine a world where death never existed and you get to explore it and then you are asked to die for a cause.
• When she opened her eyes, she found herself crossing a street. She was not living nor dead. Then death came casually and untimely, and it ran over her before she could cross.
• Is there any way out of death?
• I hope you enjoyed this post and you could use it for writing. If you’re a writer yourself, I’d love to hear from you. Perhaps we could learn from each other.
• Ask a character how they would feel about their life, if they knew they would be dead in a few hours.
• Write about a time where you’ve seen death, either in person or indirectly.
• Write about life as you still remember it. It’s going fast, the idea of death is entering your mind, you want to say the last thing to someone you regret so much not having talked to many times, write about that.
• You may be afraid of death, but the loved ones you leave behind are far more afraid than you ever were.
• You are given one night in life or in death. What would you do?
• Death gives random people a purpose, an existence. For some it becomes a distraction, while others learn to hate it.
• Tell about what’s in the garage after death.
• In your deepest thoughts, would you like to remember death?
• Write about your character’s first encounter with someone who died recently.
• Does death affect your writing?
• Write about your character recovering from a serious illness.
• If you lose your life and you will lose everything in the form of price for your life, what will you do?
• There was life on that black screen.
• Write a story about someone who “died” and was revived.
• Life or death situation! Choose and write about it!
• There is a god. What has the afterlife got in store for you?
• You’ve been given a second chance to live. How do you spend it?
• Your life didn’t go as planned. Write about what you wanted to be. Now you are dead and have been given a second chance, write about what you’d like to be now.
• If you wanted to write about the memory you have of your life, which part should you write about after death?
• Death has never been more perfect.
• The hurt of death only happens to the ones left behind.
• Write about life on death row.
• Write about a man facing certain death… and doesn’t flinch.
• His friends were raving about his exploits, so he brags to them about all the death he has caused.
• The wreckage from the train is scattered in the field. A few miles down were her parents.
• Write a death threat to a character.
• Write about your character’s first death experience.
• My presence was unknown to you. My departure will be as well, my death not looming next to you like a ghost.
• Listen, your father is talking to you from beyond his grave.
• Death is a journey. Where will it take you?
• What makes you want to keep living rather than give up?
• From her body, escapes a mean red sliver of smoke. Forever to torment the…
• What happens when we die? Is there a heaven, or is it more like limbo?
• Just out of the hospital, you’re one bad decision away from dying again.
• Virtual Reality made your death enjoyable. You are happy about it… or not.
• Our bodies are given to us in the natural cycle of life and death.
• Your and your loved ones “death” in an essay.
• Your soul is recollecting what it lived through during life.
• Evolution and Survival of A Character
• Write about a character who is a ghost following their own death.
• Your character has a fear of death and decides never to return from their trip to the store.
• Talk about your character’s favorite character and why he/she is the most important in his/her life.
• Witness from afar death in a gruesome but natural disaster. Recount the experience in memory form to your friends after coming to terms with your past experience.
• Start your day from a wake.
• An old neighbor dying of cancer is fearful of the end.
• With so little time left, the possibilities are endless.
• From your perspective, write about the worst death’s scene you ever witnessed.
• Write about the day someone in your family died.
• Write about your character on the brink of death.
• She was an expert at death.
• Write about life at death
• Write about death row.
• The moment of death was not sweet.
• Write a story this instant where you are forced to do something involving death.
• Your partner keeps on telling you they want sex. But you’re dead. How do you respond?
• Dead road blues
• Write a descriptive essay about time. Time is a concept, but also a reality. It goes by in the blink of an eye, but is unbearably slow. Have fun with it!
• She had always wanted to write. Now for the first time, she had an actual topic.
• Get more writing prompts right here .
• Write about a person who literally sees death everyday.
• She doesn’t realize the severity of her condition.
• As an afterlife, you have the option to return to earth for a day to try to prevent your untimely death.
• If your time to death was one year, what would you do with it?
• Everyone’s going to die. All you have to do is to ensure that you do not struggle.
• You believe in an afterlife. You’ve died and made it to Heaven.
• The truth of death. Instead of being an end to life, it’s an endless cycle of life and death.
• Many considered him dead. Until one morning, he made a miraculous reappearance.
• Write a story about the moment where your character is about to die. Do you go toward life, away from it, or stumble toward it? Write about the last day you get to spend with your loved ones. What will be the last thing you do for them?
• What’s your living last wish?
• All they could see behind their mask was death.
• You know you will die and you’re terrified. Who can soothe you?
• After the death of his family, Mr. Schmidt realized that his life had no meaning.
• You’re willing to do anything to save your dying friend.
• Your character wakes up in a room full of dead bodies. What is s/he to do?
• When her mother became very ill, she wasn’t prepared to die.
• A 300 year old woman could see the future. She practiced a religion revolving around 21 days around death. Write about the last 21 days of her life.
• A time capsule that’s a reflection of yourself from 500 ago.
• How would people turn out had you lived?
• Write a 5-page story without setting, inspiration or character.
• She was born with death around her.
• Don’t be afraid, your death will come.
• Write about the emotions you have for someone who died.
• Write about a soldier who is about to die. Before he dies he reminiscences his whole life.
• A secret you kept all your life is finally revealed just after you die.
• You have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, but an interesting twist in the experiment has changed your situation…
• Write about a character’s view of death.
• Write about the last words of someone facing death.
• Breathe- in. Breath- out. Reflect on what it means to breath.
• The best part of dying is the resurrection. Write how you become a zombie.
• Yes, death is cruel, but what if you died unjustly? What then?
• For a choice between life or death, which would you choose?
• There is nothing to write. You’ve died.
• Write about waking up tomorrow and everyone you love is already dead.
• Write about death as a blessing in disguise.
• Write about someone who faced death and won.
• Many people believe in ghosts. So there are things that go bump in the night.
• She wasn’t really dead. It was just a cruel joke. But cruel is what we have all become.
• X-ray of Cancer Victim.
• She was careless with her life. She was careful with her life.
• Write about the moment you walked by and saw a man sobbing.
• Once you’ve accepted death, only then you can learn to live again.
• Describe your death.
• The strangers turned their gun to her the minute she gave birth. They steal the life giving baby out of her arms. A distraught grandmother watches helplessly to fill her heart with grief. Read more about how a Mother Got Robbed Of Her Newborn Son .
• Write of a character or loved one’s final moments.
• After dying in an accident or crime your character’s ghost is stuck haunting their old home, how do they cope?
• Wrongly convicted of killing her two kids, a mom recalls her children in writing from death row.
• A mother’s love is unconditional until death takes her away.
• Discovering one day of dying with no hope of resurrection is when life finally took its meaning for her.
• Write about a character forced to choose between success or afterlife?
• Death is coming from behind, but he is neither human nor animal.
• Write about your experiences on the day of your funeral.
• Awakening from a dream, the main character realizes he was dead all along.
• It’s winter. You have a wounded loved one and can’t get them to a clinic.
• Someone once said that we live and learn. Then we die and forget it all. How do you feel about that?
• It was your last breath. Now what?
• “I don’t think death should be feared, because it’s just the next part of life.”
• She knew it wasn’t an option. She always wanted to live. But life caught up.
• Write a story about the 12-hour window, before and after your death. Use only 27 words. How many of the words are general enough so that the story could be applied by anyone?
• You wake up and see yourself in the mirror. It is death day. You will be reunited with someone you love dearly. What will you say to them?
• Write a story about a letter, found years later, that is addressed ‘To Whoever Finds Me Upon Death’.
• How would you want it?
• Cindy had everything in her life set. Until all of it changed.
• It was just another routine save and retrieval mission. Are you sleepy yet?
• You felt dying in your sleep. How would you spend your last minutes?
• Someone you cared for died, write a letter.
• Death comes in the darkest night. It devourers lives and takes the dead.
• Write about your character before an experience that makes them – whatever they were – momentarily think of death.
• She stood up and walked into the menacing darkness of the forest… death was everywhere.
• Write about your character, one month after she learned of the death of a friend or family member.
• Where do angels go when they die? What do angels do when they die, if they know they are to be reincarnated?
• Write about a day you barely survived.
• A day in the life of a body donor.
• Write about her/his last action. How does he/she leave this world?
• Someone you love has just died. How do you handle it?
• Ever wanted to wake up from this life?
• It’s gray. And it’s gloomy. It’s God’s Waiting Room. But you didn’t die. What are you doing here, and what’s next?
• A story about life after death.
• I am alone now.
• He was a well-known British writer. His death was a great loss for English literature.
• The ship hit something. The captain and crew were forced to watch as the ship sank. When it’s your last day, you’d be too focused on life rather than death.
• Your life flashes before your eyes. What was the final thing you saw?
• Got a thousand words? Write this story with a life or death situation ahead.
• What were the last words from your character to their mother/father?
• A sister is recovering in the hospital beds after trying to kill herself. Write about why she attempted suicide.
• Write about the life of a famous person who is dead.
• Instead of celebrating your birthday, you’re reflecting on your death.
• Your 10 year old son is terminally ill. How do you raise him?
• What was the last thing you said before death?
• You’ve just received an inheritance. What do you think of it? Is it really what you wanted?
• You’re dead and you stay dead. Forever. Your relatives have decided to move on.
• During your funeral, you wake up in the coffin. How do you react and try to escape?
• She was never one good at living. It now seems obvious she was never good when it came to dying either.
• It was a murder. Escapable only by death.
• When you first realized another person was going to die, what was the feeling?
• Deltoch thinks Strathor is dead-until he sees Strathor being tortured by his cousin over and over again for all eternity.
• The old garage looked like it was lifted from the set of a horror movie.
• Write about what it’s like when everyone is trying to be polite and cheerful around someone who has just lost a relative.
• You’re in charge of the hereafter. Given the choice, what kind of afterlife would you create?
• What was the first thing you thought when you died?
• Have a character shy away from death. Write about the consequences.
• Death. A blaring white light. And then nothing.
• You’re killing another human being. But it isn’t his first time.
• Write about what your character wakes up with the second time.
• Write your character’s imagined dying words.
• She wasn’t blind – she had a disease that made her blind throughout her whole life.
• Only she remains to notice your corpse. What happens?
• You’ve just had a near death experience. Write from the point of view of someone
• 9 year old Wendy is afraid of death. 17 year old Alice is choosing to end her life. 63 year old Maria is trying to live again.
• You have five seconds to come up with the perfect last word.
• The part of you that most lent itself to self interest was the last part to fade.
• What do you think about when you’re on death row?
• A woman loses her husband to an accident. She is just fine with it.
• Dead plants are starting to talk to each other.
• Henry tried to make sense of life until the day when he died.
• He watched her register his death, feeling utterly helpless.
• Witness the death of a loved one and describe your feelings.
• Write about a moment before death, where everything was at peace.
• A story where both family members are dead, and the tears for the lost loved ones flowed.
• Someone is murdered at a play rehearsal, and it’s up to you who the killer is.
• It never occurred to Angela that, after life as she knew it, death would be an enormous emotional roller coaster.Suddenly, an all too familiar suffocating darkness settled all around her, but Angela somehow resisted the urge to pull the knife out which she had used on herself.
• Write about his house as seen by the sister of the man who was violently murdered years before by the man living there.
• Do your characters’ lives flash before your eyes in an instant just before they die? What do they see?
• Write about the moment your character found out he/ she’s dying. How does death hit them?
• Write a crime scene description in three points of death.
• Write for a scene where Death entered a scene.
• The next day you find a note from Death written in crayon.
• There’s a sudden knock on the door and your life flashes before your eyes.
• Write about a   character who’s life flashes before her eyes as she dies.
• You’ve been betrayed by people.”I’d make them pay .” -said the person in prison. “I couldn’t trust anybody now.” -said the orphan person living in a filthy shack. “Please.” -said the man who wanted to end it all. “Go meet my family.” -said the bride. Take a look and think about this list. Comment below about it. Write something too.
• Write about a murder scene.
• You’ve died. Now you’re facing the gates of heaven. What happens?
• You and your partner are off on a romantic weekend get-away when disaster strikes…
• You’re meditating, when you sense that your death is approaching.
• She was a day away from death…and she smiled.
• A dead body was found. Try to find that silver lining.
• There is something not right about this room. A dimensional anomaly perhaps?
• Having to live as a dead person, becomes the last thing your character wanted
• Write about a time someone cheated death.
• I won’t burn, my soul will continue on. Give me back my eyes and I’ll watch over you
• Write your life as a story told by someone who loved you a lot.
• Everyone remembers dying to the sound of children laughing. Can you change that?
• There is nothing worse than burning to death.
• Write about a life ending on bad terms.
• Your character’s life is flashing before her eyes. Write about the different moments.
• Write a list of 3 things you would want to do before dying.
• The plot dictates a character you love must die. Describe the process of coming to terms with their death.
• Death has come, but something has gone wrong. You are alive but soon die one by one.
• If you were about to die, what would you make sure to fulfill?
• A man died in her arms, and she had no idea how she got there.
• The possibility of death, hanging by a thread.
• Lost it all but still have life. He died with everything, so he got everything.
• Write about a ghost.
• Write about a day in the life of a paramedic.
• Write your character’s death scene, and then see what you can do to change it, increasing the odds of survival.
• Imagine your life was a videogame. The time has come…
• Write about a death of multiple characters.
• Make up a book based on a video game that takes place inside the afterlife.
• Dying is meant to be ironic. But sometimes, it doesn’t end up that way.
• Write about your character before the death of her/his spouse.
• She had seen so much suffering in her life. But could she bear it until the hour of death.
• Everyone was sure he was dead. A person’s life wasn’t that simple.
• Take your character from childhood to adulthood. Don’t forget there are forks in the road. It can change the outcome.
• Write about the patients or patients’ families that never came back.
• You’re a children’s author. But when it comes to your relationship with certain of your fans, it might be time to quit writing.
• Write about writing the death of a loved one.
• Write a character whose death is revealed indirectly to a wordless mutual friend.
• What is buried under the character’s house?
• The death of a parent is a life-changing event. Write about it.
• Writing prompts about death is a tragic theme for the characters of your scenes.
• It’s a hot day, the sun is in its full glory. Death is, also.
• If you were able to die again and again until you conquered the world, would you do it?
• An innocent man was sentenced to death because of his brain.
• She died for a great cause and when it was time for the miracle, it did not come true.
• How are you related to the death? Write about it.
• Death is… What is your character’s response?
• “He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you.”
• Write about life without your character.
• Write about a character’s first meeting with death.
• Escaping death only to face loneliness.
• Imagine the death of a loved one.
• Someone you loved has died. Write about their life in detail.
• In a world where people do not die. What keeps you together?
• What would you say to someone who was at the brink of death?
• Write about your fear of losing those closest to you.
• A writer is in the grip of writer’s block. He asks the Death to help him write an ending to his story.
• Death begins on your wedding day – essay.
• Write about a dream you had, and how it makes you feel.
• Write about the day death came slowly.
• How do people react when they find out your character has died?
• You’ve just found out you’re terminally ill. How do you deal with this news? What can you do before you die?
• You’ve just avoided death by a hair’s breadth. What was it like?
• You and another character are informed that today is the day you both die.
• We’re keeping Death on the front burner as a theme, but the prompts should be more varied in materials and content for better results.
• What do you think death is?
• All of sudden you died. You are in heaven. What are you doing there?
• What happens when the Grim Reaper is hunted?
• Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle was a British physician, writer, soldier, sportsman, artist, and Sherlock Holmes novelist. “On April 7th, 1892, after a short illness, he was struck on the chest by a ball while playing cricket. The heart was penetrated, and he died within a few minutes.”
• Write about a family being haunted by the death of a very loved one.
• You’re dead, long dead. But still you meddle in the affairs of the living.
• Spring is life, Fall is death. Meant to be, or fate?
• The adventure was over. Life had been taken.
• Write about someone coming close to death, but living to tell the tale.
• He wasn’t that kind of guy to break his promise. He promised he would always love her, he promised he would always look after her but the cruel reality kills you every night.
• A man desperately trying to uncover the truth behind his past can’t avoid death as an answer.
• Your spouse has just died. Write from your spouse’s perspective shortly before and after death.
• How do you feel about someone being able to raise your dead body from the dead?
• Everybody is a ghost. Feel this sentence subtly. What do you think a ghost does?
• Are “Eternal Life” or “Nirvana” a peaceful dream?
• The last person on earth is famous. He, she, has run out of food and is about to die of starvation — but then something happens.
• Ponder your existence as you approach death.
• Have you ever had “that” dream?
• I will rise again, from the ground, from ashes, from death itself to someone the world will remember me.
• A horrifying scene, a deadly moment of truth, an awe-inspiring murder, a brutal atrocity.
• Death is inevitable. This is a part of life.
• Your life flashes before your eyes. What parts do you see?
• You have one chance to change your fate. Life and death is yours to decide.
• Do you believe in life after death? Write about it.
• Your significant other is dying. There’s one thing he/she hasn’t lived…tell the story!
• She would always remember what happened the day she died.
• What is the character’s relationship with death?
• Write about a child of death characters, using the person or persons of a loved one for inspiration.
• Missing her family led her to death. This is what happened on her last trip.
• Call a neighbor in order to help with a plan to kill someone you suspect, but you soon learn that..
• Write about your character in a setting where they get lost in the woods and can’t find their way back.
• In Ancient times, raising the dead was impossible. You return to life and tell us how you feel.
• My dad was more dead than alive when he responded.
• A man is walking from his life to death. In hopes of finding some form of comfort. The journey took him fifteen minutes down the empty streets he walked. He finally reached his destination. The journey had taken all of his life. But he never once doubted his choice.
• An angel who died. Another who lived. The horrors they’ve lived through.
• Write about your death.
• You’re about to die. Would you really regret something?
• She was waiting for the bus when she suddenly started floating towards the moon.
• Where did it all go wrong? What led to your death?
• Write about death as a part of everyday life. Have death as a casual conversation topic.
• The battle had been over days ago. The wounded were dying. The air stank from  the gas they used to kill you.
• You’ve just lived. How do you feel?
• Write about your character attempting suicide.
• Write about a soul that is connected to someone on the brink of death.
• The man who would kill Kennedy, finally dies. How does he die?
• Have you ever wished to hurt someone to the death? Tell us about that.
• Write about a loved one’s death, from the point of view of a bereaved person.
• Write about an inner-city kid forced to become a man when he sees his father killed in a gunfight…
• Deceased in the first chapter. What then?
• What would you do if you had an hour to live?
• Your world is ripped apart when the one you’ve loved the most dies.
• Ever since Ben surfaced to life, he was constantly hovering through death.
• You were dying.At the very end, what thoughts went through your head? Did…
• Imagine that for a moment that death became an insanity.
• Write about a ghost enjoying death.
• My mother gave birth to me ten minutes ago … and then she died. What does one of the characters in your story do, when faced with a death of someone close to him?
• Write about one spontaneous decision that you regretted.
• A letter to my deceased grandmother
• Describe the way you would like to die.
• She loved him but he betrayed her. Death is her punishment.
• You were served a cruel reminder of your own mortality today.
• Write about a love affair between two dead people.
• Your soul is restless. Switching between the living and the dead.
• The ancient Middle Ages were punctuated with much ignorance. It was during this time…
• A man is killed on the street by another. Write their stories.
• My loved one has died, and now they’re haunting me.
• What you are experiencing is the pain of death.
• If you had to die today, who would you tell?
• Describe the moment when you knew life was at an end.
• You are a soul about to die and there is a choice to be made. What will you choose?
• He’s gone, gone, never to return. Gone forever. Now what?
• Death, for Jesus, was his final purpose. For you, what is your final purpose?
• The world without you. Oddly, you can see it from heaven.
• Write about a suicide.
• He slowly taught me about life. And now he’ll teach me about death.
• We all thought he was going to die any day now. That was, until we found him trying to get out the hospital window.
• Write about the last moments of life of a great writer or artist.
• She was such a beautiful person. They’ll surely be sad you’re dead.
• Freedom. He wanted freedom. He would do anything for it.
• You awaken in your coffin. How do you feel?
• What kind of tribute has been given to your character in the form of an article or next of kin?
• Write the obituary for a character.
• By the end of the week, he was re-educated.
• The world would speak of your sacrifice for the rest of time. So what are you here for? What should you do now that you’re here?
• Someone dies and there’s a spark of life, life you recognize.
• It was a rainy day. You opened your umbrella, but you forgot to open the other end of it, leaving it stuck on the ground.
• The tree offers shelter to a lot. This city was one of them.
• “After death, there is nothing,” the subject claims. He means it.
• You escaped death but came face to face with grief.
• Saturday 6th February, 1945. It’s the memorable death of your grandfather.
• Write about your life as you prepare for death.
• Having made a few enemies is probably the last thing you’ll think about when death knocks on the door.
• A man dies in a car accident. Write about it from his loved one’s perspective.
• Talk about surviving an attempted suicide.
• She held onto him as long as she could until she couldn’t hold him no more.
• He should have died years ago, but now it was his time.
• You awake in a world ruled by everything. Your world creates itself around you. At first, this seems satisfactory. But soon, you begin to realize this perfect world is incomplete. You want to raise something to levels beyond its perceived, limited potential, and to share your transcendent power with that thing.
• Hanging on a cliff, what would you do?
• Write about death from a dream perspective.
• Death happens so fast. And it has been such a cliché.
• Death is a purely human concept. What if death did not exist?
• He was about to die, until the phone rang and his world was turned upside down.
• It didn’t feel right.
• Sometimes you question how children survive in that routine of a day-to-day life. You’ve known since you were little, but still you ask yourself that all the time. The answer never lies still. Not until you realize how little matters for you will matter for others.
• On your deathbed, what are you afraid of?
• Write about your character that just discovered his/her death has been foreseen by a trusted source.
• After death everything stops. But who decides when the end comes?
• My death was only the beginning of a beautiful afterlife.
• Whether alive or not, the dead have a lot to say.
• Write a couple of letters between the living and the deceased.
• How long do you think you will live?
• She was very sick. They had to make a decision.
• Build a family tree and have a few of the family members die.
• We died together, but now we are apart.
• Do you think it’s up to the living, to save them from death?
• Death is only the beginning. It’s time to start all over again.
• Your true love just died. Tell us about your emotions and how you deal with it.
• What is it like, “the other side?”
• Death will likely come to you as an intruder. So write about his/her entrance.
• How would you dispose of a body?
• You’ve been killed, but there’s a catch – you have a bag of 8 hours to solve your murder.
• Death comes to all men. For some, death arrives too young.
• What is death like?
• Imagine you’re about to face a life or death situation.
• When life gives you lemons, go make lemonade and leave the world a better place.
• You knew this was going to happen. You did everything in your power to make it not happen.
• Look at your life. Is it even worth living?
• It wasn’t the monster that scared him. It was the crunching sounds the bones made.
• Write about what you would like to say to someone you lost.
• Sometimes we find death before we meet him. Embrace your fear of death  by writing about it.
• Write about a character receiving the worst news in his/her life with the knowledge of death breathing down their neck.
• Maria was chosen to die. She didn’t want to, but had no choice.
• Describe your character’s experience with death in a mystery.
• Your mother and father are in this situation. How will they survive?
• Dreaming isn’t what it used to be. Maybe it never was.
• What was it like knowing you were going to die and then suddenly waking up? Or what was it like going to sleep knowing you would die?
• What is the first thing you’ll do when you’re reunited with your loved ones in the afterlife?
• Write about the first time you were in the real situation of death.
• Sinking into the mud of the swamp, the only way out was a giant snake.
• You got a mysterious letter from an afterlife agency called “The Human Resource Management Department.” They say they have had a hidden camera in your house and that they have evidence of your confession of evil intentions. So now they want you to work for them, saving people’s lives in heaven. But are you really dead?
• You walk into a door. Your life flashes in front of your eyes.
• He’s waiting for the death of his friends. He’s just as responsible for the accident as they are.
• Your character is born today, but it’s their last birthday.
• In those final moments, he regretted this life, what he had become. He had left a safe job, but it was too late.
• You just gave $1,000 to a young girl with a golden halo. She’s fighting for her life. What’s next?
• Write about what death is like for your character.
• You’re the only one in the world who has the ability to change death. How do you use that to change society?
• Killed in action.
• It wasn’t just that my life ended that day. Several dreams died with me as well.
• Your mother has just died of terminal cancer. Reflect on your relationship with her leading up to her death.
• Have you ever been afraid of death?
• Death is good for the business.
• Write about a moment in a book your character will never forget.
• Write about a character’s experience of death.
• You’ve taken a concoction that will either bring death or life. Which one results?
• Death is inevitable. But how does it feel when the wheel turns time after time?
• Characters from your story are sitting around a Victrola, talking about death. What might they have to say about it?
• Make a list of all the things you’ve done in a day. Write about one thing that has changed due to your death.
• Your roommate, who you found out died the night before, has come back as a ghost and you have to decide to keep her around or find a way to send her on her way.
• How is your character feeling when he/she goes to the funeral of his/her relative? Express through viewpoint.
• She wasn’t an agent at first. She didn’t want to be dealt with life. Death, though, is a deal breaker
• If you could share something with yourself who has just died, what would you want to share.
• Write about closing your eyes to the living.
• All he wanted to do was go out and have a good time, but now he’s run over by a drunken driver. A life interrupting death.
• You’ve been in a coma for two weeks. Your relatives visited you every morning and prayed for your recovery, kept on hoping, kept on wishing for you not to die. They knew they’d lose you forever if you go. The truth is you never had them in your heart. You even dreaded their visits and stayed up late each night hoping they wake up early every morning to pray for you hoping in some way, you’ll go to sleep early the following night for your visit to come sooner, while they delayed the arrival of their visits until later. One day, while everyone else thought you died without the family knowing, you woke up and had a chill down your spine. You looked over to your bed and saw a red stain on your sheets wetting your mattress. You sat up in fear and disgust then realized what happened then rushed to the toilet. What did you do after that? How did you feel? Did you tell everyone the truth?
• As the snow fell, he thought of all the memories he had enjoyed with his beloved. Each flake he felt as a shard of sadness whose burden threatened to pull him into a deep chasm of pain and heartache. He thought about his current situation for what could possibly be the last time. He couldn’t walk, he felt useless, dead. Death came with relief. For you see, the love of his life had died too.
• Write about this life changing moment of meeting your  significant other.
• As a child she was afraid of death, until most of her family members died from cancer
• Whenever Van used to commit suicide, he would drive his car off the highway at a very high speed.
• Has death ever scared you?
• Find time to spend a day at the life/death museum on your way to the next world.
• Her world was cut short by mechanical failure of her heart. The day she died, another was born, no names were the same.
• Your addiction finally caught up to you.
• Normal, everyday life for a mortal is painful for a vampire. Write about a day in the life of a vampire.
• She was about to speak…when…
• I hear my mother call me. She says that she needs help.
• She had always been scared of death. Until the time came.
• The boy has always been mentally ill. On the day he was overcome with panic, he killed.
• Understand what the writer means by these eight life and death statements.
• After a full life, we see the man who ran us down every day. And the pain it still causes.
• Write a scene about receiving an injection.
• I am still curious, but not enough to die,’ she said to her husband, the last words she spoke on their 25th wedding anniversary.
• You’re lying unconscious in bed, close to death. Fix your protagonist for a meal.
• Tell your story with an optimistic and positive tone.
• Life is hard. So please, hurry up and die.
• Your character at the moment of his death has a changed perspective of life.
• The bird left the carefree dream of happiness and flew through death.
• Your death is the reason for reconciliation for all involved people. At whose point of view will this story take place.
• Your friends offered you your life’s topic in a bag. What would you choose?
• Death is watching over you. What would you do if you noticed that?
• Write the last words you remember hearing from a person right before they died.
• Roman fever is taking hold of the country. What becomes of that one person who sneezes?
• What is your take on what happens after death? Are we reborn again or do we get to rest finally in Heaven? Have you ever experienced the afterlife?
• Your character finally admits to themselves that they are dying from cancer.
• Describe the fastest way to travel from planet to planet.
• You died and were granted one last wish, what will it be?
• His greatest fear was to experience death. And that’s what happened.
• You meet death on a train. This is the man/woman who is going to take your life.
• Death comes without warning. It leaves too.
• Write about a moment that makes your character want to give up.
• Will they get to the hospital in time?
• What have you done all your life with full knowledge that one day you’re going to die?
• The last fatal memory from her past, and how it robs her of her peace and future.
• You’re on death row. Tonight is the night.
• How did you cope with death?
• Family members are always attending funerals. Death is such a recurring theme.
• A ghost story – You’ve died and now you are haunting a particular place.
• Write a story about your character receiving news that a loved one has died.
• We are all dying. Remember you will die.
• What’s the biggest regret your character has on their deathbed?
• What lingers on long after is the death of a loved one.
• Do you believe in ghosts? Write a Halloween flash fiction about your visit to someone’s house.
• Tell about the survivors of the dead.
• You want to end all your suffering. This is your time to strike. However, whe…
• Something compelled him to choose between living and dying.
• He lies on his deathbed, the needle draws blood and the buzz of the machine starts to fade.
• Falling into their trap was the worst mistake of his life.
• Write about a character who’s life was saved by a blind person.
• The Grim Reaper told you that either you or your loved one will die.
• This is the story of a ghost. How do you die and do those terrible things you want to?
• Write about finding  your own burial place.
• Write about a dead person’s wake.
• He was a man who believed in life after death.
• What was his last memory?
• Death comes for everyone in the end.
• A ghost’s life story
• Write about the life / death of a flower.
• Write about what the veterinarian does with the animals that have been euthanized.
• Create a short story around an unorthodox death.
• Describe the moment of your character’s death.
• You had a moral dilemma. What did you do?
• Parents hardly talk about death with their children. Write about an example when your parents did talk about it.
• Has your life been like what you expected it would be?
• It’s because of the celebration that death gets exceptional amounts of power.
• You had died many years back, but looked really alive, what is your life like? How did you cheat death for so long?
• At the tombstone of deceased relatives or loved ones, there is something that now appears.  You must write about it.
• Turner’s death sentence was to be carried out later that day. He had already spent two long years in jail while he waited for his execution.
• Write about an oddly specific funeral.
• You have the choice to live another day, or several other days, or a long time, or never.
• What do you say to someone to ease the pain of death?
• He vowed to do right by everyone. This is his chance to atone.
• At the funeral home he took one last look at the body of his dead father. It was as if he was saying goodbye for the last time.
• It was the scratch of the chalk that alerted me that we’d dug up the graveyard. Either that or it was the slithering noises coming from far beneath the soil that made me turn around.
• You have to pick a certain object and imagine using it to save the life of a loved one. What would that be?
• In the book of my life, would love still have a place?
• You are betrayed at your end. Who did it? What harm did they do and why?
• Everybody dies one day. Why does it have to be that way? Is this just life?
• A dying person has just a few hundred words left to spend on earth. Tell us what they are saying, doing, thinking.
• Make a character fall in love with death.
• Preaching the gospel to people for forty years. Not one person believed. Hit by a bus 40 years from now.
• Painter This category of prompts revolves around painting. It can be used to create dramatic scenes, or to show the troubles of a painter. The painter can be a self-portrait, all of their paintings, someone else’s work … anything that comes to your mind!
• Write about your character overcoming death in the dream world.
• Discover foreign culture. Late people. Be you be surprised…
• My character transforms into an inhuman bloodthirsty creature in the course of the story.
• After he dies, his body gets picked up by the undertaker. Unfortunately, something was not right.
• It was too quiet. There was no life.
• Write about a past -life visitation.
• If you knew you were going to die, how would you carry out that last day?
• After a horribly indecisive death scene in a movie/tv show you’ve just watched. A character being torn apart by indecision decides to take their own life.
• Write about the life or death situation of a character.
• Holiday party, everyone you love is there. You’re all having a grand time. Until you start bleeding out of the eyes. How do you get away?
• Describe a day starting with death in the morning until night.
• You’ve been in a coma for a year. Explain your unreal surroundings.
• Write about a character being dead in a graveyard.
• Write about your main character in the viewpoint of another of your characters that survived in an upsetting situation.
• Do animals feel a moment of regret when they die?
• You can be shot at the moment you think you aren’t going to die.
• Waking up in an unknown place, with an unknown person. Then years of living together. On death do us part.
• Turning. Flashing wheels white against black asphalt like lightning hot enough to scorch the ground.
• You have two hours left to live and you can’t think of anything that’ll make you happy. What do you do?
• Your neighbor bet you that you couldn’t spend a week without death haunting your life.
• It’s like taking off parachutes when you are close to the ground. You have to let go when the time comes.
• You have three days until the winter solstice.
• Until one day, she decided not to die anymore.
• How did you and your soulmate meet?
• Write about a zombie-apocalypse that you haven’t seen or written yet.
• For this contest, anything goes. The only thing you need to do is link anything gothic to death and a day in your life…or a day that never happened…just something along that nature.
• Describe each of your death wishes in one ending paragraph.
• How far will you go to bring someone back from the dead?
• A new evil/killing device is released and no one can stop it. What is it? Why did the government create it? Why can’t anyone stop it? Why is it designed this way and what are the results? How can it be deactivated?
• What’s it like to be dead?
• Share a joyous life changing moment.
• On the run, with nowhere left to hide, a bad guy closes in. He has you now. What would you do?
• Was death influenced by how you lived your life?
• Fate stalks your character.
• It was a clear evening without a cloud in the sky. Not a breath of wind to disturb the calm. One couldn’t hear anything in the room except for the sound of the candle’s flame. The old man, Magne, tried once again to ease back into his armchair by throwing his head backward. He lay there for a while, face lit up by the warm glow of his reading lamp. Finally he sat up again and started to give his wife Brigitta a quick summary of the novel he had been busy with the last three months.
• Rod finally got what he always wanted after he died… peace and quiet.
• My life is a two-sided coin. One is the ordinary life-and the other is extraordinary death.
• When Doug fell from his horse…Death waited.
• They say he lived an extraordinary life. But death ended it quickly and brutally.
• Write a story or poem of a fetus’s birth.
• Write a short poem about dying.
• What is death like? How do you get there?
• A man was found dead. Questioning of two suspects, and a revelation of mystery ensuing.
• You are fighting for life…
• Got you on the list of death. Other ten people have also been chosen to die.
• Are we the design or the designers?
• Your character has entered Heaven. interview him/her about it.
• A child dies from a terrorist attack. He tells everyone it hurts.
• Explain what life means to you.
• Death comes to the killer.
• How would life be without death?
• My character is just sitting in heaven, waiting for her loved ones to join her.
• Her co-worker at the coffee shop was wary of her as of her open view on the concept of death.
• Your best friend a few days ago died, now it’s your turn.
• You’ve died. What is your day like?
• I walk closer to the bridge at these crossroads. A life or death decision lies before me.
• What would you like to be remembered for?
• A train left on time. A man boarded the train to die. Why did he decide to end his suffering?
• Describe your character’s funeral as it plays out in front of you?
• She was no coward. She never thought she would die in her own home.
• What do you see around you after death?
• You find yourself on death row and the next person to die isn’t you. What’s your reaction?
• Death is not the end. It’s only the beginning.
• How would you like to die?
• The seasons have been unusually long this year and the last thing on your oracle’s mind is what it’ll have for supper.
• Aah, to sleep, perchance to die in domestic life.
• The funeral was a beautiful one. Everyone in your family admired the photo the most.
• A child’s lonesome deathbed prayer
• Write about the moment of your death. Write about the person who killed you maybe.
• It woke up to a sudden, harsh sound. It was confronted by a…
• You make a deal with the devil. You have one more opportunity to undo a mistake or save a life in your past, but you will have to die again and again and again forever.
• When life handed him lemons, he decided to make champagne.
• Write about one of the most painful moments in your life.
• Your death doesn’t come. You settle with the fact that you’ve got to experience the worst day of your life, over and over.
• Imagine your death. Would it be different from how you actually die?
• Fate has it that you will replicate a life, commit a murder and have to watch your own death.
• A dying man wants to impart one more thing to the one he loves.
• Death can only be a temporary setback to a character’s life. Think of something that your character could do to overcome death.
• An aimless man finds out that life and death are not black and white but many shades of gray.
• The stench of death is all around you.
• Your big sister died last night. Write about it.
• Her fear of heights was overcome when she died.
• A man walks into a morgue at night, he has a specific plan.
• The nurse put on a gentle smile as he opened the curtain to her side.
• When your ethnicity discriminates against you, only death gives life a remedy.
• Share a story of someone before or after death.
• It wasn’t the first time she watched someone die but it was still hard to deal with it.
• Suddenly faced with the death of a loved one, my character went numb for several minutes before responding to it.
• Write about how your character reacts to the death of a loved one.
• How do you die peacefully?
• A man who turns to crime to support the family. The chance to steal an ancient relic changes everything involving a seller and a cop.
• Your character commits a terrible crime. While awaiting his execution, he transforms his mind.
• Write about your character while lying in a coffin.
• Describe your last moments before death.
• Write about the death of a loved one from Point of View of that person.
• You dream of your final day.
• Speak about your life in an alternate world where dying wasn’t an option.
• You’re on the verge of death in minutes, what would you do?
• She thought about death all the time and she finally wanted her way.
• How different would life be if…
• Write about a time you overcame death.
• A detective is about to die. Right before going into the light, he finds out what the bad guy had done.
• Write about a character’s discovery of or falling in love with another character despite a deceased loved one from that person’s past.
• This character was once afraid of sharks, but now?
• Write about the struggles of a character facing depression.
• She only felt one pain, not two, which was the right or wrong thing to do.
• Death – the “big sleep” – is just a state of nirvana which a weary soul gladly welcomes after days and nights of gruesome misery.
• Your character goes through an afterlife. Bonus points for dipping it in something esoteric and/or horrific.
• “Death is the greatest loss of all.” How would you feel without death in your life, or those around you?
• Your death wish.
• A man wakes up to see he has died and cannot find God anywhere.
• After his death, his name was always…
• Write about life through the eyes of someone who knows it won’t last forever.
• Love. Friendship. Death. Pick one.
• Our father has just died because of his addiction. Who was he?
• Write about your character’s very first life or death situation.
• What would you do if you knew you only had six months to live?
• All the life had been sucked out of you. You can’t be with your loved ones.
• You’re not really dead. You’re just imagining what comes next.
• What memory does death take from you?
• I have always believed death would never come to me. One day, it did.
• A coward seeks death. A hero living through it seeks life.
• It’s your death bed. Cheat death. Hire someone. Who are you gonna cheat death with?
• How does dying change your relations?
• You remember a small moment of your life, before that force tore apart your world.
• Everyone thought that she was the one who would live forever.
• No, he won’t. Death doesn’t come for the young.
• Everyone wants to live forever, but no one wants to die today.
• Who’s going to die next in your story?
• Write a story about a sick child and how his family handles his constant pain and suffering.
• A story about someone facing a life-changing event that lasts a long time.
• Write about your character’s reaction to someone else that killed them.
• Write about life from your grandma/grandpa’s perspective when they embarked on their first date.
• It takes fearlessness to die.
• Your death can be beautiful.
• Write in the perspective of the death, apprising what’s in store for you in the world of the living.
• What did dying feel like?
• You’re recruited after death. What person is your coworker from the previous life?
• You’re dying of grief, which no person will speak of.
• Write about death, sickness, or any fatal disease your character suffers or has suffered from.
• Write about your character lying on a hospital bed. Write what’s going on there, if you yourself were there, would you feel comfortable?
• Everyone else in the prison is dying. What is your character doing? How do they feel about the impending doom?
• Your typical job day took a sinister turn. Death was on the menu.
• Life has thrown a curve ball at your character. How does she deal?
• An everyday person’s confrontation with life in death.
• He confronted the biggest and scariest enemy of all – himself.
• Death has come and he has a proposition.
• Childhood was a time of innocent play with imaginary friends.
• The great wars of the past are now depicted in war commercials.
• Write about your character when faced with death.
• Write about your character’s last night on Earth before dying.
• You have two minutes to experience the pain of death as your body dies.
• Write a scene in your story about death.
• She died looking into his eyes because love kept her in this world for that one last moment.
• Is there any meaning to life? If there had been a meaning to death, what would it be?
• Exploring these topics allows us to discuss and to gain a recollection of ideas that still reside in the memory. Using the free writing prompts for essays that allows the writer to disclose their message. Time waits for no-one.
• Write about your character’s first glimpse of death.
• Valentine’s Day. Have your character write a letter of death to the person they love.
• What’s the hardest thing about dying in a war?
• We don’t want to cheat death. But death is cheating us.
• Your character meditates on his death, another event takes precedence.
• Analyze the deathbed confession discussed earlier.
• Write about an encounter with your neighbour who fears death.
• What happens when all paths lead to one direction?
• Being dead must be great. When will your loved ones die to meet you there?
• Decide who your next life will be. Write an essay supporting your decisions.
• You are trapped in the shadow world, with the dead and undead.
• The last death in your unit was an inmate. What did they do to deserve it?
• An immortal man is sick and tired of immortality.
• Trapped in a coma, you are considering likely your last moments of life. Or are you?
• Write about murder. How does the victim feel as life is being taken away?
• The Death of a Child
• Which events in your life do you feel had the most impact on your fate?
• Write about death claiming a loved one.
• While lying in bed one night, death comes knocking on your bedroom door. What happens next?
• The Mother Superior was dying and the family was fighting over what happened to the soul.
• Write about a character killed by a knife/sword/hatchet/other sharp object.
• She doesn’t know what’s coming but she doesn’t fear death.
• You were given the option to live or die, which will you choose?
• Where death visits, there he found, unsought, a scythe.
• Write about something that you wished you would have done or didn’t.
• But you wait. Something pulls you back.
• Your uncle found stealing a body from a cemetery.
• It was raining as her father’s corpse car drove through the car park.
• The ashes of a loved one have just been spread. Do a compare and contrast piece between death and what the spread ashes have made. What kind of life did you have after the loved one has died?
• Multiple death scenes, all taking place during the same incident.
• Your friend just died. Write from their perspective.
• Write about your road towards death.
• Sell your life. Will anyone buy it?
• You’re single in New York and you’ve arrived where you’re going. No one accounts for this,
• The shock of his death came from nowhere.
• A young woman who lost her memory. And her life.
• Write about a character facing his/her biggest fear.
• Death of a loved one….Write about your last moments shared.
• What’s the saddest day of your character’s life?
• In your sci-fi novel, describe how the newly invented mood ring changes the world.
• You’ve just died, but at the other end of your destiny bridge arriving to the next life. What happens?
• Everyone has a secret they’ve carried all their life.
• Life will always find a way. But what if death thought the exact opposite?
• Your last supper.
• Write a narrative summary about the last moments of your character’s life.
• What we were afraid of in death, was that we would not be remembered.
• What happened the last time you were close to death?
• All your friends and family are filing past your dead body. What are the first words out of your mouth?
• Write about the thoughts of death just before the character goes under.
• Write about the death of a loved one.
• It is supposed to be the most important day in your life but you are feeling very gloomy, for a reason.
• You have six months left. What do you do?
• Write about the most important event in your character’s life so far.
• Aware of death all her life. She chose to ignore it. But when she saw it in the face, she couldn’t bear it.
• She lay sleeping in her deathbed, unaware of the time on the clock. She was sleeping and yet she wasn’t…
• How do people feel when you hear your name spoken aloud?
• Death is how we learn to live.
• Some souls never move on, and linger in life. Tell a story about one of them.
• It’s your birthday. The one you should have died. Tell me the story of how you got that gift.
• The world is a beautiful place, as far as you can tell. But, it’s not your world.
• Choosing death over life.
• Write about a memory from before the character was born.
• What is your character’s final statement to the world?
• Staring at a long blackness, waiting to die. There was no life after death.
• You just died in the car accident you are in. Write what you were thinking while waiting before you died.
• Sometimes, death comes from places we didn’t even know were around us.
• Write about death from the point of view of the person who is dying
• Have a character who fears encounters with death too much but has to confront his own fear.
• Did you experience the death of someone close to you? Explain.
• Write about a character who witnesses a death.
• Write about a near death experience.
• Plane crashes and you are without your loved ones.
• Lost the person you love the most in life. How do you cope?
• Write about your character visiting some place. It could be the funeral of a friend. Or the cemetery. If you have visited a cemetery and feel extremely sad. Write your narrative without using the world “I” and “you.”
• Your character just died. Why didn’t anyone come for you?
• Write about life after death.
• She was only 18 when she celebrated her last birthday.
• The new toy for Christmas was a gurney.
• Write about a suicidal character and the friends who care.
• When ghosts have to haunt, they choose all the wrong places and meet all the wrong people.
• Parents find out their daughter will die.
• You croak. Your pop would like to see you. How would you say your last goodbyes?
• Write about a main character being killed off.
• A man sat in a plastic chair in the emergency room. Nothing was going his way.
• Write about your character experiencing the trauma of attending a funeral.
• Write about an afterlife.
• A character dies in the story. Write the life story of that character.
• How would you spend your last twenty-four hours?
• You’ve got one year to live. Write about your life.
• He awoke from a death of a thousand horrors to see his mother standing by him.
• Write your own death scene
• Your death isn’t just the end. It is a doorway to something much more. Choose two items that tell us about one aspect of you.
• Write a news report about a life and death type of situation.
• Write about a death driven tea party.
• What’s it like to die from bees?
• How do you see death?
• What are your feelings right after learning you have a deadly illness?
• Cemetery of mixed emotions for all life forms.
• You’ve been injected with sleeping poison. Write what happens, as well as what you feel as you fall asleep.
• A dream came true. What happens next?
• The television show based on your life is set to release their first season. What would you hope people will take away?
• I died, and then nothing happened. Surely that was the worst thing that could happen?
• Bring a friend to life.
• Have you ever quit life?
• It all happened too fast. All the fighting and the yelling and then…nothing.
• Escaping Death
• Write about your idea of an afterlife.
• You have been asked to cover your burial at home. Write a eulogy.
• Invited to a funeral?
• You’re having a conversation with your character about life and death. What happens?
• “Do you know? Death, where is thy sting? Grave, where is thy victory?”
• Your husband is arranging your funeral. But he’s a crook. How do you die?
• Write about something that happened to your character in the week leading to his/her death.
• Talking to the death of a loved one? How do they respond? Make it a dialogue.
• What are you thinking at the very moment when you are dying?
• An angel bails you out of death. Hilarity ensues.
• Write about a girl with a terminal illness and no one believes her.
• It seemed like it happened in an instant. Death took him in the blink of an eye. How did he manage to make his mark?
• Write about the annual celebration held at your favorite cemetery or funeral home.
• Your life is about to end. Are you at peace with that?
• He was living life on the edge. But one day it got too close to home.
• There was nothing more to live for until…
• The little boy thought to himself how life was just a one way trail.
• A hospital is hallmarked by visits of death.
• Write about your life ending with one anecdote after another.
• Write about your character getting a life changing phone call.
• He always hated the color white. One day, he questioned why.
• Write about your character when they have some insight on life.
• Your character is forced to confront their worst fear.
• Write about the vilest thing you have ever done to stay alive.
• Your life flashes in front of your eyes.
• Your grandfather has died. It’s just a coincidence that you meet him right now.
• The character dreams of death every night and struggles with that fear every day.
• The best way to spend time on this planet is to live!
• She stared in awe as the world around her erupted in chaos. She wondered if this day would end up her last.
• Your mind is beginning to shut down. How do you feel?
• His life flashed before his eyes as he faced certain death.
• Just an object. Perhaps a life saved, or the start of a journey.
• Reincarnation. Have you had a past life death? How?
• You have a life or death situation. Unforeseen events force you to compromise between people and survival instinct.
• Write about Death of a loved one.
• He was hit by a car while crossing the street. The culprit simply left the scene.
• A dog, a man, and his pet.
• Write a scenario about when your character lost someone he loved.
• How difficult is it to accept your own death? Write about it.
• Write about a main character who regrets he was not able to see his wife one last time before she died.
• A Life Death Quotes
• Your husband or wife dies. You deal with the effects of that for a day, then the First Death comes.
• You are sitting on Death’s doorstep waiting for him to come.
• The story of a fictional disease-contagious, life-threatening. What if you spread it but don’t get sick?
• I had no idea I’d ever die.
• Imagine yourself being euthanized, without any consequences by you or to you.
• What happens when the dead can return to life?
• A character dies during the climax of the story. How does this affect his companions?
• Write about your character’s beliefs on life after death.
• Describe a place where someone died.
• An old lady realizes life might not be what it appears to be all the time.
• We fear death until we have experienced death.
• What is life without death?
• Death row, A growing number of people have been found innocent and some have been released. What happens to them?
• A man spends time on the 12th floor. One day, a man falls to his death.
• A tale of death and a treasure.
• What does it feel like to wake up dead?
• What is the price of life? Where will you draw the line?
• Write a scene where two characters discuss life and death.
• A wedding day, but why?
• A man contemplates dying.
• You’ve got one year left to live. Exactly one year. What will you do?
• Is fear the greatest element of life?
• Write about the death sentence.
• Write about a person you love with all your heart except for one flaw.
• Write about death from someone’s point of view.
• When it seemed death was so close around the corner, instead of making a last wish, she made an important change.
• What would you say to your friend when he/she’s dying?
• Write about your life within 24 hours of death.
• Could you risk your life for her, even though you’re not sure she can do the same for you?
• How do you die? How do you think it will happen? Is death, like in a video game, is there any concept of death in video games?
• You have a few days to live. What are you going to do? How are you going to act? Who will you spend it with?
• I don’t want to die. Oh God. Won’t someone help me?
• Write about a person who is afraid of death.
• About an hour to death experience.
• Write about someone who is at their funeral looking back at their life.
• Self-awareness, reincarnation, and the observer effect.
• Describe a reason why people would commit suicide.
• The death of her cat reminded him about his own death.
• Your character finds out that they are nearing death now.
• Has There ever been a time in your life when you contemplated the nature of death?
• How did the disappearance of a loved one affect your life?
• Re-live the horrors of your last life as a field slave in ancient Egypt.
• There were so many regrets yet there was so little time.
• Every day the ghost of her dead sister comes to tell her something on a piece of paper
• What you are the day you die is most important. What did you do right?
• How do you know you have died? The logical explanation.
• You had just died, see how the ones around you cope with your death.
• Your character is stuck in a life or death situation, you decide who escapes!
• Write about a reincarnation you’ve had and the pain that followed it.
• It was a day like any other day. Well, maybe not.
• Write about your life, of course.
• A witch asked you to do your worst. What is your worst?
• After death comes torment.
• List 5 ways to identify life.
• Write about the first and last days of a character.
• Write about a day before your character’s death. Was it his or her last day on Earth?
• A mysterious letter leads your detective to the solution of the crime. What does it say?
• Apologize one last time. Close your eyes and let death come.
• They don’t get it. We were wrong.
• She scanned the room before she died. What did she think about while looking around her?
• He knew it was coming. Death or liberty.
• A lead by example in the business group was driving to the company meeting in the mountains. Everything seemed normal. They didn’t know the fate that was awaiting them at the destination. They finally saw what was coming their way, but it was too late.
• Aging parent is on his or her deathbed.
• Oscar Stone is a young daredevil who has just left his school. Just a few steps away from the school a car approaches and there’s no time to run away. What options does he have?
• My first death came ten years after it hurt me.
• They all knew death was inevitable, but not now.
• I’ve tried to kill for you…Why won’t you let me die for you?
• You are forced to die. How do you choose to go? What made you choose that as a method/favorite method?
• You are walking towards your execution. Who is there to see it happen?
• Open the grave, let’s see who’s inside.
• Help. My character is dead. What to do?
• You’ve been one of Dream-Keepers, beholden to your responsibilities. Now you have died.
• What would your character want at his or her funeral?
• Write a hint prompt — John’s a janitor. Your mother is sick. Bill is lost.
• Write about your concept of death.
• Personality and identity of people after death were altered.
• A seemingly normal person fears death.
• Live or death. You choose.
• Write a letter from the point of view of a character “giving up”.
• You’ve just died. Where to next?
• Ladies and gentlemen, we are experiencing some technical difficulties.’
• This could be another original theme to write about. Life or the afterlife is the theme. Wri…
• Everyone thinks suicide is easy. Here’s a list of people who gave it a shot, but for one reason or another only halfway succeeded. Write from the point of view of one character. Make them go through with it, by the way.
• Romantic date of your character turns to be a life or death experience.
• The heart monitor flatline. Her parents were devastated. No one could have foreseen this when she was born.
• Death abused her. One man shamed her. The other was to blame. …
• What’s it like to die nowadays? Is it so different from a century ago, or from a thousand years ago?
• You have 3 seconds to encapsulate the meaning of life. How do you do it?
• Death comes for all, it’s only a matter of when.
• It’s about a boy who feels revenge for his friend’s death. He plans to kill the murderer.
• All creatures are mortal. All games must come to an end.
• People from the past try to prevent your death.
• Write about your last night on earth.
• You’ve been reincarnated into an animal. What are you?
• No one cared when grandmother died. They still don’t.
• A marriage is arranged for love or for reasons unrelated to love, and only death reschedules it.
• Where were you when it happened?
• Write about choosing between two people or two things, with one promising death.
• Red is her favorite color. But the only thing she can think of when she looks at it is blood.
• How would you feel if you had a final hour to live? Would you make it count?
• The dying man had something to say.
• Write about the fear of being immortalized with a statue.
• You discovered that you can talk to the dead. How would you change your life if you knew you could speak with the dead?
• Death is but the opening of a new beginning. Write about your first day.
• Write about someone who stops communication to you and returns when in dire straits.
• Write about your dreaded life or death illness.
• Describe every creaky movement of your blue whale faced loved one.
• Write about your character while you think they’re dying.
• When your mind drifts into the darkness, it can suddenly pull you under.
• Write about dying from old age.
• Describe a dream you had where you were about death or dying.
• Write about life or death, or both, through the eyes of someone stuck in an elevator.
• A list of what death feels like.
• You’ve been years dead. And a girl finally spoke your name.
• For the following writing prompts, connect with your senses.
• He drove instinctively on the highway to his fate. His fate would be as certain as death.
• John decided to copy-cat the death of Bruce.
• If you could come back from the dead what would you change?
• Write about death.
• My friend was coming back from the fight club. He appeared to be bleeding.
• Death is imminent. How do you feel?
• He was about to die. That, however, didn’t stop him from enjoying life.
• Bringing a baby to term, only to have it stillborn.
• Augusta Baker is dying.
• Write about what happens to your character after their death.
• Life was going by normally when the inevitable happened, Death.
• You are a shade. You watch death every day but one day …
• You’re on Death Row. Write about last meals, impact of crime, etc.
• How would your character react if someone close to him/her died?
• Death would not claim Him
• Write about something you’d like to do if you die tomorrow.
• What happens when death comes unexpected?
• Write about the death of a child.
• So powerful, the power of love, that it overcomes the power of death.
• Life is going to push and shove, but death will make your character break down.
• The food you ordered disgusts you, for you’ve died now.
• Death walks the earth, and she’s looking for you.
• Write about the feelings and actions of someone who’s lovable but their words break hearts. Upon reaching heaven, he finds that a friend lied to him about it being better there.
• Design strange after-life scenarios for people in this world.
• Winner takes all, the loser gets nothing. Choose life or death for your character.
• You feel your heart skip and repeat beats. It starts to go out. You were too late. Death is coming!
• You have died. Now go back to the life that led up to your death.
• Write about your character discovering his estranged brother is best friends with the zombie apocalypse.
• Suddenly very aware of his surroundings, and his nearness. How close she stood to death.
• Do you know that the death sentence is the only sentence that carries the signature of the Judge and a self-signed execution date the fate of the accused, why that is. What does that say about a man?
• Your friend asks for your opinion on their cause of death.
• Write about a person losing control.
• Write a unique obituary of today. A book obituary.
• Has anyone ever written to you and told you that you will die one day? How did that make you feel?
• You wake up to find yourself lying in a coffin. What do you do?
• If you were put into a zombie apocalypse, where zombies are actually peaceful and not vicious or violent, how would you feel about your existence?
• Write about what would happen if you killed someone accidentally during your life.
• Patients say she is the best counselor ever. She is dealing with the death of her…
• She died and all the boys turned their heads.
• Write a heartbreaking letter from the dead to the living
• It was a calm sunny day in New York. This day, seven people were going to die.
• Death is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
• It feels so final, to yield one’s heart to death…
• Death came quickly and attacked out of nowhere.
• Death is near. Your last chance to live the happiest moment of your life.
• Write about death in a contemporary setting.
• The two strongest pillars holding up my life collapsed right next to me.
• As a tribute to one of the greatest literary works ever, how about you portray death in a poetic form?
• You awaken, but your heart has stopped beating forever.
• Life after death?
• Write about what we find in ghosts in creepy rooms during interviews.
• She was dead but didn’t know it.
• Prince Charming is exactly what you had always dreamed about. He was charming, leary, handsome, successful.
• The beach was calling him back, but he would never answer.
• Imagine you’re trapped in a burning building and it’s your last night on Earth.
• Frank was dying, but he wanted to hold on until his daughter could come.
• The undertaker laid you to rest peacefully. But you’re beginning to wonder if that was really a good idea.
• When you least expect it death suddenly appears right before you.
• Just die. When death hangs in the balance, you may be the first to find out whether or not you are immortal.
• Let’s play Ping-Pong. The winner gets to live. To lose is to die.
• An angry spirit fears death and tries to fulfill promises while alive.
• Write about life in prison after having killed your victim.
• A woman knocks at death’s door.
• What should’ve been a simple task of doing laundry turned into a life or death situation.
• Something long forgotten returned and became your worst nightmare
• Write about a child on death row.
• So, um… You’re the Grim Reaper?
• Are there other life or death moments in your story? Do a writing exercise to explore these events further.
• Quezon City is known for their long and tiring traffic. However, there are no traffic lights in some intersections. For those who are late, this can be suicidal. Long gone are the days when police officers would lead traffic. Now there are “traffic enforcers”.

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• Death And Dying

8 Popular Essays About Death, Grief & the Afterlife

Updated 05/4/2022

Published 07/19/2021

Joe Oliveto, BA in English

Contributing writer

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

Death is a strange topic for many reasons, one of which is the simple fact that different people can have vastly different opinions about discussing it.

Jump ahead to these sections: 

Essays or articles about the death of a loved one, essays or articles about dealing with grief, essays or articles about the afterlife or near-death experiences.

Some fear death so greatly they don’t want to talk about it at all. However, because death is a universal human experience, there are also those who believe firmly in addressing it directly. This may be more common now than ever before due to the rise of the death positive movement and mindset.

You might believe there’s something to be gained from talking and learning about death. If so, reading essays about death, grief, and even near-death experiences can potentially help you begin addressing your own death anxiety. This list of essays and articles is a good place to start. The essays here cover losing a loved one, dealing with grief, near-death experiences, and even what someone goes through when they know they’re dying.

Losing a close loved one is never an easy experience. However, these essays on the topic can help someone find some meaning or peace in their grief.

1. ‘I’m Sorry I Didn’t Respond to Your Email, My Husband Coughed to Death Two Years Ago’ by Rachel Ward

Rachel Ward’s essay about coping with the death of her husband isn’t like many essays about death. It’s very informal, packed with sarcastic humor, and uses an FAQ format. However, it earns a spot on this list due to the powerful way it describes the process of slowly finding joy in life again after losing a close loved one.

Ward’s experience is also interesting because in the years after her husband’s death, many new people came into her life unaware that she was a widow. Thus, she often had to tell these new people a story that’s painful but unavoidable. This is a common aspect of losing a loved one that not many discussions address.

2. ‘Everything I know about a good death I learned from my cat’ by Elizabeth Lopatto

Not all great essays about death need to be about human deaths! In this essay, author Elizabeth Lopatto explains how watching her beloved cat slowly die of leukemia and coordinating with her vet throughout the process helped her better understand what a “good death” looks like.

For instance, she explains how her vet provided a degree of treatment but never gave her false hope (for instance, by claiming her cat was going to beat her illness). They also worked together to make sure her cat was as comfortable as possible during the last stages of her life instead of prolonging her suffering with unnecessary treatments.

Lopatto compares this to the experiences of many people near death. Sometimes they struggle with knowing how to accept death because well-meaning doctors have given them the impression that more treatments may prolong or even save their lives, when the likelihood of them being effective is slimmer than patients may realize.

Instead, Lopatto argues that it’s important for loved ones and doctors to have honest and open conversations about death when someone’s passing is likely near. This can make it easier to prioritize their final wishes instead of filling their last days with hospital visits, uncomfortable treatments, and limited opportunities to enjoy themselves.

3. ‘The terrorist inside my husband’s brain’ by Susan Schneider Williams

This article, which Susan Schneider Williams wrote after the death of her husband Robin Willians, covers many of the topics that numerous essays about the death of a loved one cover, such as coping with life when you no longer have support from someone who offered so much of it. 

However, it discusses living with someone coping with a difficult illness that you don’t fully understand, as well. The article also explains that the best way to honor loved ones who pass away after a long struggle is to work towards better understanding the illnesses that affected them. 

4. ‘Before I Go’ by Paul Kalanithi

“Before I Go” is a unique essay in that it’s about the death of a loved one, written by the dying loved one. Its author, Paul Kalanithi, writes about how a terminal cancer diagnosis has changed the meaning of time for him.

Kalanithi describes believing he will die when his daughter is so young that she will likely never have any memories of him. As such, each new day brings mixed feelings. On the one hand, each day gives him a new opportunity to see his daughter grow, which brings him joy. On the other hand, he must struggle with knowing that every new day brings him closer to the day when he’ll have to leave her life.

Coping with grief can be immensely challenging. That said, as the stories in these essays illustrate, it is possible to manage grief in a positive and optimistic way.

5. Untitled by Sheryl Sandberg

This piece by Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s current CEO, isn’t a traditional essay or article. It’s actually a long Facebook post. However, many find it’s one of the best essays about death and grief anyone has published in recent years.

She posted it on the last day of sheloshim for her husband, a period of 30 days involving intense mourning in Judaism. In the post, Sandberg describes in very honest terms how much she learned from those 30 days of mourning, admitting that she sometimes still experiences hopelessness, but has resolved to move forward in life productively and with dignity.

She explains how she wanted her life to be “Option A,” the one she had planned with her husband. However, because that’s no longer an option, she’s decided the best way to honor her husband’s memory is to do her absolute best with “Option B.”

This metaphor actually became the title of her next book. Option B , which Sandberg co-authored with Adam Grant, a psychologist at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, is already one of the most beloved books about death , grief, and being resilient in the face of major life changes. It may strongly appeal to anyone who also appreciates essays about death as well.

6. ‘My Own Life’ by Oliver Sacks

Grief doesn’t merely involve grieving those we’ve lost. It can take the form of the grief someone feels when they know they’re going to die.

Renowned physician and author Oliver Sacks learned he had terminal cancer in 2015. In this essay, he openly admits that he fears his death. However, he also describes how knowing he is going to die soon provides a sense of clarity about what matters most. Instead of wallowing in his grief and fear, he writes about planning to make the very most of the limited time he still has.

Belief in (or at least hope for) an afterlife has been common throughout humanity for decades. Additionally, some people who have been clinically dead report actually having gone to the afterlife and experiencing it themselves.

Whether you want the comfort that comes from learning that the afterlife may indeed exist, or you simply find the topic of near-death experiences interesting, these are a couple of short articles worth checking out.

7. ‘My Experience in a Coma’ by Eben Alexander

“My Experience in a Coma” is a shortened version of the narrative Dr. Eben Alexander shared in his book, Proof of Heaven . Alexander’s near-death experience is unique, as he’s a medical doctor who believes that his experience is (as the name of his book suggests) proof that an afterlife exists. He explains how at the time he had this experience, he was clinically braindead, and therefore should not have been able to consciously experience anything.

Alexander describes the afterlife in much the same way many others who’ve had near-death experiences describe it. He describes starting out in an “unresponsive realm” before a spinning white light that brought with it a musical melody transported him to a valley of abundant plant life, crystal pools, and angelic choirs. He states he continued to move from one realm to another, each realm higher than the last, before reaching the realm where the infinite love of God (which he says is not the “god” of any particular religion) overwhelmed him.

8. “One Man's Tale of Dying—And Then Waking Up” by Paul Perry

The author of this essay recounts what he considers to be one of the strongest near-death experience stories he’s heard out of the many he’s researched and written about over the years. The story involves Dr. Rajiv Parti, who claims his near-death experience changed his views on life dramatically.

Parti was highly materialistic before his near-death experience. During it, he claims to have been given a new perspective, realizing that life is about more than what his wealth can purchase. He returned from the experience with a permanently changed outlook.

This is common among those who claim to have had near-death experiences. Often, these experiences leave them kinder, more understanding, more spiritual, and less materialistic.

This short article is a basic introduction to Parti’s story. He describes it himself in greater detail in the book Dying to Wake Up , which he co-wrote with Paul Perry, the author of the article.

Essays About Death: Discussing a Difficult Topic

It’s completely natural and understandable to have reservations about discussing death. However, because death is unavoidable, talking about it and reading essays and books about death instead of avoiding the topic altogether is something that benefits many people. Sometimes, the only way to cope with something frightening is to address it.

Categories:

• Coping With Grief

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100 Creative Essay Topics

An amazing number of writers look for the best creative writing prompts on a daily basis. These could be college students who were asked to write a fictional or narrative essay, published authors looking for their next big idea, or young people who want to explore something inspiring in their future work. Creativity is everything, and the success of any venture depends on the topic you’ve chosen. In 2020, many popular prompts have lost their novelty.

Usual stories about the journey that turned into disaster when you got lost and your things were all stolen, a secretary falling in love with her boss, a ghost-hunting adventure — this is no longer as interesting topic as it was ten years ago. Now, people look for newer and fresher ideas, but the logical question occurs: where to find them? Regardless of why you need creative prompts, we’re prepared to share some of them!

In Search of Creative Essay Topic: Best Tips

Let’s imagine that you’re writing a creative story or an essay. All you need is to trigger your inspiration, but what if today, your fantasy decided to take a break? No worries: there are some tips that could be useful if you’re stuck with picking topics:

• Brainstorm with your friends or family.  Thinking by yourself could be great, but if it doesn’t work, use someone else’s input. Meet up with friends or classmates and bounce topic ideas back and forth between each other. Maybe one of them will offer stunning creative writing ideas you could use.
• Play a game.  Close your eyes. Walk somewhere carefully, turn around a couple of times, then open your eyes and look around. Choose the first thing or person and create topic or essay idea around it. Beginners could face some difficulties at first, but the main thing is practice! After several awkward stories, your skill level will increase.
• Look through online lists.  There are many cool topics you could find online. People have developed lists specifically to satisfy writers’ needs, so check some of them out in our list just below.

100 Unique Creative Essay Prompts

We prepared 100 different topic examples for your future essay. Read through them all or sort them by category — maybe you’ll find something truly inspiring.

Extended Creative Essay Topics on Social Issues

Small tragedies are everywhere, wherever we look. A woman who smiles tiredly could be barely holding back her tears. A running girl is trying to make it home in time to protect her brother from their drunk uncle. Here are some similar ideas.

• Addiction : Daughter took her mother to live with her, but it turned out that the woman has serious psychological issues. She’s addicted to alcohol and she keeps bringing rubbish from streets into her room. The story of love and pain ensue.
• Euthanasia : Person is dying slowly and they ask their nurse for euthanasia. The laws forbid it, though, and the nurse is getting more and more torn about letting the patient suffer or following the law.
• World Chaos : Due to the deadly virus that spread all over the planet, no medicine is available. Character struggles with accepting the idea of this new world and its cruel rules.
• Bullying : The bullied girl gets fed up with the world around her, so she takes actions to ensure that nothing and no one can ever hurt her again.
• Kindness : The lonely woman has more money than she could ever spend. She decides that doing kind things is the only validation she can find, so she starts trying to make all people she meets happy.
• Gossip : Two young men dream about taking part in a reality show, but when it happens, they understand how many ugly lies are beneath it.
• Stalking : Man is being stalked by a woman, but no one takes him seriously… until it is too late.
• Indifference : A bird is lying in a puddle, dying, as people pass by with no care. Then, a girl notices it, and she takes it home to nurse it back to health.
• Discrimination : Young girl thinks she is aromantic and asexual, but her family and friends are all convinced that she just hasn’t found the right person yet.
• Harassment : Old but enthusiastic employee starts a new job, and he doesn’t understand why his boss hates him & tries to humiliate him at every turn… until he suddenly remembers about their shared past.

Creative Fantasy Essay Ideas

Some of the best creative writing assignments fall into fantasy category.

• World Peace : Something happened that resulted in peace all over the world. People are happy, animals are healthy, and there is no anger or hatred left. But something is not right, and slowly, unexpected problems begin to emerge.
• Prophesies : A woman named Julia desperately wants to become the president. She learns of the prophecy claiming that her country will be saved by the woman, but the problem is, the prophecy woman’s name is Hannah. Determined to make herself fit, Julia officially changes her name.
• Reincarnation : Two people in love keep being reborn. One of them remembers everything, but another one remains ignorant.
• Soulmates : People dream about their soulmates even before they meet them. Character A meets Character B, but while A is happy, B prefers to ignore him.
• World End : Terrible monsters are crawling all over the planet. The man not interested in survival survives, but when he is saddled with an orphaned child, his life suddenly gains new meaning.
• Time of Death : People know how soon they’ll die from the moment of their birth. Some of them accept it; others fight it.
• Secrets Exposed : Woman can tell people’s secrets just by looking at them. Sometimes it’s a blessing; other times, it is a curse.
• Divine Punishment:  Psychopath loses one of his senses every time he acts on his dark impulses.
• Forever and Ever : Character lives forever. At first, it was exciting, but now it is weighing heavily on them.
• Predictions : Whatever prediction this person makes, it comes true. Can they resist such terrible power?

Fiction Topics

How about creative writing topics in the genre of monster hunting or dark romance? Many writers find it fascinating because of the challenge involved. Here are some good prompts.

• Serial Killer : After hunting numerous victims down, a killer is stopped short by a red-haired girl he sees. He begins to stalk her, and in this process, he falls in love.
• Beloved Pet : Imagine you’re a pet living in the family who loves and coddles you. How does that feel?
• Unhealthy Relationship : Two narcissists hurt each other, and yet they can’t live without each other.
• Complex Relationship : Character A destroyed the life of Character B’s parents. Years later, they fall in love.
• Age Difference : Being in love with someone older hurts.
• Social Difference : He is rich, she is not. He’s ready to ignore the difference, but she isn’t.
• Taboo : An orphaned boy is adopted by new doting guardian, yet the feelings he develops for them are far from appropriate.
• Abduction : Two girls are abducted during New Year. They don’t know why they were taken, but gradually, they realize that they have a chance to start the whole new life.
• Unexpected Bonding : Two students are stuck in detention for fighting each other. But feelings start growing before they know it.
• Beauty : She was the definition of beauty, yet the more she loved, the more her beauty was destroyed.
• Toys : Child is sure her toys are dancing at night.
• In a Movie : Boy falls into the universe of his favorite movie.
• Rocks : You’re the rock that existed for centuries. What do you see?
• Speaking with animals:  The day you started understanding your pet.
• Love Hurts:  It causes physical pain.

Creative Journal Prompts for Essays

Basing your ideas on notes in journals is both creative and realistic.

• Character lost in the forest is trying to survive by writing.
• A journal is found on an empty island.
• From first love to disillusionment.
• Watching seasons change.
• Saving up for an expensive purchase.
• An imagined year of life day by day.
• Message to your future self.
• Description of nightmares.
• Every message sent to you on Facebook.
• Observing your love interest.
• Describing every hobby you ever had.
• Finding yourself in the past & writing about it.
• 5 awkward speeches.
• Watching your child grow.
• List what you’d buy if you had a million dollars.

Creative Humor Essays Topics

If you have great humor, take a look at these fun creative writing prompts.

• Write a tragedy made of random sentences from your online messages.
• Meeting your real muse: awkwardness ensues.
• Hiding your golden finger from everyone to avoid turning them into gold.
• Love letter for the first person you see.
• Meeting TV character.
• Interview that goes very wrong.
• The most shameful moment from your life.
• Stealing a painting & finding out it’s a copy.
• Being accidentally turned into a Barbie.
• Write short story where every word starts with the same letter.

Creative Essays Topics About Death

Death is painful, but it gives birth to many ideas for creative writing. Your essay will be engaging with these topics:

• Losing the loved one never gets easier.
• Keeping ashes of the deceased beloved close.
• Characters realize they are doomed to die every day.
• Character is preparing to commit suicide and is saying goodbye to family.
• A bloodthirsty creatures entices people to kill themselves.
• Speech on the grandfather’s funeral.
• Living in an empty apartment where happy voices of a family can still be heard.
• Every loss feels like dying: family, friends, pets.
• Character embraces death and cries happy tears upon being reunited with people they loved.
• Character gets tired of living and tries to die & discovers they are immortal.

Health and Medicine

Healthcare could be a category with lots of creative writing prompts for adults. Nail your essay with one of this topics.

• OCD woman tries to make sense of her life.
• Man with amnesia starts each day as a new life.
• A ghost haunts the hospital for a decade and observes what they see.
• Each time this girl recovers from panic attack, she feels like she was reborn.
• Create unique disease for your character & describe their life.
• Narrator reflects whether it’s better to live with pain or not live at all.
• A surgeon describes her surgeries & acknowledges she needs nothing else.
• A paranoid patient is convinced he’s dying and refuses to listen to doctors.
• The blind person seeing colors for the first time.
• Person fears being kidnapped & looks for poison just in case.

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Creative Essays Ideas About Dreams

Our dreams are a mix of reality and fantasy. These writing prompts for creative writing reflect it.

• Mother dreams of reuniting with her missing child. Years later, her dreams is realized.
• What you dreamed about yesterday will come true tomorrow.
• Contacting people through dreams.
• As soon as you have a dream, you know the opposite will happen in reality.
• A killer learned how to kill people via dreams.
• A person’s biggest dream is about realizing what their dream is.
• Having dreams costs money. Who will agree to have them?
• Only people who share dreams are allowed to get married.
• Life is fair: happy people only have nightmares while unhappy people have happy dreams.
• Cure against dreams: who would take it?

Creative Education Topics

A million creative writing essays topics could be based on education.

• Story of how time in college was the happiest in one’s life.
• A bully falling in love with their victim and trying to earn their forgiveness.
• What character sacrificed in order to afford tuition.
• After all she has been through, she finally got into the university of her dreams… and she hates it.
• A heartbreaking choice between working & studying.
• A teacher saying to a successful student: “I haven’t graduated with honors, so you won’t either.”
• School and I: it was hatred from the first sight.
• The time I fell asleep during my lesson.
• Having a crush on your teacher & coming to realize why it’s wrong.
• You are the director at made-up university: how would it look like?

Have Fun Writing With Creative College Essay Topics

If you’re having a bad day and cannot summon even a spark of creativity, we’re here to help you! Use an idea we offered above — just give it a good title. If you like it, then it is all that matters — you’ve already crossed half of the way toward absolute success. In case having a prompt is not enough and you still feel no inspiration, you could always leave it to us. 

We have amazing specialists whose creativity knows no boundaries: they could write a short fictional story, craft a quirky essay, or develop some personalized creative prompts for you. Share your request with us, supply us with all details, and we’ll make sure to fulfill every one of them. There is nothing wrong with asking for help, and we are always happy to provide it.

Can’t come up with a topic for you paper? We’ve prepared a collection of essay topics for you

Want to write a winning essay but lack experience? Browse our free essay samples

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Studying / Writing Tools

Essay Title Generator

Essay titles are not the easiest things to come up with on your own. We know. That’s why we developed our Essay Title Generator to help you create the title your paper deserves. How does it work? Simple. Just enter the topic you’re interested in researching and a random title will be generated from our database based on the parameters you provide.

Why start with a title? Easy. The best way to start your research is to identify a specific focus within your topic—and that’s what a title does. It tells precisely what your paper is going to be about. So if you’re lost and confused about where to start, try our essay title generator.

How to Use our Essay Title Generator

1. Select your "essay topic" or "type of essay" from drop down menu 2. Click the button for "Generate Essay Title." 3. Read the title that our auto-generating system produces. 4. Want more? Click the button for "Generate More Essay Titles." 5. That’s all there is to it! Use our title to help get yourself started on your research.

Essay Title:

Topic not listed in drop down? Search your specific topic

Essay Titles

Why would generating an  essay title  help you get started in your research? Think about it. Picking a focus for your paper is no walk in the park. How do you whittle down a broad topic to a narrow subject? Well, here’s a way! Try thinking of a snappy title first and going from there! Of course, not everybody is good at whipping up a creative title to get the juices flowing. That’s why we’re here to help.

All you have to do is select your topic from the drop down menu. If you have more than one topic in mind, use the generator more than once and get a bundle of titles to pick from. If you go berry-picking you don’t head out with a basket and come back with one berry, do you? NO! You fill that basket up with as many berries as you can find, then you sort them out, select the best ones, and make yourself a delicious berry pie!

That’s what we’re doing here with our essay title generator. We’re helping you to create a great essay by helping you take the first step in that process. Get your title, get your engine revving, and get going!

Important! Don’t stress—no one likes stress, and it doesn’t help anyone—ever! So leave your stress at the door and see for yourself how simple this can be. No more worries that you can’t think of anything, no more fretting over whether you’ll ever be able to focus and create a thesis. This is easy. You tell us the topic. We tell you a title idea. Want another? Click the generator button again. Need another after that? Keep clicking. Our database is filled with great titles that will launch you into the stratosphere of great ideas quick than a SpaceX Falcon rocket. So strap yourself in because we are going for a ride!

Essay Titles Generate Ideas

The title is just the beginning. It’s where the action starts. Getting a great title can be like getting a ray of sunlight that cuts right through the fog. Everything clears up and suddenly you can see where to go. There down in the valley is your essay and laid out in a path all the way to it are the stones that your essay title has tossed out. Look how they stretch out down into the valley of sweet success.

Think about it—that’s what an essay title can do for you! It gets you elevated and out of the haze so that the research becomes accessible. In the dark, you’re fumbling for a way in, unable to find the key. Well, quit fumbling! The essay title is the key. It is the way in. It opens the door for you and turns on the lights. It points you in the right direction so all you need to do is follow the straight and narrow path

As you get started on that path, stop to look around at all the fruit that pops up along the way on the vines and trees that line the path. These are the ideas that our essay titles have been designed to generate in your own mind. You see, our essay title generator is not just a generator of titles: it is a generator of ideas. It supplies the fuel that will get your brain humming and before you know it your imagination will take over and all the information you have at your disposal will suddenly start clicking into place. That’s what a good essay title does, after all. It gets all cylinders firing!

Brainstorming Essay Titles

The brainstorming process is one of the most important steps when it comes to writing. Though some professors say you should wait until after you’re finished writing to come up with a title, the reality is that sometimes starting with a title can jumpstart the brainstorming process. This is especially true when you’re having writer’s block and can’t come up with a focus for your paper. You may have the topic, but where do you go from there? There are a thousand ways you could approach it, so which one do you choose? Or—worse—you can’t think of a single one! How do you know how to start, or, if see some options, how do you know which will get you where you need to go and not end up just getting you lost?

Brainstorming is the key! So how do you brainstorm successfully? You generate ideas! And how do you do that?

Why, you pick your topic, click the generate title button, and let the brainstorming process begin!

These titles have been specially designed to stimulate your brain and get you thinking about all the possibilities to pursue with your topic. Our titles are filled with ideas. They are brimming with possibilities. There are more potential ideas in our titles than there are grains of sand on a sandy beach. Okay, so maybe there aren’t that many—but you get the idea.

Let’s get started! You need a title, and we have the answer: our essay title generator will give you exactly what you need to get going. Don’t even think about how to come up with that perfect, snappy title. Just enter in your topic and click the button. Our titles will keep you coming back for more and keep you buzzing with ideas. We’re sure you’ll find one that hits you the right way and gives you the spark to get started with your research. Our titles help to illuminate the research process. They give you an indication of where you can go and what you can do. As soon as you feel like you’re getting stuck and need some help, don’t delay. Come get the title you need and deserve. Life’s hard. Don’t wait. Select your topic from the drop down menu and click the blue button. Generate that title, and get some great ideas—let’s go!

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Essays About Losing a Loved One: Top 5 Examples

Writing essays about losing a loved one can be challenging; discover our helpful guide with essay examples and writing prompts to help you begin writing. 

One of the most basic facts of life is that it is unpredictable. Nothing on this earth is permanent, and any one of us can pass away in the blink of an eye. But unfortunately, they leave behind many family members and friends who will miss them very much whenever someone dies.

The most devastating news can ruin our best days, affecting us negatively for the next few months and years. When we lose a loved one, we also lose a part of ourselves. Even if the loss can make you feel hopeless at times, finding ways to cope healthily, distract yourself, and move on while still honoring and remembering the deceased is essential.

5 Top Essay Examples

1. losing a loved one by louis barker, 2. personal reflections on coping and loss by adrian furnham , 3. losing my mom helped me become a better parent by trish mann, 4. reflection – dealing with grief and loss by joe joyce.

• 5. ​​Will We Always Hurt on The Anniversary of Losing a Loved One? by Anne Peterson

1. Is Resilience Glorified in Society?

2. how to cope with a loss, 3. reflection on losing a loved one, 4. the stages of grief, 5. the circle of life, 6. how different cultures commemorate losing a loved one.

“I managed to keep my cool until I realized why I was seeing these familiar faces. Once the service started I managed to keep my emotions in tack until I saw my grandmother break down. I could not even look up at her because I thought about how I would feel in the same situation. Your life can change drastically at any moment. Do not take life or the people that you love for granted, you are only here once.”

Barker reflects on how he found out his uncle had passed away. The writer describes the events leading up to the discovery, contrasting the relaxed, cheerful mood and setting that enveloped the house with the feelings of shock, dread, and devastation that he and his family felt once they heard. He also recalls his family members’ different emotions and mannerisms at the memorial service and funeral. 

“Most people like to believe that they live in a just, orderly and stable world where good wins out in the end. But what if things really are random? Counselors and therapists talk about the grief process and grief stages. Given that nearly all of us have experienced major loss and observed it in others, might one expect that people would be relatively sophisticated in helping the grieving?”

Furnham, a psychologist, discusses the stages of grief and proposes six different responses to finding out about one’s loss or suffering: avoidance, brief encounters, miracle cures, real listeners, practical help, and “giving no quarter.” He discusses this in the context of his wife’s breast cancer diagnosis, after which many people displayed these responses. Finally, Furnham mentions the irony that although we have all experienced and observed losing a loved one, no one can help others grieve perfectly.

“When I look in the mirror, I see my mom looking back at me from coffee-colored eyes under the oh-so-familiar crease of her eyelid. She is still here in me. Death does not take what we do not relinquish. I have no doubt she is sitting beside me when I am at my lowest telling me, ‘You can do this. You got this. I believe in you.’”

In Mann’s essay, she tries to see the bright side of her loss; despite the anguish she experienced due to her mother’s passing. Expectedly, she was incredibly depressed and had difficulty accepting that her mom was gone. But, on the other hand, she began to channel her mom into parenting her children, evoking the happy memories they once shared. She is also amused to see the parallels between her and her kids with her and her mother growing up. 

“Now I understood that these feelings must be allowed expression for as long as a person needs. I realized that the “don’t cry” I had spoken on many occasions in the past was not of much help to grieving persons, and that when I had used those words I had been expressing more my own discomfort with feelings of grief and loss than paying attention to the need of mourners to express them.”

Joyce, a priest, writes about the time he witnessed the passing of his cousin on his deathbed. Having experienced this loss right as it happened, he was understandably shaken and realized that all his preachings of “don’t cry” were unrealistic. He compares this instance to a funeral he attended in Pakistan, recalling the importance of letting grief take its course while not allowing it to consume you. 

5. ​​ Will We Always Hurt on The Anniversary of Losing a Loved One? by Anne Peterson

“Death. It’s certain. And we can’t do anything about that. In fact, we are not in control of many of the difficult circumstances of our lives, but we are responsible for how we respond to them. And I choose to honor their memory.”

Peterson discusses how she feels when she has to commemorate the anniversary of losing a loved one. She recalls the tragic deaths of her sister, two brothers, and granddaughter and describes her guilt and anger. Finally, she prays to God, asking him to help her; because of a combination of prayer and self-reflection, she can look back on these times with peace and hope that they will reunite one day. 

6 Thought-Provoking Writing Prompts on Essays About Losing A Loved One

Society tends to praise those who show resilience and strength, especially in times of struggle, such as losing a loved one. However, praising a person’s resilience can prevent them from feeling the pain of loss and grief. This essay explores how glorifying resilience can prevent a person from healing from painful events. Be sure to include examples of this issue in society and your own experiences, if applicable.

Loss is always tricky, especially involving someone close to your heart. Reflect on your personal experiences and how you overcame your grief for an effective essay. Create an essay to guide readers on how to cope with loss. If you can’t pull ideas from your own experiences, research and read other people’s experiences with overcoming loss in life.

If you have experienced losing a loved one, use this essay to describe how it made you feel. Discuss how you reacted to this loss and how it has impacted who you are today. Writing an essay like this may be sensitive for many. If you don’t feel comfortable with this topic, you can write about and analyze the loss of a loved one in a book, movie, or TV show you have seen. 

When we lose a loved one, grief is expected. There are five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Discuss each one and how they all connect. You can write a compelling essay by including examples of how the different stages are manifested in books, television, and maybe even your own experiences. 

Death is often regarded as a part of a so-called “circle of life,” most famously shown through the film, The Lion King . In summary, it explains that life goes on and always ends with death. For an intriguing essay topic, reflect on this phrase and discuss what it means to you in the context of losing a loved one. For example, perhaps keeping this in mind can help you cope with the loss. 

Different cultures have different traditions, affected by geography, religion, and history. Funerals are no exception to this; in your essay, research how different cultures honor their deceased and compare and contrast them. No matter how different they may seem, try finding one or two similarities between your chosen traditions. 

If you’d like to learn more, our writer explains how to write an argumentative essay in this guide.For help picking your next essay topic, check out our 20 engaging essay topics about family .

Martin is an avid writer specializing in editing and proofreading. He also enjoys literary analysis and writing about food and travel.

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95 Death Penalty Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best death penalty topic ideas & essay examples, ✅ simple & easy death penalty essay titles, ❓ questions about the death penalty.

• Argumentative Paper on the Pros of the Death Penalty The survival of any civilization hinges on the establishment of laws and codes of conduct and the subsequent obeying of the same by the society’s members.
• Death Penalty and Ethics The arguments for the capital punishment as explained earlier are also extremely weak and the practice of death penalty is morally wrong.
• The Death Penalty: Can It Ever Be Justified? Nevertheless, such a claim is questionable because it is the same constitution that has a bill of rights indicating that it is the right of every citizen to be protected and to live.
• The Death Penalty, a Just Punishment The principles of the criminals should be used against them, consequently, the death penalty is the best way to give humanity to realize the horror of death and the fear of being killed.
• Arguments in Favor and Against the Death Penalty It should be noted that opposing the death penalty does not mean that people are oblivious of the magnitude of the crimes committed by this criminals.
• Death Penalty From the Point of Religion Secondly, the impacts of the death penalty are too severe on the lives of the victims’ families and close kinsmen and on the settlement of the case.
• The Practice of Death Penalty Ulcepo noted in his article that though capital punishment continues to be practiced today in several countries like the USA, my feeling is that pleas calling for the abolishment of the death penalty should be […]
• Death Penalty: Why the Death Penalty Should be Abolished The gist of Nicole Smith’s argument is that the death penalty or capital punishment is necessary because it deters murder, thereby saving the victims’ families and friends the pain of losing loved ones.
• Death Penalty: Critical Thinking and Arguments The execution sermons of the early colonies were full of warnings against following in the footsteps of the condemned, and executions were public events designed to instill fear and reverence for the law in the […]
• Green Mile as a Statement Against the Death Penalty The movie is a story of John Coffey, African-American who is accused of the murder of two girls and has to be punished by the death penalty.
• Death Penalty: Alternatives and Abolition In addition, the NC network is of the opinion that the death penalty system lacks the much-needed efficiency in the criminal justice system.
• The Death Penalty in the Modern Society The cost of maintenance of the convicted individuals is also one of the reasons that necessitate the death penalty. The reaffirmation of the death penalty is also attributed to the teachings portrayed by most religions.
• The History of Death Penalty The death penalty became legal in America in 1776 during the revolutionary war. The US Supreme court ruled the death penalty as unconstitutional in 1972.
• Atkinson’s Death Penalty Article: Rebuttal Argument Regardless of unrealistic and irrelevant assertions about therapeutic jurisprudence, the death sentence is an efficient deterrence and punishment mechanism when seen within the context of vigilante justice and as a part of the current legal […]
• Restorative Justice and the Death Penalty Draft thesis: The death penalty, when viewed under the retributive justice framework and as a part of the existing justice system, is an effective deterrent and punishment measure irrespective of impractical and irrelevant restorative justice […]
• Capital Punishment and the Death Penalty Furthermore, the defense and, in the United States, the prosecution has the right of vexatious challenge, which allows it to confront several participants without providing a reason.
• Death Penalty: Arguments For and Against The area of the current research concerns the death penalty and whether it might be abolished in the future. Another reason to cancel the death penalty is the unnecessary brutality of the process.
• The Legality and the Processes of the Death Penalty This is because it not only works to punish the crime but also perfectly buries the possibility of that person causing a similar harm in the future.
• Racial Disparity in the Application of the Death Penalty The race of the offender and the race of the victim have been observed to be subjective in the delivery of the death penalty.
• Death Penalty: Juveniles and Mental Disabilities Consequently, the Eight Amendment should dismiss the death penalty for this category and state laws must implement recommendations of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the American Psychological Association, and the American Bar Association that […]
• Reasons to Abolish the Death Penalty It is also the obvious reason why the United Nations urges the countries of the world to limit the use of the death penalty to the bare minimum and only employ it for the most […]
• Is the Death Penalty Discriminatory? This paper identifies the paucity of research on the death penalty and preliminarily investigates the discriminatory course of justice when the death penalty is applied in any jurisdiction.
• Should the Death Penalty Be Abolished in China? The aim of this research paper is to advocate for the eradication of the death penalty in the People’s Republic of China, based on both human rights as well as practical deterrence grounds.
• Crimes Against the State: Terrorist Attacks and Death Penalty This essay is a critical analysis of the controversial provisions of the Anti-Terrorism and Death Penalty Act of 1996. The first controversial provision of the Anti-Terrorism and Death Penalty Act is title I and its […]
• The Death Penalty: Importance and Benefit Many of the people who are not in favor of such an act believe that hanging a person till death is not the only solution, so I say question them “what could be the other […]
• Capital Punishment Debates: Death Penalty The capital punishment has been practiced in almost all the societies and all epochs in the development of the mankind. The author educates the society as a whole on litigious issues of the death penalty […]
• Sangmin Bae on the Death Penalty While majority of the countries have abolished the death penalty, America continues to remain a prominent protagonist for the death penalty.
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How to Write Death Scenes (Ultimate Guide + 21 Examples)

Writing death scenes adds a new meaning to the popular writing phrase, “Kill your darlings.”

Here is how to write death scenes:

Write death scenes by focusing on sensory details, context, and symbolism. Use words like “eternal” or “finality” to set the mood. Incorporate elements like scent, sound, and even texture for added realism. Poetry often allows for greater symbolic exploration while prose offers deeper nuance.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to write death scenes in your stories.

7 Types of Death Scenes

Table of Contents

There are many different types of death scenes you can put in your story.

Each type of death scene serves a unique narrative function and comes with its own set of considerations for how to approach it effectively.

By understanding the different types of death scenes, writers can choose the one that best serves their story’s needs.

Here are 7 popular types of death scenes.

Emotional Death Scene

In an emotional death scene, the focus lies primarily on the inner feelings and psychological impact surrounding the character’s death.

The atmosphere is often heavy, filled with sorrow, love, or even a sense of tragic inevitability.

Characters may have the opportunity to say goodbye, allowing for moments of vulnerability or closure.

Sudden Death Scenes

Sudden death scenes jolt the reader with their abruptness.

There’s little or no time for emotional preparation; the death happens quickly, leaving characters and readers alike to grapple with the aftermath.

In such scenes, the focus is often on the shock and the immediate ripple effects of the death.

Sacrificial Death Scene

In sacrificial death scenes, a character willingly gives up their life for a cause, greater than themselves.

These scenes can be emotionally intense as they often involve a noble or courageous act, defining the character’s legacy.

The focus is on the magnitude of the sacrifice.

Also, its impact on the surviving characters and the narrative as a whole.

Funny Death Scene

Contrary to the generally somber nature of death, funny death scenes aim for humor without making light of the act of dying itself.

These scenes often involve irony, comedic timing, or unexpected outcomes that bring a dark levity to the narrative.

The goal is to provide emotional relief without trivializing the event.

Tragic Death Scene

Tragic death scenes carry an air of inevitability and futility, often resulting from a flaw or decision made by the character.

Such deaths are meant to provoke pity and fear, serving as a cautionary element in the story.

Build a crescendo of events that lead to an inescapable, devastating conclusion.

Heroic Death Scene

Heroic death scenes showcase characters dying in a manner that highlights their bravery, ethics, or special skills.

These deaths often occur during climactic moments, and serve to inspire other characters or resolve a critical plot point.

Heroic deaths linger in the memories of the characters and the readers alike.

Ambiguous Death Scene

Ambiguous death scenes leave room for interpretation, raising questions about whether the character has actually died, how they died, or what the implications are for the story.

This type of death can serve as a complex narrative device.

It leaves characters and readers in a state of uncertainty, which can be either resolved later in the story or left as an enduring mystery.

21 Tips for Describing Death in Writing

Here are 21 tips to guide you through the intricate process of describing death in your writing.

Tip 1: “Soulful Strings” – Create Emotional Resonance

A death scene should be emotionally charged.

Think about how you want the reader to feel and tailor the scene to invoke those emotions.

Whether you aim for sadness, anger, or even relief, the key is to make the scene resonate emotionally with the audience.

Example : Instead of just saying “She cried,” you could describe the scene with more emotional depth: “Tears blurred her vision as she held his lifeless hand, a torrent of emotions washing over her as she remembered their shared laughter, their shared dreams, now shattered.”

Tip 2: “The Echo Chamber” – Show the Ripple Effect

A death isn’t just a singular event; it has ramifications that affect other characters and the plot.

Make sure to highlight how the death alters relationships, prompts action, or deepens themes in your story.

Example : After the protagonist’s mentor dies, you might write: “John picked up the fallen sword, its weight heavier now. Every clang of metal was a reminder, every battle cry an echo of a lesson learned from the man who was no more.”

Tip 3: “Veil of Authenticity” – Be Accurate

If your story involves a death based on specific conditions like an illness or historical event, research is crucial.

Accurate details lend credibility and depth to the scene.

Example : If a character is dying of a specific illness, describe their symptoms and the medical procedures accurately: “The pallor of his skin, the visible jaundice in his eyes, and the constant beeping of the dialysis machine painted a picture more poignant than words could describe.”

Tip 4: “Time Warp” – Consider Pacing

The pacing of a death scene should match its emotional and narrative importance.

A sudden death might happen quickly, while a more emotional or dramatic death could benefit from a slower pace.

Example : For a sudden, unexpected death you might write, “The shot rang out, and Mark fell.” For a slower-paced, emotional death: “As she took her final breaths, each second stretched on, a lifetime of memories flashing before her eyes.”

Tip 5: “Color of Emotion” – Use Symbolism and Metaphor

Symbolism can add layers of meaning to a death scene.

Consider using objects, colors, or settings that have symbolic significance either to the story or the character who is dying.

Example : “As Emily died, the fading sunlight cast long shadows on the walls, mirroring the darkness that slowly enveloped her world.”

Tip 6: “Final Curtain” – Match the Tone with the Story

The tone of the death scene should align with the overall tone of your story.

A gritty crime novel and a whimsical fantasy will have very different kinds of death scenes.

Example : In a dark thriller, you could describe death as, “His last breath was a gasp, a futile grasp for life in a world filled with darkness.” In a comedic setting: “He tripped over a banana peel, plummeted off the cliff, and met his maker in the most absurd way possible.”

Tip 7: “Eclipsing Event” – Make it Unforgettable

A memorable death scene often contains an element that makes it stand out.

It could be a final line, an unexpected twist, or a significant action by the dying character.

Example : “With his last ounce of strength, he pulled the locket from his pocket and placed it in her hand. ‘Never forget,’ he whispered, before succumbing to the darkness.”

Tip 8: “Orchestrated Chaos” – Use Sensory Details

To make a death scene vivid and immediate, use all five senses.

Describe not just what is seen, but also what is heard, smelled, touched, and even tasted.

Example : “ The air smelled of gunpowder and sweat. As he lay dying, the metallic taste of blood filled his mouth, and the distant cries of his comrades sounded like a forlorn farewell.”

Tip 9: “Chiaroscuro” – Play with Light and Darkness

The contrast between light and darkness can provide a dramatic backdrop for a death scene.

Light and darkness can serve as a metaphor for life and death itself.

Example : “As her life ebbed away, the room grew darker, as if each flickering candle knew that its light was no longer needed in a world that would be devoid of her radiance.”

Tip 10: “Language of Loss” – Choose Your Words Carefully

The words you choose can heavily influence how a reader experiences a death scene.

Words with strong connotations can deepen the emotional impact.

Example : Instead of saying, “He stopped breathing,” you might write, “His breath surrendered to the relentless grip of death.”

Tip 11: “The Chain Reaction” – Set Up the Dominoes

A well-crafted death scene often has elements of foreshadowing that make the event feel both surprising and inevitable.

Setting up these “dominoes” can make the actual death more impactful.

Example : If a character has been coughing throughout the story, hinting at a deadly illness, their eventual demise will feel like a tragic but logical conclusion: “He coughed again, each hack more desperate than the last, as if his lungs were pleading for a reprieve he knew would never come.”

Tip 12: “Inner Worlds” – Tap Into Inner Monologue

Incorporating the dying character’s inner thoughts can offer a poignant, intimate perspective on their death.

This works especially well for the main characters or those with whom the reader is emotionally invested.

Example : “Is this it? he wondered, as the edges of his vision began to blur. A lifetime reduced to this singular, fateful moment.”

Tip 13: “Unspoken Words” – Use Dialogue Wisely

Dialogue can be a powerful tool in a death scene, revealing character, emotion, or plot points.

However, it should be used wisely, as overly dramatic or unrealistic dialogue can break the reader’s immersion.

Example : “‘I love you,’ she said, her voice tinged with a sadness that conveyed more than any eloquent farewell could. With those final words, her eyes closed, forever.”

Tip 14: “The Elegy” – Give Time for Reflection

After the death occurs, allow room for the surviving characters—and the reader—to reflect.

This could be a brief moment of silence, a poignant observation, or a memory.

Example : “As they lowered her casket into the ground, Maria remembered the way her grandmother’s eyes had always seemed to sparkle like the ocean on a sunny day. That sparkle was now a legacy, etched in her memory.”

Tip 15: “The Undercurrent” – Use Subtext to Your Advantage

Subtext can add an additional layer of complexity to your death scene.

The unsaid words, hidden motivations, or lingering questions can add depth and richness to the experience.

Sometimes what isn’t said speaks volumes, leaving room for interpretation and drawing the reader further into the emotional fabric of the story.

Example : “He looked into her eyes one final time. Words failed him, but his eyes conveyed a lifetime of love and regret, a silent conversation only they understood.”

Tip 16: “Sound of Silence” – Consider the Role of Absence

Sometimes the most powerful moments in a death scene come from what is left unsaid or undone.

The absence of sound, movement, or even emotional response can be as telling as their presence.

This emptiness can create a haunting atmosphere, adding a layer of complexity to the scene.

Example : “As the life ebbed from his eyes, the room fell eerily silent. Even the clock on the wall seemed to pause, as if paying its respects to the gravity of the moment.”

Tip 17: “Interlude of Reflection” – Insert Moments of Inner Monologue

Providing an inner monologue can serve to deepen the emotional impact of the death scene.

Whether it’s the dying character reflecting on their life or another character grappling with the impending loss, these internal thoughts can serve as an emotional focal point.

Make sure the monologue fits the character and adds something meaningful to the scene.

Example : “In those final moments, Lisa’s mind danced through the years—childhood summers, love’s first kiss, her daughter’s smile—each memory a bittersweet note in the symphony of her life.”

Tip 18: “Fading Echoes” – Use Repetition for Emotional Impact

Repetition of a word, a phrase, or an action can add dramatic weight to a death scene.

This literary device can emphasize the emotional or thematic significance of the moment.

In a way, it acts as a refrain that hammers home the scene’s impact.

Example : “He fell to his knees, repeating her name over and over, as if each utterance could bring her back. ‘Emily, Emily, Emily,’ he whispered into the void.”

Tip 19: “Mosaic of Memories” – Incorporate Flashbacks

Skillfully interwoven flashbacks can enhance the emotional texture of a death scene.

By juxtaposing the past with the present, you can illuminate the significance of the dying character’s life, their relationships, or their dreams.

Flashbacks can serve as a poignant reminder of what is being lost.

Example : “As Anna took her last breaths, her mind transported her back to the day they first met. The sunlight in his hair, the promise in his eyes—gone, but never forgotten.”

Tip 20: “Harmony in Discord” – Use Contrasts to Highlight the Moment

Contrasting elements like joy and sorrow, noise and silence, or life and death can magnify the emotional stakes of your death scene.

By putting two contrasting elements side by side, you create a tension that captures the reader’s attention.

And, at the same time, underscores the tragedy or poignancy of the moment.

Example : “Amidst the joyous laughter and celebration of the festival outside, Mary closed her eyes for the final time, her world dimming as the fireworks burst into the night sky.”

Tip 21: “Ode to the End” – Pay Attention to the Final Sentence

The final sentence of a death scene holds a significant responsibility—it’s the lingering note that stays with the reader as they navigate the aftermath of the character’s demise.

Craft this sentence with care, making sure it encapsulates the emotion, the significance, and the finality of the moment.

Example : “As her heart gave its final beat, the room seemed to exhale with her, releasing a lifetime of love, sorrow, and unspoken dreams into the universe.”

Just when you thought we were done, here are 10 more tips for how to write death scenes:

How to Describe Death in a Poem

Describing death in a poem allows for a condensed but emotionally charged exploration of the subject.

Poetic forms often lend themselves to capturing the essence of death in a manner that’s more focused on emotional and sensory experiences than straightforward narrative.

The use of metaphors, similes, and symbolism can elevate the emotional stakes.

Meanwhile, the poem’s rhythm and meter can mimic the heartbeat or breath of life itself.

Example : “In twilight’s dim I softly tread, My breath a cloud, my heart like lead. The sun retreats, as must I too, Into night’s arms, where dreams are few.”

How to Describe a Dead Person in Writing

The description of a deceased character can set the mood and offer a poignant moment for both the characters and the readers.

Details such as facial expression, position, and surrounding scenery should be considered.

You may want to highlight whether they look peaceful or tormented, how their clothes lay, or even the color of their skin and the temperature of their body.

These details contribute to a vivid and respectful rendering of death.

Example : “Her face was a waxen moon in the dim light, eyes closed in eternal contemplation. Her once vibrant auburn hair lay flat, framing her face like a fading halo on a long-forgotten saint.”

How to Describe the Stages of Death in Writing

Describing the stages of death can add a layer of realism and gravitas to your narrative.

It’s crucial to handle this with care and sensitivity, keeping in mind that different cultures and individuals have their own perceptions and experiences of death.

The physical stages—such as pallor mortis, algor mortis, and rigor mortis—can be depicted to show the inexorable progression of death.

The emotional and spiritual stages can illuminate the internal experiences of the dying or those left behind.

Example : “As the minutes ticked by, John’s skin turned an ashy gray, the warmth retreating from his limbs like a fading summer. His breathing grew shallow, a slow rattle that signaled his spirit’s negotiation between two realms.”

How to Describe the Scent of Death

The scent of death can be an unsettling but powerful detail in your writing.

This sensory element immerses your reader into the scene and underlines the finality and biological aspects of death.

Depending on the circumstances, the smell could range from the antiseptic scent of a hospital room to the sickly-sweet smell of decay.

Injecting this olfactory detail can provide a visceral realism to your death scene.

Example : “The air was thick with a cloying, metallic odor, a mixture of fresh blood and the acrid tang of decay. It hung around them like an unspoken truth, inescapable and deeply human.”

How to Describe the Death Rattle in Writing

The death rattle is a specific respiratory sound that can occur shortly before or during death.

It’s a haunting, unforgettable auditory detail that can add a layer of stark realism to your scene.

The sound can serve as a countdown of sorts, each raspy breath a solemn drumbeat leading toward the end.

But tread carefully—while it adds to the sensory experience, it can be unsettling for some readers.

Example : “Each breath he took sounded like a distant thunderstorm, a low, guttural rattle that seemed to echo the turmoil within his failing body. It was a sound both alien and profoundly sad, a final refrain in the symphony of his life.”

30 Best Words to Describe Death in Writing

Selecting the right words can make a significant difference in conveying the tone, emotion, and atmosphere of a death scene.

Choose words that resonate with the mood you want to create, whether it’s peaceful, tragic, horrifying, or uplifting.

Here are some of the best words for death scenes:

30 Best Phrases to Describe Death in Writing

Just as single words can be powerful, phrases can deepen the emotional and thematic resonance of your death scene.

Phrases offer the chance to capture more nuanced feelings or reactions surrounding death, adding a lyrical or poetic layer to the narrative.

Best death scene phrases:

• Eternal rest
• Gave up the ghost
• Passed away
• Snuffed out
• Breathed his last
• Met his maker
• Crossed the threshold
• Laid to rest
• Gone to a better place
• Pushing up daisies
• Ascended to heaven
• Taken too soon
• Reached the end of the road
• A light extinguished
• Embraced oblivion
• Final curtain call
• Left this mortal coil
• Fading away
• Found peace
• Walked into the light
• Sank into darkness
• The sands ran out
• Time’s up
• Closed the book
• The last chapter
• Left the stage
• Cut the thread
• A life complete
• Shuffled off this mortal coil

Death Scene Writing Example

To bring all the tips, words, and phrases together, here’s an example of a death scene to illustrate how you might incorporate all these elements into your own writing.

Amelia sat by her grandfather’s bedside, her heart pounding in a strange mixture of dread and tranquility.

His skin was almost translucent, a fragile parchment that had recorded ninety years of joys, sorrows, and ordinary miracles. His breath came in shallow bursts, each one a raspy whisper that seemed to fill the room with an almost sacred reverence—a death rattle that served as the final curtain call in the grand theater of his life.

The room was permeated with the metallic scent of decay, but Amelia didn’t mind.

It felt natural, a part of the cycle that began with the sweet aroma of birth and concluded with this. The air was heavy , as if it too was burdened with the weight of impending finality.

He opened his eyes once more and locked his gaze onto hers.

No words were spoken, yet an entire lifetime seemed to pass between them in that lingering moment. The silence was their last shared language, a poignant interlude of reflection before the inevitable.

Then, with a soft sigh, he crossed the threshold.

His eyes remained open, but Amelia knew he had left the stage, departing this world for whatever lay beyond.

She felt a rush of sorrow, followed by an unexpected serenity, as if he had bequeathed to her a small part of his newly found eternal rest. The room seemed to exhale with him, releasing a lifetime of love, sorrow, and unspoken dreams into the universe.

Final Thoughts: How to Write Death Scenes

Death scenes are as unique as each story, character, and writer.

Blend the tips, techniques, and examples in this guide to write your next epic death scene.

Related Posts:

• How to Write Chase Scenes (13 Best Tips + Examples)
• How to Write Battle Scenes: The Ultimate Guide for 2023
• How To Write a Funeral Scene (Ultimate Guide + 20 Examples)
• How To Write a Sad Scene: A Full Guide With 10 Examples

PEW Research on Death and Dying

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