76. Expressing life and death through experience

The grim reaper and a scared man

Introduction

Mortality is a theme that touches us all, yet it’s often difficult to discuss or even fully comprehend. The principle of "show, don’t tell" offers a powerful way to explore and express the concept of death, allowing us to convey the emotional and existential weight of mortality through experiences, imagery, and metaphor. This blog delves into how we can use the art of showing to reveal the nuances of life and death, creating a deeper, more resonant understanding of our shared mortality.

Showing mortality through everyday moments

Death is often seen as a distant, abstract concept, but in reality, it’s woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. By showing how mortality influences our daily experiences, we can bring the concept of death closer to home, making it more relatable and tangible.

For instance, instead of telling a story about loss, I might describe the quiet moments of reflection that follow the passing of a loved one—the way the light filters through the window in the early morning, the smell of their favorite coffee still lingering in the kitchen, the sudden realization of their absence in the little routines of life. These details show the presence of death in the mundane, highlighting the subtle ways in which mortality shapes our everyday experiences. By focusing on these moments, we can convey the impact of mortality without needing to state it outright, allowing readers to feel the weight of loss in a more personal and immediate way.

Using metaphors to illustrate the cycle of life and death

Metaphors are a powerful tool for showing the complexities of life and death. By comparing mortality to natural processes, we can create vivid images that help us to understand and accept the inevitability of death as part of the larger cycle of life.

For example, I might use the metaphor of a garden to illustrate the cycle of life and death. The blooming flowers represent the vibrancy of life, while the falling leaves and decaying petals show the natural process of death and renewal. This metaphor not only shows the inevitability of death but also highlights its role in sustaining life, suggesting that death is not an end but a transformation that contributes to the ongoing cycle of existence. Through metaphors like this, we can show the beauty and continuity of life and death, offering a more comforting and holistic perspective on mortality.

Expressing the emotions of mortality

The emotions surrounding death are often complex and difficult to articulate. By showing these emotions through specific experiences and imagery, we can create a more authentic and resonant expression of what it feels like to confront mortality.

For example, instead of saying that someone is grieving, I might show their grief through their actions—the way they linger over a photo album, tracing the outlines of a familiar face; the way their eyes well up with tears when they hear a favorite song; the way they struggle to find words in conversations that remind them of the loss. These small, specific actions show the depth of the person’s grief in a way that feels real and relatable, allowing readers to connect with the emotion on a deeper level. By focusing on these details, we can show the full range of emotions that come with facing mortality, from sorrow and fear to acceptance and peace.

Creating a dialogue with mortality

One of the most powerful ways to show the impact of mortality is through dialogue—whether it’s an internal conversation with oneself or an exchange with others. By showing how people talk about and process death, we can reveal the different ways in which mortality influences our thoughts, beliefs, and actions.

For instance, a dialogue between two characters about their fears of dying might reveal not just their anxieties but also their hopes, regrets, and the values they hold dear. Through their conversation, we can show how mortality shapes their worldview, guiding their decisions and relationships. This approach allows us to explore the theme of death in a way that feels natural and grounded, showing how it’s intertwined with our everyday lives and interactions. By creating these dialogues, we can offer readers a way to engage with their own thoughts about mortality, encouraging reflection and conversation.

Conclusion: the art of showing mortality

The principle of "show, don’t tell" is a powerful tool for exploring the theme of mortality, allowing us to convey the complexities of life and death through experience, imagery, and dialogue. By focusing on the everyday moments, metaphors, emotions, and conversations that reveal our relationship with death, we can create a more authentic and resonant expression of mortality. This approach not only helps us to understand and accept death as part of life but also encourages a deeper connection with our own thoughts and feelings about mortality. As I continue to explore this theme, I’m committed to using the art of showing to reveal the full depth and richness of the human experience in the face of death.

The reference artwork