87. Literature as a reflection on mortality

A tumbleweed in the middle of a country road

Introduction

Mortality is a theme that literature has long grappled with, offering readers a space to explore the complexities of life and death. Two books that have profoundly shaped my understanding of these themes are Gravel Heart by Abdulrazak Gurnah and Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. Through these novels, I have not only engaged with the stark realities of mortality but also contemplated the possibility of redemption and the search for meaning in a world where death is inevitable. This blog delves into how these literary works have influenced my perception of life and death, highlighting the role of reading in our understanding of mortality.

Mortality and exile in Gravel Heart

In Gravel Heart, Abdulrazak Gurnah presents a poignant exploration of exile, loss, and the inevitability of death. The novel’s protagonist, Salim, navigates a life marked by displacement and estrangement, where the looming presence of mortality is a constant reminder of the impermanence of life. Gurnah’s portrayal of Salim’s journey—both physical and existential—invites readers to reflect on the ways in which death and loss shape our identities and our understanding of the world.

Salim’s life is one of profound isolation, exacerbated by the knowledge that death is an inescapable part of the human condition. As he confronts the deaths of loved ones and the loss of his homeland, Salim is forced to reckon with the transient nature of life and the emptiness that exile brings. Gurnah’s narrative doesn’t offer easy answers or resolutions; instead, it presents death as a central, inescapable element of the human experience, one that defines and confines us even as we struggle to find meaning in our lives.

Through Gravel Heart, I’ve been able to reflect on the connection between mortality and identity, understanding how the awareness of death influences our choices, relationships, and sense of self. Gurnah’s exploration of these themes has deepened my appreciation for the complexities of life in the shadow of death, reminding me that our journeys are often shaped as much by loss as they are by the pursuit of meaning.

Guilt, redemption, and the shadow of death in Crime and Punishment

While Gurnah’s work explores mortality through the lens of exile and identity, Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment delves into the psychological torment that accompanies the awareness of death and the search for redemption. The novel’s protagonist, Raskolnikov, is haunted by the moral and existential implications of his actions—namely, the murder he commits in a misguided attempt to assert his own will and intellect.

Raskolnikov’s journey is one of intense inner turmoil, where the specter of death looms large. His guilt and fear of death manifest in physical and psychological suffering, driving him to the brink of madness. Dostoevsky masterfully portrays Raskolnikov’s descent into despair, illustrating how the awareness of mortality can lead to a profound crisis of conscience. The novel’s exploration of redemption, too, is closely tied to the concept of death; Raskolnikov’s ultimate confession and acceptance of his fate are portrayed as a kind of death—a symbolic surrender that paves the way for his potential moral rebirth.

Crime and Punishment has challenged me to think deeply about the ways in which death and guilt intersect, and how the fear of mortality can drive us to confront our deepest moral failings. Dostoevsky’s portrayal of Raskolnikov’s struggles has made me consider how the awareness of death can lead to a desire for redemption, prompting us to seek meaning and reconciliation in a world that is often chaotic and unforgiving.

Literature as a tool for reflecting on mortality

Both Gravel Heart and Crime and Punishment have provided me with profound insights into the nature of mortality and its impact on the human experience. Through these works, I have been able to explore the ways in which death shapes our identities, drives our actions, and influences our search for meaning. These novels have also highlighted the importance of redemption and the ways in which we attempt to reconcile ourselves with the inevitability of death.

Reading these texts has allowed me to reflect on my own mortality, encouraging me to consider how I might confront the challenges and uncertainties of life with a deeper sense of purpose and understanding. The themes of exile, guilt, and redemption explored in these novels have resonated with me on a personal level, reminding me that literature offers a powerful way to engage with the complexities of life and death.

Conclusion: exploring life and death through the lens of literature

Literature has long served as a mirror to our deepest fears and desires, offering a space for us to explore the profound questions of life and death. Through novels like Gravel Heart and Crime and Punishment, I have gained a deeper understanding of mortality and the ways in which it influences our search for meaning and redemption. These works have enriched my perspective on the human experience, showing me that the awareness of death is not just a source of fear but also a catalyst for reflection, growth, and ultimately, a deeper appreciation of life.

As I continue to read and learn, I am committed to using literature as a tool for exploring the complexities of mortality, finding comfort in the shared human experience of grappling with life’s most challenging questions. Through the insights gained from these literary journeys, I hope to approach my own life with greater clarity, compassion, and understanding, recognizing that the exploration of death is, in many ways, a journey towards a deeper appreciation of life itself.

The reference artwork