2019 Year 12 IB Extended Essays

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Extended Essay

English A: Literature

Death is his unrestrained candour in relation to what he says are the ‘small facts’ (p.3) of life, the following being perhaps the most poignant:

(p.3)

The way in which Death delivers this message demonstrates not only his varied perspective from that of the reader, but also his awareness of that varied perspective. He comprehends the irony of referring to dying - something that humanity considers to be a colossal notion - as a ‘small’ occurrence, but also needs to impart its inevitability. Death’s position ensures that he is eternally exposed to humans dying, and as such he does not perceive it to be dramatic or significant. Whilst the statement is presented with a bluntness that proves to be the narrator’s trademark, it is not accompanied by the malicious intent that would be expected from the character. In fact, Death is able to recognise that expectation from the reader, and attempts to reassure them in the following lines, ‘Please, be calm… I am not violent. I am not malicious. I am a result’ (p.7). His matter-of-fact demeanour throughout the prologue presents the perspective through which he experiences the world, allowing the reader to become acquainted with the nuances of his personality before the main narrative commences. As is evidenced by the above quote, Zusak positions his Death as a character that is aware of how he has been historically characterised. Throughout the novel, Death makes numerous references to the stereotypes surrounding his appearance and role – especially those that he rejects. Many of these stereotypes are rebutted with an air of dry humour – as if Death is amused that he does not ‘carry a sickle or scythe’ or ‘have those skull-like facial features [the reader] seem[s] to enjoy pinning on [him] from a distance’ (p.329). However, it is also evident that despite the humour, Death genuinely wishes to rid the reader of their preconceived notions regarding his personality and intentions. By making specific reference to previous depictions, Death is both ridiculing the more ostensive elements (such as appearance) whilst imploring the reader to ignore the more sinister. This is due to the fact that, although Death presents himself to be blunt and unfeeling, the narrator experiences genuine positive emotions throughout the course of the narrative.

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