Thanks for your patience during our recent outage at scalar.usc.edu. While Scalar content is loading normally now, saving is still slow, and Scalar's 'additional metadata' features have been disabled, which may interfere with features like timelines and maps that depend on metadata. This also means that saving a page or media item will remove its additional metadata. If this occurs, you can use the 'All versions' link at the bottom of the page to restore the earlier version. We are continuing to troubleshoot, and will provide further updates as needed. Note that this only affects Scalar projects at scalar.usc.edu, and not those hosted elsewhere.
Eternal Rest: An anthology on deathMain MenuINTRODUCTIONContentsBible Story: Jesus Raised Lazarus from Death (St.John11:4-44)Because I could not stop for Death By Emily Dickinson, 1830 - 1886Nothing But Death by Pablo NerudaKADDISH PART 1 - ALLEN GINSBERGSyeda Zainab Akbar13c8d82a475836e63c0aa5cc6da7b389ff934ce3Self
Preface
12016-10-26T21:13:57-07:00Syeda Zainab Akbar13c8d82a475836e63c0aa5cc6da7b389ff934ce3110142plain2016-11-03T23:15:38-07:00Syeda Zainab Akbar13c8d82a475836e63c0aa5cc6da7b389ff934ce3I was certain to choose death as the theme as ‘death is the only certain thing’- something I have been told all my life. I have tried to compile the various views and perspectives on the concept of death ranging from 3rd century BC to 21st century AD. When it comes to death the most troubling question one ponders upon is its inevitability and finality. This anthology through its various sources such as books, poems, articles and songs tries to answer this question. Not only does the anthology address the different facets of death but also outlines reactions of people surrounding and facing death. It deals with death being personified as an entity in every aspect of life. The main reason to use death as a theme was to explain the sense of fear it creates. This fear acts as a life force to strive and walk against death. Having faced some personal deaths it was important to speak of its effects. These incidents acted as motivating forces to outline different outlooks presented to the general population which usually shape our personal views on death. The concept of death has always remained fascinating especially living in this culturally diverse country. The numerous points of views itself make death a debate able topic. Another very interesting aspect of this anthology is its shifting ideas in a chronological order which have been tracked from literary masterpieces such the Old Testament to the latest band songs of the century. This journey of compilation of pieces has been quite enriching. During this it has questioned our own pre-assumptions and perspectives of death. Each one of us has undergone a complete process of catharsis. This anthology has bought about clarity to the several perspectives of people on the concept of death. Each piece of work in these articles standout than the rest, as at every stop a new facet of death surfaces. Reading multiple pieces at once might complicate one’s conviction, therefore it is suggested that each piece is read thoroughly and deliberated upon separately. This anthology is a work which has methodically reviewed the various viewpoints and put into collection the several perspectives of the concept of death. The objective is to act as facilitators and escalate the values of these masterpieces and provide platform to support the exchange of knowledge both materialistically and spiritually. I would also like to convey gratitude to one and all that have helped me achieve the same.