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Research paper about death
Hello,
I'm supposed to do a research paper for my Death and Dying class (I'm in college). I'm allowed to choose whatever I want, as long as it's about death and it's something remotely interesting that I can present to my class.
I know that I'm really interested in death in the arts (music, poetry, film, photography, etc) but I'm not sure what kinds of questions I could pose about all of these things to write a research paper?
I'm also sort of interested in the dynamics of suicide, as well as the mindset of people who are terminally ill (whether it is possible or not for them to reach some point of "acceptance" or "peace")
I'm open to lots of different ideas because honestly, I feel kind of lost and I really want to write a good paper that I'm really interested in..
Thank you!
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An interesting question indeed, not least because we (the living) will never know the truth of it all until it's our turn.
As a nurse of 30+ years, I can honestly say I've never seen anyone die as they do in films, where they say things like "Tell your brother the money's in the ...... ahhh!" I've never seen anyone die through violence either, which might explain why. The dying people I've been with have died through illness or sheer old age and frailty; they seem to approach death quietly, gradually shutting down life systems and physical boundaries until they enter a coma and pass away. Each of these phases can last minutes, hours, days or months I think.
Perhaps your question could look at the difference between actual death and the way its portrayed in the arts and why we feel such a strong need to sanitise it rather than showing the truth.
Another useful angle might be the way different faiths treat death; some bury within 24 hours, others pray over the body for several days. In the UK, a funeral is usually arranged within four days but maybe different in other countries.
Hope this helps, let me know what you decide to do? I'm curious!
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You pose and interesting question. I'm not sure the best way to research this question. I don't think there is much literature on this subject although there has been much debate.
One place I think you could start would be to research the assisted suicide law(s). I believe the state of Washington has one. You might also talk with an undertaker or two to see if they could help you find a doctor or hospice center that works with the terminally ill.
The information gained from this research may help you find the direction you need to find away to incorporate what you have learned into the arts as you want.
Sorry I could not be of more help.
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I personally would write a paper about the historical development of the idea of an afterlife on a faith by faith basis.
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