The grief journey in literature and in life : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

This essay on grief combines literature with life. It originated out of my desire to sort through memories and feelings and to emerge a stronger individual. It starts by looking at the process of grief in The Optimist's Daughter, by Eudora Welty, where the character of Laurel is observed as she proceeds through her father's illness, funeral, and the few days following the funeral. The second section deals with the book A Grief Observed, by C.S. Lewis. Noted here are several profound statements by Lewis about grief as he is suffering from the loss of his wife. The final section of this essay contains my own grief journey.