Author(s)

Ya Ma

Affiliation(s)

Keystone Academy, Beijing 101318, China.

Corresponding Author

Ya Ma

ABSTRACT

Death and grief are universal experiences that all individuals must confront, yet the way in which these topics are approached can reveal profound beauty within. Among the many poems that explore the different mindsets in the face of death, grief, and suffering, the “Mansion” by A.R Ammons and “Arizona Midnight” by Robert Penn Warren are indisputably in the vanguard. By examining the diction in both poems that portray tone, readers see a clear distinction. While both works incorporate elements associated with the desert—symbolizing desolation, barrenness, and a stark confrontation with mortality—they ultimately conclude on a positive note that transcends the somber nature of these experiences. In “Mansion,” death is presented as a new beginning, framed through the accepting attitude of the persona. The uniformly positive tone throughout the poem suggests a life-affirming perspective towards death, transforming it into a natural progression rather than an end. Conversely, “Arizona Midnight” adopts a more negative tone from the outset, as the persona projects his grief onto the coyote and the surrounding desert landscape. This initial portrayal underscores a deep sense of loss and isolation, reflecting the weight of sorrow that can accompany such experiences. However, as the poem progresses, it spirals towards a positive direction, ultimately highlighting the inner resources one can tap into amidst suffering. This distinction between the two poems is profound because both poems essentially underscore the ultimate positive attitude towards death and the pursuit of hope amidst the depths of despair. They highlight how, even in the most tragic circumstances, one always has the inner resources to survive and prevail, despite being unaware of this possibility.

KEYWORDS

Death and grief; Desert imagery; Tone analysis; A.R. ammons; Robert Penn Warren; Comparative poetry; Resilience; Transformation

CITE THIS PAPER

Ya Ma. Exploring the beauty within: explorations on death and grief in "mansion" and "arizona midnight". World Journal of Linguistics and Literature. 2025, 2(1): 29-31. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/wjll3012.

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