"Death, be not proud" by John Donne

In the poem “Death, be not proud” by John Donne, the understanding that death does not deserve pride. Although death can end life, it is not the finale. Death is merely a portal to another world consisting of life after death, therefore taking away any pride from the personified Death of the poem. The poem states in regard to common perceptions of death, “Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so,” (Donne, 971) in order to remind the reader that death is not the end for them. Although death kills the body, it does not kill the spirit, which will go on to live forever. The author states that if items such as poppies, a type of flower, can make us sleep the same as death accomplishes, then why is Death portrayed as a much more terrifying and ominous prospect. Flowers are not terrifying, yet they accomplish the same thing as death. Furthermore, the idea that death is only temporary darkness before eternal light comes into our lives discredits the horror stories and terror behind the event. Once we are granted eternal life in Heaven, death itself dies, as the pride of ending a life is overruled. This poem explains the importance of not giving death the upper hand, as eternal life will always put it in its place.