Death Levels All - A Comparative Study of The Poems “Death, The Leveller” By James Shirley And “Smashana Vatika” (A Telugu Poem By Gurram Joshuva)

Abstract

Abstract

It is clear from the above slokas (Poems in Sanskrit) and quotations that death is inevitable and very powerful. Death is generally feared by all. But it is ignored by many that death levels all. It is perhaps the best leveler. It does not show any difference or discrepancy. It treats all living creatures equally irrespective of power, pomp, pelf, age, caste, religion etc. Ancient western philosophers and poets as well as the ancient philosophers and poets of the east stressed the fact that all are equal. No one should feel superior to the other in any respect as no one is immortal. Ignorant people feel that they are superior to others by virtue of caste, color, creed, area, education, property, intelligence, power, influence etc. They forget the fact that they too will die one day. Death leaves none. All the power and pomp are temporary. They are not eternal. The rich as well as the poor, the powerful as well as the weak are treated equally in the hands of death.