The Discursive Construction of Death

Two people in distress over the death of a parent converse with each other about the loss. Death must convey some meaning. The attempt at creating such meaning appears to be a function of the comfort to be derived to the survivors. To the extent that death is seen as transition to some other form of further existence, e.g., to some place of tranquility, the survivors remain at peace. That vision, however, presents considerable difficulties since it demands some form of contact with the deceased. In the absence of such contact, doubts remain and the survivors suffer from a sense of abandonment and apathy due to the lack of meaning.