As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner will become the focus of my presentation for my essential question.

How should we confront our own mortality?

In order to answer this question, I discovered the research article “Death Anxiety: A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach” from researchgate.net. This article discusses the effects of mortality on those surveyed. When asked, people reported on how they felt about death; “Agras, Sylvester, and Oliveau (1969) reported that 16% of their community sample reported fear of death, and 3.3% reported intense fear of death” (Furer, Walker 168). The idea of mortality has shown to impact almost 20% of people with fear. However, the 80% of people who accepted their eventual death shared similar characteristics, experiences, and ideas. This includes attempting to live life to the fullest, becoming comfortable with events and ideas pertaining to death like funerals, and more.

Furthermore, the article goes on to explain how most people who have discovered and accepted their mortality change their life styles. People usually alter the way they look at and act in life; “According to TMT, when people are reminded of their mortality, their need for structure and meaning increases, and this results in enhanced focus on personally and culturally valued goals” (Furer, Walker 168). By accepting their eventual death, these folks can better their life situation in order to make it the best they can with what time they have left. Seeing the rest of our life as an opportunity to do what we want encourages us to do the most possible and not let any of it go to waste.

The idea of mortality instills fear in many individuals of different backgrounds, cultures, identities, and more. However, the majority will use this opportunity to better their lives and the world around them. In the case of the fearful, “We have learned that the best way to overcome fear, including fear of death, is to face the feared situation” (Furer, Walker 175). Understanding and overcoming the idea of death requires accepting your mortality and embracing it in the most constructive way possible. Confronting your mortality in a mature and brave fashion helps your view on life improve, and eventually the quality of your life.

Most people following the realization of mortality respond with positive actions, including adjusting to the idea through events like funerals, living life to the fullest and best possible, and making better life choices in the time they have left. Improving their situation and actions, help them become better people and lead more fulfilling lives. Those who respond with fear, however, can confront this fear by understanding and facing it bluntly. Overcoming this obstacle required bravery and is rewarded with a more fulfilling and happy rest of your life. Confronting mortality head on improves the quality of life of the individual.