Analysis of Lament for a Son by Nicholas Wolterstorff - Coursework Example

Denial is the first stage of death, and this stage is the most crucial for an individual who has suffered a loss. Shock and denial characterize the denial stage with constant moaning on why certain things happen in life (Bartel, 2012). Wolterstorff does not easily accept the death of his son and throughout his speech speaks as though Eric is still alive (Wolterstorff, 1987).
Anger
Anger is the second stage of death and has crucial consequences, though critical for healing. Individuals in this stage have mixed reactions characterized by endless and painful emotions characterizing every moment (Bartel, 2012). While anger can be detrimental to an individual's sense of living, it opens up an individual to the various possibilities that affect healing. Wolterstorff constantly reflects on the life and times of his son Eric with his speech characterized by painful rhetoric (Wolterstorff, 1987). Wolterstorff breaks the norm by publicly crying for the loss of the son in the classic expression of anger (Wolterstorff, 1987).

Bargaining
Bargaining is the third stage characterized by individuals trying to find other means through which they can cover the loss (Bartel, 2012). Essentially, individuals think of various things that could have been done in a different fashion to prevent death. When told about the son's death, Wolterstorff wishes they had not taken their son for granted and supported him in his endeavors (Wolterstorff, 1987).
Depression and Acceptance
Depression and acceptance are the fourth and fifth stages respectively (Bartel, 2012). Depression is a deep sense of grief that an individual experiences during the loss. Acceptance is the last stage of death and the individual accepts the reality of the loss. Wolterstorff accepts the loss by noting that he would one day speak to the son on the resurrection occasion (Wolterstorff, 1987).
How Wolterstorff finds joy after his loss
Wolterstorff (1987) finds immense joy after the loss of the son, and this is based on his Christian faith. In a complete turnaround, Wolterstorff remembers that suffering is not a human aspect, but in principle, God shares in the pain and suffering (Wolterstorff, 1987). The expression of joy is evident when Wolterstorff understands the essence and impact of the resurrection date. Essentially, Wolterstorff understands grief from the point of view that it is a blessing. Ideally, the hope of life after death and the idea of meeting his son shadows the pain and ushers in joy.
Meaning and significance of death in the light of the Christian narrative
Death in light of a Christian narrative has immense meaning and significance. Christians have a belief that death is only a separation of the body from the soul with the end destination being heaven. Death is described in the Bible as an enemy of the human race, yet it is defeated by the victory of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the book of Revelation 21: 4 the Bible speaks of life in heaven and how glorious it will be for believers (Holy Bible, 2009). Pain and grief are not in heaven as the Bible intimates. Consequently, Philippians 3:20-21 intimates that believers will one-day experience resurrection just like Christ did (Holy Bible, 2009). Essentially, life after death is a belief that is present in the word of God.
Explanation of how the hope of the resurrection plays a role in comforting Wolterstorff is present
The hope of resurrection significantly plays a role in comforting Wolterstorff in a number of dimensions. When Wolterstorff's friend requests him to deny God, he, through his belief system begins to feel the presence of the Almighty around him (Wolterstorff, 1987). Ideally, Wolterstorff commences understanding the meaning of suffering from a believer's perspective. Wolterstorff notes that God resonates with mourners in their suffering and through that redemption is achieved. Redemption is the resurrection power that is experienced after death. Wolterstorff is convicted that he will one-day meet and have a conversation with the son effectively defining his hope and comfort. Resurrection in another life is comprehended as the victory over death. Read More