Carrying out an intricate plan, the funeral director places the casket over the shrouded body of the deceased and closes the lid. The deceased is then lowered down into the ground, and the crowds begin to disperse. As the last person leaves the scene, an eerie calm sets in.
For some, this is the end. For others, this is just the beginning. The journey continues for those left behind as they come to terms with their loss and try to move on with their lives.
In literature, funerals are often used as a metaphor for life and death, as in this famous quote by William Shakespeare: “We must all die someday.” Indeed, in some cases, this may be the only thing the deceased has in common with life.
To put it simply, funerals are complicated and emotional events that can leave a lasting impression on those that attend them and on those that write about them. So, it is no surprise that many have found it hard to put into words what exactly happens at a funeral. This is, however, what literature is for: to evoke emotion and to inspire thoughts and conversations. This blog post will attempt to shed some light on how to write about a funeral in an effort to help those that may be struggling to express themselves on this important topic to write about. So sit back, crack open a bottle of wine, and get ready to ruminate.
The Language Of Loss
As a literary device, funerals are often used to examine and dissect relationships and the various stages people go through after they lose someone close to them. In the case of Edwin Morgan’s 1874 short story “The Casket,” for example, the unnamed narrator’s fiancé dies, and he is forced to confront his deepest insecurities and fears regarding the institution of marriage. In the end, the story shows how the deceased’s presence still looms large over the narrator even though he has married the woman he loves.
Death is a common theme in the work of William Shakespeare, and one of his most famous works is Hamlet, which revolves around a series of soliloquies by the lead character, who is obsessing over the death of his father. In Act III, Scene III, of Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark mumbles to himself: “[He] has been dead for some time… How brave a man was I, to let his sour tea water wash away my tears…”
The language of loss is all around us. We see it in the headlines; we read it in our favorite novels. So, when writing about a funeral, it is critical to explore this aspect of language. It is easy enough to gloss over the details of a funerals and move on to the business of telling the story. However, if you want to write a good novel or short story, you must delve into the language of loss and examine how people cope with and make sense of their experiences. This is why it is important to include details such as:
The Speeches
There is an inherent drama in the speeches made at a funeral. In fact, the term “oration” comes from the medieval church and simply means “a speech given at a funeral.” Funerals are often used as a means of eulogy, where the speaker praises the deceased and pays tribute to their life and their memory.
Speeches at a funeral are typically delivered by the closest relatives of the deceased or esteemed community members. These speeches can range from a few words to several minutes, and they may include eulogy, scripture, or various anecdotes and stories about the deceased. Sometimes, poems are also recited.
Some funeral orations are quite famous. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s 1874 poem “Evangeline” is a famous eulogy that was originally delivered at the funeral of the renowned American author and poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The poem is about a beautiful American woman named Evangeline who leaves her family and home in order to live with a French naval officer named Academus, whose love for her eventually leads to their marriage and the beginning of a beautiful family.
This is just a small sample of the kinds of speeches that might be made at a funeral. This is by no means an exhaustive list. What is important is that you include these elements when planning your story. So, be sure to leave adequate time for the speakers to address the mourners and make their closing remarks.
The Outcries
Perhaps one of the most difficult tasks facing the author of a story or novel about a funeral is writing the cries of the mourners. It is difficult to put into words the anguish and pain that some people experience after losing a loved one. These sobs and screams can often be heard throughout the entire service, causing a significant disruption in the otherwise sober and dignified proceedings.
Writing the outcries of the mourners can be cathartic for the author, allowing them to finally release some of the emotions that have built up over the course of the funeral. The problem is that, without going too much into detail, you do not want to give the game away. The reader must experience these heart-breaking screams firsthand in order to feel truly connected to the story.
The Funeral Rides
Funerals are often followed by a church procession in which attendees visit the grave site and pay their last respects. Many families will opt for an open grave, particularly in the case of a celebrity who is popular among the general public. The casket is then placed on a horse-drawn hearse or open car and taken to the cemetery, where it is placed on a shelf above the headstone or at the foot of the grave. Here, the mourners will give a final farewell address and throw the flowers on the grave before leaving.
Open-casket funerals are fairly common, and they allow the public to have one last look at the deceased before they are buried or entombed. Famous open-casket funerals include the 1969 funeral of singer Anna Magnani, the 2008 funeral of Egyptian filmmaker Ismail Fahmy, and the 2011 funeral of Polish actress and singer Katarina Witt. In all three cases, the public was able to come up close and pay their last respects to the deceased.
This is what happens at a funeral. Planning and writing about a funeral can be a real challenge, but it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences for an aspiring author. By paying close attention to the details, you can ensure that you give the story the right atmosphere and an immersive experience for your reader. Make sure to leave a lasting impression on your audience by including everything that you can think of. From the first-person perspective of the deceased to the speeches and outcries of those who mourn them, a good funeral will leave a lasting impression on those that attend and on those who read about it later.