The Denial of Death

Becker argues that traditional religion provided humans with a sense of transcendence and heroism. Do you agree with Becker’s depiction of religion? Why or why not? Are there any alternative forms of non-religious transcendence you believe are, or could be, just as effective?

Compare Becker’s arguments about the development of the fear of death in childhood with Freud’s arguments about the Oedipus complex. In what ways are they similar? How do their arguments diverge? Which argument do you find most convincing, and why?

Becker responds extensively to earlier writers, like Otto Rank (165-75) and Søren Kierkegaard (58-90). Choose one of these writers whom Becker cites. Why do you think Becker is citing that source? How does that author add to his arguments in The Denial of Death?

Throughout The Denial of Death, Becker only briefly discusses how women fit into his thesis—for example, by arguing that many women manage their fear of death by submitting to the roles of mother and wife (170). What do you think women and women’s perspectives could add to The Denial of Death? Do you think Becker fails to adequately address the experiences of women?

In what ways does culture provide a solution to the fear of death and to the tension between humanity’s physical and symbolic natures? How would these possible outlets help an individual overcome their fear of death and anxieties about the world?

What does it mean to be a free individual according to Kierkegaard and Becker? How does an individual achieve freedom?

According to Becker, the modern world has failed to provide people with the same feelings of heroism and transcendence as ancient cultures and traditional religions. Do you agree with this view of the modern world? Why or why not?

Much has changed about the world since The Decline of Death was first published in 1973. Have any of these changes made it more possible or less possible for people to achieve heroism? Do you think Becker’s arguments about the modern world still hold true? Why or why not?