Romantic Poem Reflection

     Thanatopsis by William Cullen Bryant is a poem emphasizing the nature aspect of Romanticism.  The beginning shows that nature reflects the way that we feel.  It has a morose and bleak tone and portrays that death is inevitable.  The middle of the poem assures us that we are not going into resting alone, but with everyone that has ever lived.  It sets a happier mood by showing that we will not be alone when we die. Near the end, Bryant tells us to "Carpe diem" which means seize the day.  It puts into perspective that life should be lived, rather that spending life fearing death.  Tuberculosis was an inspiration for Bryant writing this poem.  He was afraid that he might die of it, but then realized that he should live his life to the fullest.  Also, this poem represents the circle of life.  We are born, we live, we die, and go back into the earth.