The Ship of Death MCQs & Summary

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: June 3, 2025

Summary:

“The Ship of Death” is a poem by D.H. Lawrence that explores the themes of mortality, the journey into the afterlife, and the acceptance of death. The poem presents death as an inevitable voyage, comparing it to a ship that carries the soul across the unknown waters of the afterlife. The poet urges the reader to prepare for this journey, emphasizing the need for inner peace and readiness.

The poem is rich in imagery, depicting the decay of the physical body and the transition from life to death. Despite its dark subject, the poem conveys a sense of calm acceptance, portraying death not as an end but as a passage to another state of being. The repeated imagery of a boat symbolizes the soul’s journey beyond earthly existence, reflecting Lawrence’s philosophical perspective on life and death.

 

The Ship of Death
The Ship of Death
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1. : Who is the author of The Ship of Death?



2. : What is the central theme of the poem?



3. : What is the “ship” in the poem a metaphor for?



4. : What does the poet urge the reader to do?



5. : How does the poem depict death?



6. : What literary device is most prominent in the poem?



7. : What is the mood of the poem?



8. : What does the river or sea symbolize in the poem?



9. : What does the poet compare the body’s decay to?



10. : What is the ultimate message of the poem?



 

Question Answer
Poem Name The Ship of Death
Author D.H. Lawrence
Year Published 1931
Main Themes Mortality, the soul’s journey, acceptance of death
Literary Devices Metaphor, imagery, symbolism
Mood Reflective, solemn, peaceful
Symbolism The ship as a metaphor for the soul’s journey
Message Death is a transition, not an end
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