Based on Book Lament for a Son by Nicholas Wolterstorff Published Coursework

Based on Book Lament for a Son by Nicholas Wolterstorff Published January 1st 1987 by William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company - 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 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 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 individuals sense of living, it opens up an individual to the various possibilities that effect 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 classic expression of anger (Wolterstorff, 1987). 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 sons death, Wolterstorff wishes they had not taken their son for granted and supported him in his endeavours (Wolterstorff, 1987). 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). 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