HW 52 - Third Third of the COTD Book

Precis:

In the last third of Grave Matters, Mark Harris introduce the readers to more natural ways of caring for the dead. "Natural" in the sense that, its low cost, better for environment and the dead becoming one with the earth. He elaborates on Plain Pine boxes which have the ability for the deceased to deteriorate into the soil and atmosphere. backyard burials and lastly Natural Cemetary's which give off a much more philosophical and spiritual feeling compared to our society's normal rituals.

Quotes:

" With its straightforward arrangement, family focus, low cost, and basic, handmade casket at the center, that prairie burial of old "seemed to me just a natural way to do it," says Ed".
(pg.126)

"Recounting that emotional and physical marathon years later, Loren describes it as a labor of love that proved both satisfying and ultimately therapeutic". (pg.132)

"You'll come across no upright headstone or monument to the dead, no burial plot marked off with stone edging or linked chain. Nowhere will you find vases of perfect plastic flowers, live plants blooming in cellophane-wrapped pottery". (pg.159)

Analysis:

In many ways it seems like the natural ways of caring for the dead, is actual "caring". Our dominant social practices possess no thought or effort for the dead. we throw money around as if its the only thing that can be done. As i seen through out this last third of the book, there can be many things done for the dead, like a home made casket and burial, rather than a typical money oriented funeral.