Story Question: Why is death such a prevalent dynamic in stories?

Over the holidays, I had the chance to step back from my writing and take a macro view of story. During that process, I reflected upon some of the most fundamental narrative themes and dynamics always from the perspective “why”? Yesterday in this post, I asked, “Why are there so many Protagonist orphans?” That’s spawned a lively and informative discussion. If you didn’t read the comments, you should. Well worth your time.

Today a related question: Why is death such a prevalent dynamic in stories?

Some years ago, I was just beginning a script that featured a young adult who was dying of cancer. I reached out to my good friend Kurt Brown, who is a poet. I asked Kurt if he could send me a good poem about death, the idea being it might help me to focus my thoughts and feelings as I progressed into and through the script. This is what Kurt emailed to me:

“Scott, all poems are about death.”

Is that possibly true about all stories? If so, why?

I look forward to your thoughts and a discussion in Comments.

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