logo

On Death and Dying

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

On Death and Dying

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

  • 32-page comprehensive study guide
  • Chapter-by-chapter summaries and multiple sections of expert analysis
  • The ultimate resource for assignments, engaging lessons, and lively book discussions

On Death and Dying Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 1 Summary: “On the Fear of Death”

In the 20th century, many advancements have been made that have made medical science more accessible and successful, and yet at the same time have made our fear of death more paralyzing and widespread. Therefore, there is a “greater need for understanding […] and coping with the problems of death and dying” (16). When we attempt to confront death existentially, “in our unconscious mind we can only be killed” (16), we do not generally accept the fact that we are mortal and can simply die of natural causes. The fear of death is universal.


In other countries where medical science is not so advanced, there seems to be a more natural and accepting attitude toward death. In many instances, the dying are allowed to pass away in the comfort of their own home. It is a paradox: “The more we are making advancements in science, the more we seem to fear and deny the reality of death” (21). The more technologically advanced we become, the less human we become; in certain instances, this does not seem like a good thing.

blurred text

Unlock this
Study Guide!

Join SuperSummary to gain instant access to all 32 pages of this Study Guide and thousands of other learning resources.
Get Started
blurred text