What is an important themes in the story, Hapworth 16, 1924?

One thematic element that connects with Seymour's childhood and his self-absorption, is that of death, which to him is simply a recurring phase of existence, like its opposite, the "appearance" on Earth once again. Though Seymour in his letter does not use the word "reincarnation" when speaking of his or Buddy's "appearances,"he clearly has in mind an ongoing sequential process of death and rebirth of the individual, whereby the grave has no victory and death has no sting. Hence Seymour's references to, or visions of, his coming death are neither sad nor fearful; rather, they tend in general to be accepting, somewhat like that of William Cullen Bryant in his famous vision-of-death poem "Thanatopsis" (1814). Before informing his parents that he will live thirty years or more, Seymour indicates that he has not always been good-humored about departing this Earth.