Death

Death is obviously a central theme in Death: The High Cost of Living. Sexton Furnival is a sixteen-year-old male, intent on committing suicide because he can find no reason for living. Though there is nothing overt in his life that is causing him pain, Sexton simply is unable to find a reason for life. The methodical way that Sexton writes his suicide note and simply saves it to his computer to return to later is telling, as are the graphics used in the novel. Sexton is simply resigned, and unwilling to make an effort to find joy in simple things.

Death is often depicted as depressing and laced with sadness; however, in this case, Death is portrayed as a teenage girl on earth for one day to experience life and mortality. As such, Death is depicted as something that is not frightening in the least, instead it is...