Death Personified: Comparison of Death’s Characterisation in Selected Literature and European FolktalesLaktić, Ana Marija (Avtor) Gadpaille, Michelle (Mentor) literaturedeathpersonificationattitude towards deathfolkloreThis thesis analyses the character of Death in selected literary works based on Kastenbaum and Aisenberg’s typology of death’s personifications as set in 1972 (the Macabre, Gay Deceiver, the Automaton, Gentle Comforter), the attitudes presented within the texts, and how they compare to other contemporary portrayals of Death. The thesis focuses on eight literary works wherein death is personified through content analysis and the use of the comparative method, which showed multiple similarities among death personifications in terms of gender, appearance, manner of collecting the dead, and what attitudes are expressed towards the character. Death, when given a physical appearance, was predominantly male, with attributes reminiscent of the Grim Reaper. All personifications contained elements of the Macabre type (8 of 8), and none could be categorised under only one type. The second most represented type is the Automaton (4), followed by the Gay Deceiver (3), and Gentle Comforter (2). The thesis also included the addition of the Superhero – Comedic type by Cantù (2). These portrayals of death’s character correspond to ones present in contemporary works and implement traits from past depictions, including attitudes towards death, alongside their own unique interpretation.[A. M. Laktić]20222022-03-29 10:35:43Magistrsko delo/naloga81455sl