death in Herzog

Death is a concept with which Herzog struggles throughout the entire novel. He feels governed by death; bliss is, for Herzog, spoiled by its impermanence. He is haunted by the death of his mother, still feeling the need for a caretaker. This death overshadows the novel, and by processing it Moses overcomes a major mental hurdle. When the novel opens we find Moses in a chronological void; he is discontent with his present, terrified of his future, and haunted by his past. Throughout the book Moses learns to cope with death and exist with the awareness of it while facing and enjoying his present. Death represents for Moses a time of absolute truth, and by facing it he puts to bed the old horrors of his life and starts afresh.

This exerpt was taken from the gradesaver study guide; follow the link below to explore all themes: