Thanotopsis promotes democratic ideals, while A Psalm of life calls for revolutionary change. In Thanotopsis, Bryant claims death is democratic; we must abide to it. Byrant writes:
"Thou shalt lie down With patriarchs of the infant world,-with kings, the powerful of the earth,-the wise, the good,
Fair forms, and hoary seers of ages past,
All in one mighty sepulchre" (ll. 33-37).
Everyone, of varying social status and wealth, will die and decompose back to the earth. In A Psalm of Life, Longfellow believes a person who does good inspire revolutionary change in others. "A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,/ Seeing, shall take heart again" (ll. 31-32). A person doing good sets an example for others around.
