The themes of "Thanatopsis" are all about death, but the attitude is upbeat and hopeful. Bryant does not regard death as something to be feared. He sees it as an inescapable and natural component of human existence. The poem emphasizes the significance of nature in the function of death. Death, according to Bryant, is part of a greater cycle of life: Nature, with eternal patience teaching man his uselessness, / Does with him what she did with Eden's apple tree, / Making an example for others to avoid sin. Bryant also stresses that although we cannot prevent death, we can influence how we experience it. We should make every effort to live each day as fully as we can because we never know when that will be the last day on earth. Finally, the poem suggests that while we should take advantage of every opportunity to enjoy life, we should also try to understand and accept death. It is important to realize that we all have to die.