Death and dying of the self in Louis de Bernières' Birds Without Wings

Throughout the periods of literature, Death has been one of the most interesting and attractive themes. In that meaning, Death has been used as theme many times in literary works. The ways of describing death has been altered by periods in order to circumstances and contemporary theories. Especially in Postmodern Period, theme of Death has gained another aspect with Dying process of the self. According to this aspect, authors have been curious about the process of dying and imagination has had great contribution. In Postmodern Period, Heidegger has become guide to authors by his theories about Death, Dasein and Authenticity. He has enlightened authors with his theory of Dasein. Theory of Dasein questions the Existence and Inexistence and tries to disclose the self. In this process of struggle, Death owns a mirror role, which reflects Dasein' self. Facing with the self induces great panic, fear and anxiety. It is another threshold of the self. It is the most difficult process that Dasein gets through. With questioning the existence, life and death, Dasein alters the mode of live to authentic one. In this mode, Dasein begins to observe own existence and the self. This questioning and observation lead to self-awareness and self-exploration. One of the best novels which describe this journey for self-realization and self-exploration is Louis De Berniéres' Birds Without Wings. With this narrative, readers accompany characters in their life journey. In these journeys, readers and characters witness many various kinds of deaths and dying processes. Key words: Heidegger, Dasein, Authenticity, Self – awareness, Death, Dying Process, Existence, Inexistence, Non-existence, Self – exploration, Louis De Berniéres, Birds Without Wings