I watched the film Wit and will discuss the representation of dying and death as presented in the film.

Causes of death

Vivian Bearing, the protagonist of the film, is a professor of English literature who is diagnosed with stage-4 ovarian cancer. She undergoes aggressive treatment, but the cancer ultimately proves to be terminal.

Where did people die?

Vivian dies in a hospital room, surrounded by her medical team and her closest friends and family.

Who cared for the dying?

Vivian is cared for by a team of medical professionals, including nurses, doctors, and a chaplain. She is also supported by her friends and family, who visit her regularly and provide her with emotional support.

Who was present at the time of death?

Vivian’s close friend, Susie Monahan, and her former student, Jason Posner, are present at the time of her death.

How did the significant other person respond?

Susie is devastated by Vivian’s death. She cries and hugs Jason tightly as they watch Vivian die.

How did the community respond?

Vivian’s death is a loss for the entire community. Her colleagues and students mourn her loss, and her friends and family are heartbroken.

What expectations or beliefs were associated with dying and death?

Vivian has a very specific idea of what a “good death” is. She wants to die with dignity and control, and she does not want to be a burden to her loved ones. She also has strong beliefs about the importance of language and storytelling, which she uses to cope with her own mortality.

How did people cope with loss?

Vivian’s loved ones cope with her loss in different ways. Susie grieves by talking about Vivian and sharing memories of her. Jason copes by writing a poem about Vivian.

Envision yourself as one of the characters in the film, and, according to their personal or professional (eg. the nurse in: “WIT”) expectations about death:

Dying well

As Vivian Bearing, I would define a “good death” as a death that is dignified and peaceful. I would want to die with my loved ones around me, and I would not want to suffer. I would also want to have a sense of control over my death, and I would want to die on my own terms.

Bad death

A “bad death” would be a death that is painful or undignified. It would be a death that is surrounded by suffering and regret. It would also be a death that is out of my control.

Good death

I believe that a good death is one that is accepted and embraced. It is a death that is faced with courage and dignity. It is a death that is surrounded by love and support.

Sad death

A sad death is a death that is untimely or unexpected. It is a death that leaves loved ones feeling heartbroken and bereft. It is a death that is difficult to come to terms with.

In the film Wit, Vivian Bearing experiences a good death. She dies peacefully, with her loved ones around her. She also has a sense of control over her death, as she chooses to discontinue treatment and die on her own terms. Vivian’s death is sad, but it is also a death that is accepted and embraced. She faces her death with courage and dignity, and she is surrounded by love and support.