In the one-act play Death Knocks, Woody Allen constructs a humorous allegory revolving around an ordinary man, Nat Ackerman, and his unexpected encounter with death. In the story, Death is personified as a real character and resembles the general appearance of his victim. However, Death is not just portrayed as a typical scary character, but rather as an uncoordinated goofball. Intending to stop Death from completing his mission, Nat challenges Death to a game of gin rummy and gains an extra day of life. In Woody Allen's Death Knocks, the ironic dramatization of death allows Nat to use humor as a coping mechanism to alleviate common fears associated with death. By attributing human characteristics to Death, Allen portrays his character as harmless to Nat. After entering Nat's house through his bedroom window, Death says, "I almost broke my neck." I tremble like a leaf” (1067). Instead of making a scary first impression, Death storms into the room complaining about his ailments. Nat continues to question Death as he tries to make sense of his current situation and asks Death if he is part of a joke (1067). Nat is unable to take death seriously and is somewhat amused by his attempt to abruptly enter his house and commit suicide. He even suggests that Death didn't quite live up to his expectations. As Nat examines Death more closely, he asserts, “You look a little like me” (1068). Despite the two's resemblance, Nat continues to make fun of Death's appearance, making him even less intimidating. Death's appearance and actions contrast the typical stereotype of a reaper, making Nat feel more comfortable with his current predicament. Death ultimately fails...... middle of paper ...... The concept of death is commonly associated with negative feelings, sadness and grief. The fear of death consumes many victims. No one can control when and where death will come for them. However, if the fear of death takes precedence over the joy of living, then the experiences that life has to offer will be missed. Life and death should not be seen as opposing forces, but rather as an opportunity to play the game of life, just as Nat did while playing gin rummy in the face of death. The main objective of the play Death Knocks by Woody Allen is to combat the fear of death with humor and relieve the anxiety associated with this inevitable life event. Works Cited Allen, Woody. Death strikes. 1968. Approach to literature: reading + reflection + writing. 3rd ed. Ed. Peter Shakel and Jack Ridl. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin, 2011. 1066-1072. Print.