Writers – Page 2 – Final Words

J M Barrie (1860 – 1937)

“I can’t sleep”

These were the dying words of the novelist and playwright, who is best remembered as the creator of Peter Pan. James Matthew Barrie died of pneumonia at a nursing home in London, he was 77 years old.

Truman Capote (1924 – 1984)

“Answered Prayers”

These were Truman Capote’s last words before he died, spoken to a close friend, and referred to the title of his unfinished novel. The author of Breakfast at Tiffany’s was aged 59 when he passed away from liver disease complicated by multiple drug intoxication.

Ernest Hemingway (1899 – 1961)

“Goodnight, my kitten”

These were Ernest Hemingway’s final words spoken to wife Mary shortly before killing himself with a shotgun. The 61 year old novelist and journalist had been suffering from depression and poor mental health leading up to his death.

T S Eliot (1888 – 1965)

“Valerie”

The poet and playwright, perhaps best known for his poem The Waste Land, was only able to whisper one word as he lay dying – the name of his beloved wife Valerie.

Thomas Stearns Eliot died of emphysema at his home in London, he was aged 76.

Hunter S Thompson (1937 – 2005)

“Football Season Is Over. No More Games. No More Bombs. No More Walking. No More Fun. No More Swimming. 67. That is 17 years past 50. 17 more than I needed or wanted. Boring. I am always bitchy. No Fun—for anybody. 67. You are getting Greedy. Act your age. Relax — This won’t hurt.”

The author of “Fear and loathing in Las Vegas” left these final words in a suicide note to wife Anita. He had been suffering from depression and killed himself with a gunshot to the head, at the age of 67.

William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616)

“Good friend for Jesus’ sake forbear, To dig the dust enclosed here. Blessed be the man that spares these stones, and cursed be he that moves my bones.”

This is the inscription on the famous playwright’s gravestone. The Bard died on his birthday at the age of 52, and was buried at the Holy Trinity Church next to wife Anne.

Charles Dickens (1812 – 1870)

“On the ground.”

The novelist and social critic’s final words were spoken to his sister-in-law Georgina when she asked him to lie down. Charles Dickens died from a stroke and was laid to rest at Poets’ Corner, Westminster Abbey.

Arthur Conan Doyle (1859 – 1930)

“You are wonderful.”

The author and physician, best known for his creation of the detective Sherlock Holmes, died at his home of a heart attack. These were his last words spoken to wife Jean.