You need to master the meadow biome first. Get full leather armor, shield and most importantly the stagbreaker (if you are struggling). You can always find a different dungeon? The game can be hard at times and you will die often. You'll just die less by being better prepared. As the game kinda tells you to be.

If you find yourself dying to something over and over, don't just jump at it again with the same approach. Try something different. Maybe max out your shield to parry better? Stagbreaker? Bring better/different kind of food? (depending on what food you eat, you will be better at blocking and parrying) Max out your armor? Bring a club instead of whatever else you're fighting with? (skeletons are weak to blunt)

There are so many ways to avoid your early game problem and future problems! You just have to pause and think.

I know the game is unforgiving at times and doesn't hold your hand. But that's what gives its appeal. It's hard, but very much manageable if you prepare properly.