'As by the dead we love to sit' by Emily Dickinson
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As by the dead we love to sit,
Become so wondrous dear—
As for the lost we grapple
Tho' all the rest are here—
In broken mathematics
We estimate our prize
Vast—in its fading ration
To our penurious eyes!
Editor 1 Interpretation
As by the dead we love to sit: A Masterpiece of Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, the elusive American poet, is celebrated for her unique style of writing that features metaphysical themes, unconventional punctuation, and compressed syntax. Among her prolific works lies a gem of a poem titled "As by the dead we love to sit." The poem, which is also known as "The Chariot," is a meditation on death, afterlife, and the journey that the soul takes post-mortality. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the nuances of the poem, unravel its meaning, and examine the poetic techniques that Dickinson employs to create a haunting and thought-provoking piece of art. So, buckle up and join me on this literary journey!
The Poem
As by the dead we love to sit, Become so wondrous dear— As for the lost we grapple Though all the rest are here— In broken mathematics We estimate our prize, Vast—in its fading ratio To our penurious eyes!
This poem is deceptively simple, yet it carries a profound message. It consists of four stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem's structure is symmetrical, with the first and last stanzas acting as a frame to the central two stanzas. The poem's title is an enigmatic one, as it does not directly relate to the poem's content. However, it serves as a metaphor for the journey that the soul takes after death. The title's second line, "The Chariot," is a reference to the biblical story of Elijah's ascent to heaven on a fiery chariot, which Dickinson must have been familiar with.
The Meaning
At its core, the poem is about the human fascination with death and the afterlife. It reflects on our tendency to mourn the dead and cherish their memory despite their absence from our lives. The poem's opening lines, "As by the dead we love to sit, / Become so wondrous dear," suggest that we tend to idolize the dead and hold them in high esteem. The phrase "wondrous dear" implies that we see the dead as something special, something that we cannot replicate in the living. We admire the dead for their accomplishments, their virtues, and their memory, which become more precious as time passes.
The second stanza, "As for the lost we grapple / Though all the rest are here," presents an interesting dichotomy between the dead and the living. The word "lost" refers to those who are no longer with us, whether they are dead or alive. The use of the word "grapple" suggests that we struggle to come to terms with their absence, and we yearn for their presence. This stanza also points to the fact that we tend to take the living for granted, as if they are replaceable. We invest all our emotional energy in the dead, forgetting that the living are just as valuable.
The third stanza, "In broken mathematics / We estimate our prize," introduces a metaphorical language that characterizes Dickinson's writing style. The phrase "broken mathematics" suggests that the process of mourning is not a rational one, but one that defies logic and rationality. The use of the word "prize" suggests that we value the dead as something that we have lost and can never regain. The phrase "vast-in its fading ratio / To our penurious eyes!" further emphasizes the idea that we tend to undervalue the living while overestimating the dead. The word "penurious" means that we are poor judges of what we have, and we tend to overlook the blessings in our lives.
The final stanza, "To die--takes just a little while-- / They say it doesn't hurt-- / It's only dimmer--by degrees-- / And then--it's out of sight," is a reflection on the process of dying and the transition that the soul takes. The phrase "takes just a little while" suggests that death is not a lengthy process, but something that happens quickly. The phrase "They say it doesn't hurt" introduces an element of uncertainty and doubt. The word "only" suggests that dying is not as bad as we imagine it to be, and the idea that it is "dimmer" implies that the transition is not as jarring as we expect. The final line, "And then--it's out of sight," suggests that death is a finality, and once it happens, there is no coming back.
Poetic Techniques
Emily Dickinson's poetry is known for its idiosyncratic style, which is characterized by unconventional punctuation, capitalization, and syntax. In "As by the dead we love to sit," Dickinson employs several poetic techniques that enhance the poem's meaning and create a haunting atmosphere.
One of the most noticeable techniques that Dickinson employs is the use of dashes. The dashes are used to create pauses and breaks in the flow of the poem, which force the reader to slow down and pay attention to the words. The dashes also serve to create a sense of fragmentation and disjointedness, which is reflective of the themes of the poem.
Another technique that Dickinson employs is the use of metaphors and figurative language. The poem is full of metaphors that relate to death, the afterlife, and the journey of the soul. For instance, the phrase "broken mathematics" is a metaphor for the irrationality of the mourning process, while the phrase "vast-in its fading ratio / To our penurious eyes!" is a metaphor for our tendency to overlook the blessings in our lives.
The poem's structure is also noteworthy, as it is symmetrical and balanced. The first and last stanzas act as a frame to the central two stanzas, which creates a sense of unity and cohesion. The repetition of the line "As by the dead we love to sit" at the beginning and end of the poem also serves to reinforce the poem's central theme.
Conclusion
"As by the dead we love to sit" is a masterpiece of poetry that showcases Emily Dickinson's unique style and profound insight into the human experience. The poem's exploration of death, afterlife, and the journey of the soul is both haunting and thought-provoking. The poem is a testimony to the power of poetry to capture the complexity of human emotions and to provide a lens through which we can examine our lives. Emily Dickinson's legacy continues to inspire and challenge readers to this day, and "As by the dead we love to sit" is a testament to her status as one of America's greatest poets.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
As by the dead we love to sit - a classic poem written by Emily Dickinson - is a masterpiece that has captured the hearts of many readers over the years. The poem is a reflection on the human experience of death and the way we deal with it. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with the line "As by the dead we love to sit," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is reflecting on the way we, as humans, are drawn to death and the dead. This is a universal experience that transcends time and culture. The speaker goes on to describe the way we sit and talk about the dead, as if they were still with us. This is a way of keeping their memory alive and honoring their life.
The second stanza of the poem begins with the line "There stand the roses in a row," which is a metaphor for the way we remember the dead. The roses represent the memories we have of the dead, and the row represents the order in which we remember them. The speaker goes on to describe the way the roses fade and die, just as our memories of the dead fade over time. This is a reminder that even though we may forget the details of a person's life, their memory still lives on.
The third stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore the idea of death itself. The line "A singing bird is ever near" is a metaphor for the way death is always present in our lives. Just as the bird is always singing, death is always lurking in the background. The speaker goes on to describe the way we try to ignore death, but it is always there, waiting for us. This is a reminder that death is a natural part of life, and we should not be afraid of it.
The fourth stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore the idea of the afterlife. The line "And then a step into the dark" is a metaphor for the way we enter the afterlife. The speaker goes on to describe the way we are unsure of what lies beyond death, but we are not afraid. This is a reminder that death is not the end, but rather a new beginning.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem is where the speaker brings everything together. The line "Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight" is a metaphor for the way we see things differently when we are near death. The speaker goes on to describe the way we see the world in a new light, and everything becomes clear. This is a reminder that death is not something to be feared, but rather something to embrace.
In terms of structure, the poem is written in five stanzas, each with four lines. This creates a sense of order and symmetry, which is appropriate for a poem about death. The use of metaphors and imagery throughout the poem adds depth and meaning to the words. The repetition of certain phrases, such as "As by the dead we love to sit," creates a sense of rhythm and reinforces the themes of the poem.
One of the most striking literary devices used in the poem is personification. The speaker personifies death as a singing bird and a step into the dark. This creates a sense of familiarity with death, which is often seen as something distant and unknown. By personifying death, the speaker makes it more relatable and less frightening.
Another literary device used in the poem is symbolism. The roses in a row represent the memories we have of the dead, while the singing bird represents death itself. These symbols add depth and meaning to the poem, and help the reader to understand the themes on a deeper level.
In conclusion, As by the dead we love to sit is a powerful poem that explores the human experience of death. The poem is a reminder that death is a natural part of life, and we should not be afraid of it. The use of metaphors, imagery, and symbolism throughout the poem adds depth and meaning to the words. The poem is a testament to Emily Dickinson's skill as a poet, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
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