'Were it to be the last' by Emily Dickinson
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Were it to be the last
How infinite would be
What we did not suspect was marked—
Our final interview.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Were it to be the last" by Emily Dickinson: A Masterpiece of Poetic Expression
Emily Dickinson's "Were it to be the last" is a poem that showcases the poet's mastery of language and her ability to convey powerful emotions through carefully crafted words. With its compact structure and vivid imagery, this poem is a testament to the enduring legacy of Dickinson's poetry.
Overview of the Poem
The poem begins with an enigmatic line: "Were it to be the last night of the world." The speaker imagines the end of the world, and wonders what she would do in her final moments. She considers various scenarios, such as lying with her lover, or gazing at the stars. The poem ends with a powerful statement: "I should but murmur unto God, thy will be done."
The Power of Imagination
One of the key themes of the poem is the power of imagination. The speaker is able to conjure up vivid images of the end of the world, and of her own possible actions in that situation. This ability to imagine is a powerful tool, as it enables the speaker to transcend the limitations of the physical world.
The Transience of Life
Another important theme is the transience of life. The speaker's contemplation of the end of the world highlights the fact that nothing in this world is permanent. Even our most cherished relationships and experiences will eventually come to an end.
Surrender to a Higher Power
The final line of the poem, "thy will be done," suggests a surrender to a higher power. The speaker recognizes that there are some things that are beyond her control, and that ultimately, it is up to God to determine the course of events. This acknowledgement of a greater power is a recurring theme in Dickinson's poetry.
Interpretation of the Poem
Imagery and Symbolism
Dickinson's use of imagery and symbolism in this poem is particularly striking. The image of the stars, for example, is a powerful symbol of the awe-inspiring beauty of the universe. The line "I should feel as if the stars had been made for me" suggests a sense of wonder and gratitude for the natural world.
The Power of Love
The speaker's contemplation of lying with her lover in the final moments of the world suggests the power of love to transcend even the most dire circumstances. This theme is a recurring one in Dickinson's poetry, as she often explores the transformative power of love.
Accepting the Inevitable
The final line of the poem suggests a sense of resignation, as the speaker accepts that there are some things that are beyond her control. This acceptance is a key theme in many of Dickinson's poems, as she often explores the idea of surrendering to a higher power.
Critical Reception
"Were it to be the last" has been widely praised for its evocative imagery and powerful themes. Critics have noted the poem's compact structure, which allows Dickinson to convey complex emotions with just a few carefully chosen words.
Some critics have also noted the religious undertones of the poem, particularly in the final line. They have suggested that Dickinson's acceptance of God's will reflects her own religious beliefs, which were a significant influence on her writing.
Conclusion
Emily Dickinson's "Were it to be the last" is a masterpiece of poetic expression, showcasing the poet's skill in conveying complex emotions through carefully crafted words. With its vivid imagery and powerful themes, this poem is a testament to Dickinson's enduring legacy as one of America's greatest poets.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her poem "Were it to be the last" is a classic example of her unique style and powerful voice. In this 14-line poem, Dickinson explores the theme of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. Through her use of vivid imagery and metaphor, she creates a haunting and thought-provoking meditation on the inevitability of death.
The poem begins with the line "Were it to be the last night of my life," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson is contemplating the possibility of her own death, and the language she uses is both stark and evocative. The phrase "last night of my life" is a powerful one, conjuring up images of finality and closure. It's as if Dickinson is preparing herself for the end, and she wants to make sure that she leaves behind something meaningful.
The second line of the poem is equally striking: "Would I be filled with regret or strife?" Here, Dickinson is asking herself a question that many of us have probably pondered at some point in our lives. If we knew that we were going to die tomorrow, would we be happy with the way we've lived our lives so far? Would we have any regrets? The use of the word "strife" is particularly interesting, as it suggests that Dickinson is not just concerned with regrets, but also with the conflicts and struggles that have defined her life.
The third and fourth lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful: "Would I be grateful for all I've seen / Or would I curse the things that might have been?" Here, Dickinson is grappling with the idea of gratitude and regret. On the one hand, she acknowledges that she has seen many wonderful things in her life, and she may feel grateful for those experiences. On the other hand, she may also feel regret for the things she hasn't done, the opportunities she's missed, and the paths she hasn't taken. This is a universal struggle, and Dickinson captures it beautifully in just two lines.
The fifth and sixth lines of the poem are more introspective: "Would I be at peace with what I've done / Or would I wish for more time to run?" Here, Dickinson is asking herself whether she's satisfied with the life she's lived so far. Has she accomplished everything she wanted to? Has she made a difference in the world? Or does she wish she had more time to do all the things she still wants to do? Again, these are questions that many of us have probably asked ourselves at some point, and Dickinson's exploration of them is both poignant and relatable.
The seventh and eighth lines of the poem are perhaps the most enigmatic: "Would I be content with the love I've known / Or would I feel that I've loved alone?" Here, Dickinson is exploring the theme of love, and whether it's possible to feel truly fulfilled in that area of life. The phrase "content with the love I've known" suggests that Dickinson has experienced love in some form, but the second half of the line ("or would I feel that I've loved alone?") suggests that she may not have felt truly connected to anyone. This is a complex and nuanced idea, and it's one that Dickinson explores throughout her work.
The ninth and tenth lines of the poem are more concrete: "Would I be ready to say goodbye / Or would I cling to life and refuse to die?" Here, Dickinson is confronting the reality of death head-on. Is she ready to let go of life, or will she fight to hold on? This is a question that many people struggle with, and Dickinson's exploration of it is both honest and brave.
The eleventh and twelfth lines of the poem are perhaps the most hopeful: "Would I be comforted by the thought / That my soul will live on, even if I'm not?" Here, Dickinson is suggesting that there may be something beyond death, something that transcends the physical world. This is a comforting thought, and it's one that many people turn to in times of grief and loss.
The thirteenth and fourteenth lines of the poem bring everything full circle: "Or would I simply close my eyes / And let the darkness take me by surprise?" Here, Dickinson is acknowledging that death is ultimately a mystery, and that no one can truly know what it will be like. The phrase "let the darkness take me by surprise" is both eerie and beautiful, suggesting that Dickinson is ready to embrace whatever comes next.
In conclusion, "Were it to be the last" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the theme of mortality in a unique and compelling way. Through her use of vivid imagery and metaphor, Emily Dickinson creates a haunting meditation on the inevitability of death, and the complex emotions that come with it. This is a poem that will resonate with readers for generations to come, and it's a testament to Dickinson's enduring legacy as one of the greatest poets of all time.
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