'Those final Creatures,—who they are—' by Emily Dickinson
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Those final Creatures,—who they are—
That, faithful to the close,
Administer her ecstasy,
But just the Summer knows.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Those Final Creatures - A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson's poem, "Those Final Creatures - Who they are," is a terse and enigmatic work that leaves readers puzzled and intrigued. In just four stanzas, Dickinson manages to create a world with its own rules and inhabitants. This literary criticism and interpretation will unpack the poem's themes, imagery, and metaphors, and explore its various interpretations.
The Poem
Let's start by reading the poem:
Those final Creatures -
Who they are -
Oh, they bear a resemblance -
Timid as a Are!
The lower East
Or upper - East
Sides of Beeves
And their Velvet Heads!
Who knew these were
Forms of Elephants!
At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple observation about some unnamed creatures. But as we delve deeper into the poem, we realize that Dickinson is making a profound statement about life, death, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
The Themes
The poem has several themes, including:
Life and Death
The poem explores the relationship between life and death. The creatures mentioned in the poem are described as "final," which suggests that they are nearing the end of their lives. The fact that they are timid also suggests that they are aware of their mortality.
Interconnectedness
The poem suggests that all living things are interconnected. The creatures mentioned in the poem are diverse, but they all bear a resemblance. The "lower East or upper - East" sides of "Beeves and their Velvet Heads" are "Forms of Elephants." This suggests that all living things are connected in some way, and that we are all part of a larger ecosystem.
Identity and Perception
The poem also explores the theme of identity and perception. The creatures mentioned in the poem are not identified, and their true nature is obscured. This suggests that our perception of others is often incomplete, and that we may not fully understand their true nature.
The Imagery and Metaphors
The poem is full of striking imagery and metaphors that help bring its themes to life. Let's explore some of them:
"Those final Creatures"
The phrase "Those final Creatures" is a metaphor for mortality. The creatures mentioned in the poem are all nearing the end of their lives, and this suggests that death is an inevitable part of life.
"Timid as a Are"
The creatures mentioned in the poem are described as "Timid as a Are." This metaphor suggests that the creatures are aware of their mortality and are fearful of what lies ahead.
"The lower East or upper - East / Sides of Beeves / And their Velvet Heads!"
This is a complex metaphor that suggests that all living things are connected in some way. The "lower East or upper - East" sides of "Beeves" are "Forms of Elephants," which suggests that all living things are part of a larger ecosystem.
"Who knew these were / Forms of Elephants!"
This metaphor suggests that our perception of others is often incomplete, and that we may not fully understand their true nature. The creatures mentioned in the poem are not identified, and their true nature is obscured.
The Interpretations
The poem has been interpreted in several ways, and its meaning is open to interpretation. Here are some of the most common interpretations:
Environmentalism
Some readers see the poem as a commentary on environmentalism. The poem suggests that all living things are connected and that we are all part of a larger ecosystem. This interpretation suggests that we should be more mindful of our impact on the environment.
Mortality
The poem can also be interpreted as a meditation on mortality. The creatures mentioned in the poem are all nearing the end of their lives, and this suggests that death is an inevitable part of life. This interpretation suggests that we should be more mindful of our mortality and make the most of the time we have.
Perception and Identity
The poem can also be interpreted as a commentary on perception and identity. The creatures mentioned in the poem are not identified, and their true nature is obscured. This suggests that our perception of others is often incomplete, and that we may not fully understand their true nature. This interpretation suggests that we should be more mindful of how we perceive others and strive to see them for who they truly are.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem, "Those Final Creatures - Who they are," is a rich and enigmatic work that explores themes of life, death, interconnectedness, identity, and perception. The poem is full of striking imagery and metaphors that help bring its themes to life, and its meaning is open to interpretation. Whether read as a commentary on environmentalism, mortality, or perception and identity, the poem offers a profound meditation on the human condition and our place in the world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her poem "Those final Creatures—who they are" is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. This poem is a reflection on the final moments of life and the creatures that are present during this time. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning behind the poem and the literary devices that Dickinson uses to convey her message.
The poem begins with the line "Those final Creatures—who they are," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Dickinson is referring to the creatures that are present during the final moments of life, and she is questioning who they are. This line is significant because it highlights the mystery and uncertainty that surrounds death. No one knows for sure what happens after we die, and Dickinson is acknowledging this fact.
The second stanza of the poem reads, "No one knows—but God—/ What will become of them—." This line further emphasizes the mystery surrounding death and the creatures that are present during this time. Dickinson is suggesting that only God knows what happens to these creatures after they have fulfilled their purpose. This line also highlights the religious undertones of the poem, as Dickinson is acknowledging the role of God in the afterlife.
The third stanza of the poem reads, "Nature—said Death—/ They are His—." This line is significant because it suggests that these creatures belong to Death. Dickinson is personifying Death as a character who has control over these creatures. This line also highlights the inevitability of death and the fact that it is a natural part of life.
The fourth stanza of the poem reads, "She has a Brother—/ Oftener than she—." This line is significant because it suggests that Death has a brother who is present during the final moments of life. Dickinson is personifying Death and suggesting that it is not alone during this time. This line also highlights the idea that death is not something that happens in isolation, but rather it is a part of a larger cycle of life.
The fifth stanza of the poem reads, "Her little Creatures— / Led gently to His knee—." This line is significant because it suggests that Death is gentle with the creatures that are present during the final moments of life. Dickinson is personifying Death as a caring and nurturing character who takes care of these creatures. This line also highlights the idea that death is not something to be feared, but rather it is a natural part of life.
The sixth stanza of the poem reads, "Their gentle hands will lead / Thee— / When thou hast died—." This line is significant because it suggests that the creatures that are present during the final moments of life will lead us to the afterlife. Dickinson is suggesting that these creatures have a purpose and that they are there to guide us through the transition from life to death. This line also highlights the idea that death is not something to be feared, but rather it is a natural part of life.
The final stanza of the poem reads, "As if with God to stray— / And then—they will come back to play—." This line is significant because it suggests that these creatures will return to play after they have fulfilled their purpose. Dickinson is suggesting that death is not the end, but rather it is a part of a larger cycle of life. This line also highlights the idea that death is not something to be feared, but rather it is a natural part of life.
In terms of literary devices, Dickinson uses personification throughout the poem to give Death and the creatures that are present during the final moments of life human-like qualities. This technique helps to make the poem more relatable and accessible to readers. Dickinson also uses repetition throughout the poem, with the phrase "final creatures" appearing multiple times. This repetition helps to emphasize the importance of these creatures and their role in the final moments of life.
In conclusion, "Those final Creatures—who they are" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the mystery and uncertainty surrounding death. Dickinson uses personification and repetition to convey her message and make the poem more relatable to readers. The poem highlights the inevitability of death and the idea that it is a natural part of life. Ultimately, Dickinson suggests that death is not something to be feared, but rather it is a part of a larger cycle of life.
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