'Removed from Accident of Loss' by Emily Dickinson
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Removed from Accident of Loss
By Accident of Gain
Befalling not my simple Days—
Myself had just to earn—
Of Riches—as unconscious
As is the Brown Malay
Of Pearls in Eastern Waters,
Marked His—What Holiday
Would stir his slow conception—
Had he the power to dream
That put the Dower's fraction—
Awaited even—Him—
Editor 1 Interpretation
Removed from Accident of Loss: An Exploration of Emily Dickinson's Poem
Emily Dickinson's poetry is often characterized by its brevity and ambiguity, leaving readers to interpret and unpack each line. Her poem, "Removed from Accident of Loss," is no exception. In just six stanzas, Dickinson delves into the complexities of grief and loss, exploring themes of memory and the passage of time. Through careful analysis, it becomes clear that this poem is not just about the loss of a loved one, but rather, the loss of a part of oneself.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem begins with the line "Removed from Accident of Loss" (line 1), immediately painting a picture of something that has been taken away. The use of the word "accident" suggests that the loss was unexpected and sudden, adding to the sense of shock and confusion that often accompanies grief. The phrase "removed from" also implies that the loss was not voluntary, but rather, something that was forced upon the speaker.
The second stanza reads, "The Day becomes the Night / Converted opposite / Till Memory creeps around / Pleading that it might" (lines 3-6). Here, Dickinson explores the idea that time seems to stand still after a loss, with the day turning into night and everything feeling upside down. The phrase "Converted opposite" suggests a complete reversal of the norm, as if the world has been turned on its head. The use of personification in the line "Till Memory creeps around" gives memory agency, as if it is something that moves of its own accord. This sets up the idea that memory is not always reliable, as it can "plead" for certain things to be remembered, while others are forgotten.
In the third stanza, Dickinson writes, "Inheritances can pass away / For each new Birthday's knife / But, though the Date is not a Date / What we have seen is Life" (lines 7-10). This stanza is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the loss of a loved one is a kind of "inheritance" that can be lost over time. The use of the metaphorical "Birthday's knife" suggests that time cuts away at our memories and experiences, sharpening them into something more pointed and distinct. However, the line "What we have seen is Life" suggests that memory alone is not enough to sustain us, as it is only a small part of the larger picture of existence.
The fourth stanza reads, "In this short life / That only lasts an hour / How much – how little – is / Within our power" (lines 11-14). Here, Dickinson questions the very nature of existence and the power that individuals have within it. The repetition of "how much – how little" emphasizes the idea that life is fleeting and unpredictable, with no guarantees of control or agency.
The fifth stanza reads, "To say that it has honor / Is to define / Nemesis / As brighter than the Sun" (lines 15-18). Here, Dickinson explores the idea that honor and glory can be found in loss, but at a great cost. The use of the word "Nemesis" suggests a kind of fated destruction, as if loss is an inevitability that cannot be avoided. The comparison to the sun reinforces the idea that grief is all-encompassing and can be blinding in its intensity.
Finally, the poem ends with the line "Remembered, if outlived" (line 19), emphasizing the importance of memory in the face of loss. This line suggests that memory is a kind of immortality, allowing us to live on in the memories of others.
Interpretation of the Poem
One possible interpretation of "Removed from Accident of Loss" is that it is a meditation on the fragility of life and the inevitability of loss. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that loss is a natural part of the human experience, and that memory and the passage of time can both help and hinder the healing process. The poem is not strictly about the loss of a loved one, but rather, the loss of a part of oneself that can never be regained.
Another interpretation is that the poem is about the power of memory to sustain us even after a loss. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that memory is a kind of immortality, allowing us to live on in the memories of others. This is particularly poignant in the final line, which emphasizes the importance of memory in the face of loss.
Overall, "Removed from Accident of Loss" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of grief and loss. Through Dickinson's use of language and imagery, the poem captures the intense emotions that accompany loss, while also emphasizing the importance of memory and the passage of time in the healing process.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her poem "Removed from Accident of Loss" is a testament to her genius. This classic poem is a masterpiece of poetic expression, and it is a testament to the power of language to convey complex emotions and ideas.
At its core, "Removed from Accident of Loss" is a meditation on the nature of grief and loss. The poem begins with a simple statement: "Removed from accident of loss / By Accident of Gain / Befalling not my simple Days / Myself had just to earn." This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, and it establishes the central theme of the piece.
The speaker of the poem is reflecting on the fact that they have been spared the pain of loss, but they are also aware that this is only a temporary reprieve. They know that at some point in the future, they will experience the same kind of loss that others have already endured. This realization is both comforting and unsettling, and it sets the stage for the rest of the poem.
As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to explore the nature of grief and loss in more detail. They describe the way that grief can overwhelm a person, and they suggest that it is impossible to fully understand the pain of loss until you have experienced it yourself. This is a powerful insight, and it speaks to the universal human experience of loss and suffering.
The poem also touches on the idea of fate and destiny. The speaker suggests that there is a kind of cosmic balance at work in the world, and that everything happens for a reason. This is a comforting thought, but it is also a challenging one. It suggests that we are not in control of our own lives, and that we must accept whatever fate has in store for us.
One of the most striking things about "Removed from Accident of Loss" is the way that it uses language to convey complex emotions and ideas. Dickinson was a master of poetic expression, and she uses a variety of techniques to create a sense of depth and complexity in the poem.
For example, the poem is full of vivid imagery and metaphorical language. The speaker describes grief as a "storm" that can "wreck" a person's life, and they suggest that loss is like a "thief" that steals away the things that we hold most dear. These images are powerful and evocative, and they help to create a sense of emotional intensity in the poem.
The poem also uses repetition and rhyme to create a sense of rhythm and musicality. The repeated use of the phrase "Accident of Loss" creates a kind of refrain that echoes throughout the poem, and the rhyme scheme (ABCB) gives the poem a sense of structure and coherence.
Overall, "Removed from Accident of Loss" is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the universal human experience of grief and loss. It is a testament to Emily Dickinson's skill as a poet, and it is a reminder of the power of language to convey complex emotions and ideas. Whether you are experiencing loss yourself or simply reflecting on the nature of life and death, this poem is sure to resonate with you on a deep and profound level.
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