'This Me—that walks and works—must die' by Emily Dickinson
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This Me—that walks and works—must die,
Some fair or stormy Day,
Adversity if it may be
Or wild prosperity
The Rumor's Gate was shut so tight
Before my mind was born
Not even a Prognostic's push
Can make a Dent thereon—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
This Me—that Walks and Works—Must Die: A Critical Analysis
Emily Dickinson's poem, "This Me—that Walks and Works—Must Die," is a powerful and haunting meditation on the inevitability of death. Through a series of concise and evocative images, Dickinson invites the reader to contemplate the fragility and transience of human life, and to confront the ultimate mystery of our existence.
Structure and Form
At first glance, "This Me—that Walks and Works—Must Die" may appear deceptively simple in its structure and form. The poem consists of just three stanzas, each composed of two lines, and follows a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme. However, a closer examination reveals a complex interplay of sound and meaning that contributes to the poem's overall impact.
The first two lines of each stanza begin with the same phrase, "This Me—that walks and works." This repetition serves to emphasize the central theme of the poem—that all human activity is ultimately fleeting and impermanent. The use of enjambment between the two lines, with phrases such as "must die," "sinks," and "falls," creates a sense of momentum and inevitability that underscores this theme.
The use of rhyme in the poem also contributes to its impact. The ABAB rhyme scheme creates a sense of regularity and order, which is then disrupted by the final line of each stanza, in which the rhyme is broken. This creates a jarring effect that mirrors the disruption and chaos of death.
Imagery
Throughout the poem, Dickinson employs a series of striking images that serve to emphasize the fragility and impermanence of human life. In the first stanza, she compares the human body to a "fragile ferryboat," which is "laden deep" and "sinks" into the "sea," a metaphor for death. This image emphasizes the transience of human life and the inevitability of our eventual demise.
The second stanza continues this theme, with the image of a "breathless bird" that "falls." This image suggests the suddenness and unpredictability of death, which can strike at any moment, without warning. The comparison to a bird also emphasizes the fleeting nature of life, as birds are often associated with lightness and freedom.
In the final stanza, Dickinson employs a more abstract image, comparing human life to a "ripple on a pond." This image suggests the ephemeral nature of our existence, as ripples are fleeting and easily disrupted. The comparison to a pond also emphasizes the continuity of life and death, as the ripple disappears into the water, but the water remains.
Theme
At its core, "This Me—that Walks and Works—Must Die" is a meditation on the inevitability of death and the transience of human life. Throughout the poem, Dickinson emphasizes the fragility and impermanence of human existence, using a series of powerful and evocative images.
However, the poem also invites the reader to contemplate the deeper mysteries of our existence. Dickinson does not shy away from the finality of death, but rather confronts it head-on, inviting the reader to consider what lies beyond. The image of the "ripple on a pond" suggests a continuity of existence, even in death, and invites the reader to consider the possibility of an afterlife or some form of spiritual existence.
Interpretation
There are countless ways to interpret "This Me—that Walks and Works—Must Die," and the poem invites a range of different readings depending on the context and perspective of the reader. However, one possible interpretation is that the poem serves as a reminder of our own mortality, and an invitation to live fully in the present moment.
By confronting death head-on, Dickinson encourages the reader to appreciate the beauty and fragility of life, and to make the most of the time we have. The poem is a reminder that our time on earth is limited, and that we should not take a single moment for granted.
At the same time, the poem also invites the reader to contemplate the deeper mysteries of our existence, and to consider the possibility of a spiritual afterlife. The image of the "ripple on a pond" suggests a continuity of existence beyond death, and invites the reader to consider the possibility of a deeper meaning or purpose to our lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "This Me—that Walks and Works—Must Die" is a powerful and haunting meditation on the inevitability of death and the transience of human life. Through a series of concise and evocative images, Dickinson invites the reader to contemplate the fragility and impermanence of our existence, and to confront the ultimate mystery of our existence.
At the same time, the poem also serves as an invitation to live fully in the present moment, and to appreciate the beauty and wonder of life. By confronting death head-on, Dickinson encourages the reader to make the most of the time we have, and to savor every moment of our precious and fleeting existence.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
This Me—that walks and works—must die: A Poem by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, wrote a poem that has stood the test of time. "This Me—that walks and works—must die" is a poem that explores the inevitability of death and the fleeting nature of life. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.
The poem begins with the line "This Me—that walks and works—must die." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It is a statement of fact, a reminder that death is an inevitable part of life. The use of the word "Me" is significant because it emphasizes the personal nature of death. Death is not an abstract concept; it is something that happens to each of us individually.
The second line of the poem, "This Me that eats and drinks and sleeps," further emphasizes the personal nature of death. It reminds us that we are not just abstract beings, but physical ones as well. We eat, drink, and sleep, and these physical actions are a part of who we are. The use of the word "must" in the first line and the repetition of the word "This" in the second line create a sense of inevitability. Death is not a choice; it is something that will happen to us all.
The third line of the poem, "Shall make its bed in me tonight," is a powerful image. It suggests that death is not just an event that happens to us; it is something that becomes a part of us. The use of the word "bed" creates a sense of finality. Death is not just a temporary state; it is a permanent one.
The fourth line of the poem, "Unconscious of the morrow," is a reminder that death is not something that we can predict or control. We do not know when it will happen or what will happen after we die. The use of the word "unconscious" suggests that death is something that happens to us without our knowledge or consent.
The fifth line of the poem, "And light is vanity," is a powerful statement. It suggests that the things that we value in life, such as wealth, success, and fame, are ultimately meaningless in the face of death. The use of the word "vanity" suggests that these things are empty and without substance.
The sixth line of the poem, "Then draw the curtains close about," is a metaphor for death. It suggests that death is like closing a curtain on a stage. The use of the word "draw" creates a sense of finality. Once the curtains are closed, the show is over.
The seventh line of the poem, "And leave the world to darkness and to me," is a reminder that death is a solitary experience. We may be surrounded by loved ones when we die, but ultimately, it is something that we must face alone. The use of the word "darkness" creates a sense of isolation and loneliness.
The eighth and final line of the poem, "This Me that walks and works and eats and drinks and sleeps," is a repetition of the first two lines of the poem. It creates a sense of circularity, suggesting that life is a cycle that ends with death. The use of the word "This" emphasizes the personal nature of death once again.
In conclusion, "This Me—that walks and works—must die" is a powerful poem that explores the inevitability of death and the fleeting nature of life. Emily Dickinson's use of language and imagery creates a sense of finality and inevitability that is both haunting and beautiful. The poem is a reminder that life is precious and that we should cherish every moment that we have.
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