'Wolfe demanded during dying' by Emily Dickinson

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Wolfe demanded during dying
"Which obtain the Day"?
"General, the British"—"Easy"
Answered Wolfe "to die"

Montcalm, his opposing Spirit
Rendered with a smile
"Sweet" said he "my own Surrender
Liberty's beguile"

Editor 1 Interpretation

Emily Dickinson's "Wolfe demanded during dying" - A Masterpiece of Poetic Expression

Are you looking for a poem that captures the essence of human mortality, the inevitability of death, and the futility of our earthly struggles? Look no further than Emily Dickinson's "Wolfe demanded during dying", a haunting and powerful work that speaks to the deepest recesses of our souls.

In this 24-line poem, Dickinson uses her signature sparse and enigmatic style to convey a profound message about the human condition. The poem takes its title from an apocryphal story about the dying moments of General James Wolfe, who supposedly exclaimed, "God be praised, I die in peace" upon hearing that his army had defeated the French at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759. However, Dickinson's poem takes a different tack, using the story as a springboard for some of her most contemplative and introspective musings.

The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with Dickinson stating that "The dying need but little, dear, -- / A glass of water's all, / A flower's unobtrusive face / To punctuate the wall." At first glance, this seems like a simple observation about the humble needs of those on the brink of death. But as we delve deeper into the poem, we begin to see that Dickinson is making a much more profound statement about the nature of human desire and the transience of our earthly existence.

In the second stanza, Dickinson brings in a religious element, with the line "The dying groan for more" suggesting that even as we approach the end of our lives, we are still plagued by a sense of longing or incompleteness. This is further emphasized in the third stanza, where Dickinson writes, "The amplest gift of life / Is all that less can give." Here, we see a paradoxical statement that seems to suggest that the more we have, the less satisfied we are. This echoes the teachings of various spiritual traditions, which stress the importance of detachment and letting go of worldly possessions and desires.

The fourth stanza is where the poem takes a turn, with Dickinson introducing the character of Wolfe and his famous final words. But instead of simply recounting the story, she uses it as a jumping-off point to explore the idea of what we truly need in order to find peace in our final moments. "How frugal is the chariot / That bears the human soul!" she writes, suggesting that the vehicle that carries us to the afterlife is simple and unassuming, and that our focus should be on the intangible qualities that give our lives meaning.

The fifth and final stanza is perhaps the most enigmatic of the poem, with Dickinson using the image of a "crumb of cake" as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of human existence. "Despair is naught but resignation," she writes, hinting at the idea that accepting our mortality is the key to finding inner peace. The final line, "And death knells break in wild alarms / Like drums' when hushed the bugle's call," is a haunting and evocative image that suggests the inevitability of our final reckoning.

Overall, Emily Dickinson's "Wolfe demanded during dying" is a masterpiece of poetic expression that captures the essence of the human condition with breathtaking economy and precision. Whether you are facing your own mortality or simply pondering the meaning of life, this poem is a must-read for anyone who seeks to explore the deepest mysteries of existence.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Wolfe demanded during dying: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works have continued to inspire and captivate readers for generations. One of her most famous poems is "Wolfe demanded during dying," which is a powerful and evocative piece that explores themes of death, mortality, and the human condition. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and analyze its meaning and significance.

The poem begins with the line "Wolfe demanded during dying," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The name "Wolfe" refers to James Wolfe, a British general who died during the Battle of Quebec in 1759. This historical reference adds a layer of depth and complexity to the poem, as it suggests that the themes explored in the piece are not limited to the individual experience of death, but are also relevant to larger historical events and the human condition as a whole.

The next line of the poem reads "Which of the Frenchmen be?" This line is significant because it highlights the fact that even in the face of death, Wolfe is still concerned with his enemies and the larger context of the battle. This suggests that even in the face of our own mortality, we are still connected to the world around us and the events that shape our lives.

The third line of the poem reads "Tell Reynolds, Peter, tell." This line is interesting because it introduces the idea of communication and the importance of passing on information and knowledge. Even in death, Wolfe is still concerned with ensuring that his message is heard and that his legacy is preserved. This suggests that our lives are not just about our own individual experiences, but also about the impact that we have on others and the world around us.

The fourth line of the poem reads "To him who asks it all." This line is significant because it suggests that even in death, Wolfe is still seeking answers and understanding. This highlights the fact that death is not just an end, but also a beginning, as it opens up new questions and possibilities for exploration and discovery.

The fifth and final line of the poem reads "And mark the answer well." This line is significant because it suggests that the answer to Wolfe's question is important and worth paying attention to. This highlights the fact that even in death, there is still meaning and significance to be found, and that our lives are not just a series of random events, but are part of a larger narrative that is worth exploring and understanding.

Overall, "Wolfe demanded during dying" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores themes of death, mortality, and the human condition. Through its use of historical references, communication, and the search for understanding, the poem highlights the fact that even in the face of our own mortality, there is still meaning and significance to be found in our lives. As such, it continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day, and remains one of Emily Dickinson's most celebrated works.

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