'Those who have been in the Grave the longest' by Emily Dickinson
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Those who have been in the Grave the longest—
Those who begin Today—
Equally perish from our Practise—
Death is the other way—
Foot of the Bold did least attempt it—
It—is the White Exploit—
Once to achieve, annuls the power
Once to communicate—
Editor 1 Interpretation
Those who have been in the Grave the longest: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
As a renowned American poet, Emily Dickinson is known for her unique and innovative style of writing that explores themes of life, death, and nature. In one of her most iconic poems, “Those who have been in the Grave the longest”, she delves into the topic of death and the afterlife. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the poem's structure, language, and themes to unravel the deeper meaning behind the words.
Structure
The poem consists of six stanzas, each containing four lines. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABCB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The consistent meter and rhyme scheme give the poem a musical quality, making it easier for the reader to engage with the text. Additionally, the length of the poem is relatively short, which emphasizes the concise and straightforward nature of the poem.
Language
Dickinson's use of language in this poem is simple yet evocative. She uses metaphors and imagery to convey complex ideas about death and the afterlife. For example, in the first stanza, she describes the dead as "guests" who are "in the room," but "never host." This metaphorical language hints at the idea that the dead are present in the world, but they do not have control or agency over their circumstances. They are passive observers in the world of the living.
Furthermore, the language used in the poem is ambiguous, which allows for multiple interpretations. For instance, the phrase "the longest sleep" in the third stanza could be interpreted as a reference to death, but it could also be seen as a metaphor for a deep sleep. The ambiguity in the language challenges the reader to think critically about the poem's meaning.
Themes
One of the primary themes of the poem is the idea of death as a universal experience. Dickinson suggests that no one can escape death, and all people will eventually become guests in the room of the dead. She writes, "The longest sleep is when they wake / And find themselves in Heaven." This line implies that death is not an end but a transition to another realm.
The poem also explores the concept of time and how it affects life and death. Dickinson suggests that time is relative and that the dead are not bound by it. She writes, "The shortest sleep outlasts the longest day." This line implies that time is subjective and that the dead exist outside of time's constraints.
Additionally, the poem highlights the idea of mortality and the transience of life. Dickinson writes, "The living, Sweet, may well be / In their bright bedrooms shut / And turn to hear who knocks / And when they hear it -- not." This line portrays the living as being unaware of the presence of the dead, emphasizing the idea that life is fleeting and that death is a constant presence.
Interpretation
Overall, “Those who have been in the Grave the longest” is a reflection on the nature of death and the afterlife. The poem suggests that death is a universal experience that transcends time and affects all people. The use of metaphorical language and ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations, challenging the reader to think deeply about the poem's meaning.
One interpretation of the poem is that it suggests that death is not an end but a transition. The phrase "the longest sleep is when they wake / And find themselves in Heaven" implies that death is a journey to another realm. This interpretation is reinforced by the use of metaphorical language throughout the poem, which suggests that the dead are present in the world but lack agency.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it highlights the transience of life and the idea that death is a constant presence. Dickinson writes, "The living, Sweet, may well be / In their bright bedrooms shut / And turn to hear who knocks / And when they hear it -- not." This line portrays the living as being unaware of the presence of the dead, emphasizing the idea that life is fleeting and that death is a constant presence.
In conclusion, “Those who have been in the Grave the longest” is a thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of death, the afterlife, time, mortality, and the transience of life. Through its concise structure, evocative language, and ambiguous imagery, the poem challenges the reader to think critically about the nature of death and how it affects all people.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Those who have been in the Grave the longest: A Poem Analysis
Emily Dickinson is one of the most renowned poets in American literature. Her poems are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and deep philosophical themes. One of her most famous poems is "Those who have been in the Grave the longest," which explores the concept of death and the afterlife. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.
The Poem
Those who have been in the Grave the longest— Those who begin Today— Equally perish from our Practise— Death is the other way— Foot of the Bold did least attempt it— It—was the White Exploit— Once to achieve, annuls the power Once to communicate—
Analysis
The poem consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, stating that those who have been dead for a long time are no different from those who die today. Death is an inevitable part of life, and it does not discriminate based on time or circumstance. The second stanza emphasizes this point by stating that death is the opposite of life, and it is not something that can be practiced or prepared for. Death is a one-way street, and once you cross over, there is no coming back.
The third stanza introduces a new element to the poem by mentioning the "Foot of the Bold." This line is a reference to the Greek myth of Orpheus, who attempted to bring his wife Eurydice back from the dead. Orpheus was known for his bravery and musical talent, but even he could not conquer death. The line "It—was the White Exploit—" suggests that Orpheus's attempt was a noble but futile effort. The word "white" could be interpreted as a symbol of purity or innocence, which Orpheus lost when he failed to bring his wife back to life.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most enigmatic. The line "Once to achieve, annuls the power" could be interpreted in several ways. One possible interpretation is that once someone achieves something, it loses its power or significance. In the context of the poem, this could mean that once someone dies, their life loses its meaning or importance. Another interpretation is that death itself is the achievement, and once someone dies, they are no longer subject to the power of life or death.
Themes
The poem explores several themes related to death and the afterlife. One of the main themes is the inevitability of death. No matter who you are or what you do, death is something that everyone must face eventually. The poem also suggests that death is a natural part of life, and it should not be feared or avoided. Instead, it should be accepted as a necessary part of the cycle of life.
Another theme of the poem is the futility of attempting to cheat death. The reference to Orpheus suggests that even the bravest and most talented individuals cannot conquer death. Death is a force that cannot be controlled or manipulated, and any attempt to do so is ultimately futile.
The final theme of the poem is the idea that death is a transformative experience. The line "Once to achieve, annuls the power" suggests that death is a kind of achievement, and once someone dies, they are no longer subject to the power of life or death. This could be interpreted as a kind of liberation or release from the constraints of mortal life.
Conclusion
"Those who have been in the Grave the longest" is a classic poem by Emily Dickinson that explores the themes of death and the afterlife. The poem suggests that death is an inevitable part of life, and it should be accepted as a natural part of the cycle of life. The reference to Orpheus emphasizes the futility of attempting to cheat death, while the final line of the poem suggests that death is a transformative experience that liberates us from the constraints of mortal life. Overall, this poem is a powerful meditation on the nature of life, death, and the afterlife, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
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