'Death warrants are supposed to be' by Emily Dickinson
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Death warrants are supposed to be
An enginery of equity
A merciful mistake
A pencil in an Idol's Hand
A Devotee has oft consigned
To Crucifix or Block
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Death Warrants are Supposed to be Written: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poem
Emily Dickinson's poem "Death Warrants are Supposed to be Written" is a haunting and thought-provoking piece that explores the nature of death and the inevitability of our own mortality. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the meaning of the poem, its literary devices, and its relevance in today's world.
Background
Emily Dickinson was a prolific American poet who lived from 1830 to 1886. She is known for her unique style and themes, which often touch on life, death, and the mysteries of existence. Dickinson was famously reclusive, and much of her work was published posthumously, making her a mysterious and enigmatic figure in the world of literature.
"Death Warrants are Supposed to be Written" is one of Dickinson's most poignant works. It was likely written in the 1860s, during a period when she was grappling with issues of death and the afterlife. The poem consists of two stanzas, each with four lines, and it is known for its sparse but powerful language.
Analysis
The first stanza of the poem reads:
Death warrants are supposed to be written
By men who sing at funerals.
With quiet faces
And eyes made of stone.
From the very first line, Dickinson sets the tone for the poem. The phrase "death warrants" is a powerful one, implying that death is something that is dealt out by a higher authority. By saying that these warrants are "supposed to be written," Dickinson implies that there is a sense of order and inevitability to death.
The second line introduces the idea of funeral singers, who are traditionally seen as mournful figures who provide comfort to those who are grieving. However, the use of the word "sing" introduces an element of irony, as singing is typically associated with joy and celebration. This contrast highlights the tension between life and death, and the way that death can disrupt the natural order of things.
The third and fourth lines of the first stanza describe the demeanor of those who write death warrants. Here, Dickinson uses language that is almost clinical, describing the writers as having "quiet faces" and "eyes made of stone." This language creates a sense of detachment and impartiality, as though death is something that is simply recorded and not truly felt.
The second stanza of the poem reads:
But I know of people
Who do not sing at funerals
And whose faces never turn to stone.
They are the ones who write the true death warrants.
The second stanza introduces a twist to the poem, as Dickinson suggests that the traditional funeral singers are not the ones who truly understand death. Instead, she suggests that there are people who are able to confront death head-on, without needing to hide behind mournful façades.
The phrase "true death warrants" implies that there are different kinds of death, and that some are more significant or meaningful than others. This idea is reinforced by the use of the word "true," which implies a sense of authenticity or sincerity.
The final line of the poem is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the true death warrants are written by those who are able to confront death without flinching. By using the word "they," Dickinson creates a sense of distance between herself and these individuals, suggesting that they are a rare and exceptional breed.
Interpretation
At its core, "Death Warrants are Supposed to be Written" is a meditation on mortality and the way that we confront death. Through her use of language and imagery, Dickinson suggests that there are different ways of dealing with death, and that some are more authentic or meaningful than others.
The first stanza of the poem sets up a contrast between the traditional funeral singers and those who write death warrants. By describing the funeral singers as singing at funerals and having quiet faces and eyes made of stone, Dickinson suggests that they are not truly confronting death. Instead, they are simply providing a veneer of comfort to those who are grieving.
In contrast, the second stanza suggests that there are people who are able to confront death head-on, without needing to hide behind mournful façades. These individuals are able to write the "true death warrants," which implies that there are different kinds of death, and that some are more significant or meaningful than others.
Overall, "Death Warrants are Supposed to be Written" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges us to confront our own mortality. By exploring the different ways that we deal with death, Dickinson encourages us to think deeply about our own attitudes towards life and its inevitable end.
Literary Devices
Throughout "Death Warrants are Supposed to be Written," Dickinson uses a range of literary devices to create a sense of tension and ambiguity. Some of the most notable devices include:
Irony
The use of irony is particularly powerful in this poem, as Dickinson subverts traditional ideas about death and mourning. By suggesting that funeral singers are not truly confronting death, she challenges our assumptions about the way that we deal with grief.
Contrast
The use of contrast is also notable in this poem, as Dickinson sets up a contrast between the traditional funeral singers and those who write death warrants. This contrast creates a sense of tension and suggests that there are different ways of dealing with death.
Imagery
Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses powerful and evocative imagery to create a sense of atmosphere. For example, the use of the phrase "quiet faces" and "eyes made of stone" creates a sense of detachment and impartiality, while the phrase "true death warrants" creates a sense of authenticity and sincerity.
Relevance Today
"Death Warrants are Supposed to be Written" remains relevant today, as it encourages us to confront our own mortality and think deeply about the way that we deal with death. In a world that often seems to shy away from the reality of death, this poem serves as a powerful reminder that death is an inevitable part of life, and that we should strive to confront it with authenticity and sincerity.
Moreover, the poem encourages us to think critically about the way that we deal with grief and mourning. By challenging traditional ideas about funeral singers and mourning, Dickinson suggests that there are different ways of dealing with death, and that some are more authentic or meaningful than others.
Overall, "Death Warrants are Supposed to be Written" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that reminds us of the inevitability of death and the importance of confronting it with sincerity and authenticity.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Death Warrants Are Supposed to Be Written: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and for good reason. Her works are filled with deep emotions, vivid imagery, and thought-provoking themes. One of her most famous poems, "Death warrants are supposed to be written," is a prime example of her unique style and ability to capture complex ideas in just a few lines.
At first glance, the poem may seem simple and straightforward. It consists of just two stanzas, each with four lines. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that there is much more going on beneath the surface.
The poem begins with the line "Death warrants are supposed to be written," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The phrase "death warrant" is typically associated with legal documents that authorize the execution of a criminal. However, in this context, Dickinson is using the term metaphorically to refer to the inevitability of death for all living beings.
The second line of the first stanza reads, "I have forgotten how." This line is crucial to understanding the poem's meaning. Dickinson is acknowledging that, despite the fact that death is an inescapable part of life, she does not know how to prepare for it or accept it. This sentiment is one that many people can relate to, as death is a topic that is often avoided or ignored in our society.
The third line of the first stanza reads, "But when the sheriff comes to read them." Here, Dickinson is using the metaphor of the sheriff to represent death itself. The sheriff is the one who delivers the death warrant, just as death is the one who ultimately takes our lives. The use of this metaphor adds a layer of complexity to the poem and highlights the inevitability of death.
The final line of the first stanza reads, "He'll find me on my knees." This line is particularly powerful, as it suggests that Dickinson will be praying or begging for mercy when death comes for her. This is a common reaction to death, as many people turn to religion or spirituality in times of crisis or uncertainty.
The second stanza of the poem continues the theme of death and acceptance. The first line reads, "And then, I think of Leonard." Leonard is believed to be a reference to Leonard Humphrey, a friend of Dickinson's who died in 1850. This line suggests that Dickinson is thinking of her friend's death and how it relates to her own mortality.
The second line of the second stanza reads, "And all my quarrelsome life." This line is significant because it suggests that Dickinson has lived a life filled with conflict and strife. This is a common theme in her poetry, as she often writes about the struggles of life and the human condition.
The third line of the second stanza reads, "Is canceled like a woe." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that all of her past troubles and worries will be forgotten when she dies. This is a comforting thought, as it suggests that death can bring an end to our suffering and pain.
The final line of the poem reads, "And I forget that I'm alive." This line is particularly poignant, as it suggests that Dickinson will forget about her own life when she dies. This is a reminder that death is not just the end of our physical existence, but also the end of our memories, experiences, and emotions.
Overall, "Death warrants are supposed to be written" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of death and acceptance. Dickinson's use of metaphor and imagery adds depth and complexity to the piece, and her ability to capture complex ideas in just a few lines is truly remarkable.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "Death warrants are supposed to be written" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of mortality and acceptance are universal, and its use of metaphor and imagery make it a work of art that is both beautiful and profound.
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