'When I was small, a Woman died' by Emily Dickinson
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When I was small, a Woman died—
Today—her Only Boy
Went up from the Potomac—
His face all Victory
To look at her—How slowly
The Seasons must have turned
Till Bullets clipt an Angle
And He passed quickly round—
If pride shall be in Paradise—
Ourself cannot decide—
Of their imperial Conduct—
No person testified—
But, proud in Apparition—
That Woman and her Boy
Pass back and forth, before my Brain
As even in the sky—
I'm confident that Bravoes—
Perpetual break abroad
For Braveries, remote as this
In Scarlet Maryland—
Editor 1 Interpretation
When I was small, a Woman died: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Oh, how wonderful it is to delve into the works of Emily Dickinson, a true master of poetry! In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will be examining her poem, "When I was small, a Woman died," a piece that speaks volumes about the complexities of life and death. Emily Dickinson, known for her eccentric style and unique poetic voice, captures the essence of grief and loss in this poem.
An Overview of the Poem
The poem "When I was small, a Woman died" is a short, six-line piece that packs a punch. Dickinson uses simple language, yet the depth of meaning is profound. The poem is written in the first person, and the speaker reflects on a time in their childhood when they experienced the death of a woman. The speaker describes the immediate aftermath of the woman's death, highlighting the impact it had on those close to her.
A Close Reading of the Poem
Let's dive into the poem and examine it more closely. The first line, "When I was small, a Woman died," sets the tone for the piece. The use of the word "small" indicates that the speaker was young when this event occurred. The fact that the woman's death is the only thing mentioned in the line speaks to the weight of the event. The woman's death is significant enough to be the sole focus of the first line.
In the second line, the speaker says, "Today her only Boy goes up." Here, we can infer that the woman who died was a mother, and her son is now grown up. The phrase "goes up" could be interpreted in a few ways. It could mean that the son is going up to heaven to be with his mother or that he is moving on with his life, leaving his mother's death behind.
Moving on to the third and fourth lines, we see the impact that the woman's death has on those around her. The speaker says, "To thee; / And nothing said the neighbor's Stove." The use of the semicolon here is significant. It separates the son's actions from the neighbors' lack of action. The neighbors don't say anything, indicating that they are at a loss for words, unsure of what to say to the grieving family. The mention of the neighbor's stove could be interpreted as a commentary on how life goes on, even in the face of death. The stove is a symbol of warmth and comfort, yet it remains silent in the wake of tragedy.
The final two lines of the poem are particularly poignant. The speaker says, "His frequent feet are heard / Though he is least where Men are." This line could be interpreted in a few ways. It could mean that the son is still present in the lives of those around him, even though he is physically absent. It could also mean that he is least concerned with the opinions of others and is focusing on his own grief.
Interpretation of the Poem
So, what is Dickinson trying to say in this poem? At its core, "When I was small, a Woman died" is a meditation on the complexities of grief and the impact that death has on those around us. The poem speaks to the idea that death is a universal experience, yet it is one that we often struggle to understand.
The mention of the neighbor's stove is particularly significant in this poem. It serves as a reminder that life goes on, even in the face of death. The stove is a symbol of warmth, comfort, and familiarity, yet it remains silent when the woman dies. This silence could be interpreted as a commentary on how we often struggle to find the right words when someone dies.
The line "To thee" is also significant. It serves as a reminder that death is a deeply personal experience. The woman who died was someone's mother, and her son is the one who is most affected by her death. At the same time, the line "His frequent feet are heard / Though he is least where Men are" speaks to the idea that grief is a universal experience. The son's frequent feet are heard, indicating that he is still present in the lives of those around him, even though he is physically absent.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "When I was small, a Woman died" is a masterpiece of a poem that speaks to the complexities of grief and the impact that death has on those around us. Dickinson's use of simple language belies the depth of meaning in the poem, and her unique poetic voice shines through. This poem is a reminder that death is a universal experience, and one that we all must grapple with in our own way. Dickinson's words will continue to resonate with readers for years to come, as we continue to navigate the complexities of life and death.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
When I was small, a Woman died - a poem written by the legendary Emily Dickinson - is a haunting and thought-provoking piece of literature that explores the themes of death, loss, and the fragility of life. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style, which is characterized by her use of unconventional punctuation, capitalization, and syntax. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem and explore the various literary devices used by Dickinson to convey her message.
The poem begins with the line "When I was small, a Woman died," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the past tense suggests that the speaker is reflecting on a past event, and the fact that the woman who died is not identified adds to the sense of anonymity and universality. This could be anyone's story, and the reader is invited to imagine their own experiences of loss and grief.
The second line of the poem reads, "Today her only Boy went up," which is a reference to the funeral procession. The use of the word "up" suggests that the boy is going to heaven, which is a common belief in many religions. This line also highlights the fact that the woman who died was a mother, and her son is now left alone to mourn her loss. The use of the word "only" emphasizes the depth of his grief and the fact that he has no siblings or other family members to turn to for comfort.
The third line of the poem reads, "And took a Beaker with him - to the shore," which is a reference to the custom of pouring out a libation for the dead. The use of the word "Beaker" suggests that the boy is carrying a vessel filled with some kind of liquid, which he will pour out as a tribute to his mother. The fact that he is going to the shore suggests that this is a ritual that is performed near water, which is often associated with purification and renewal.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "His Mother - to the shore," which is a reference to the fact that the boy is carrying his mother's ashes with him. The use of the word "Mother" emphasizes the fact that this is a deeply personal and emotional experience for the boy, and that he is carrying his mother's memory with him wherever he goes. The fact that he is going to the shore suggests that he is seeking solace and comfort in nature, which is often seen as a healing force.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "And when the Beaker's contents were all consumed," which is a reference to the fact that the boy has poured out the libation for his mother. The use of the word "consumed" suggests that this is a ritual that is meant to be completed, and that the boy has fulfilled his duty to his mother. The fact that the contents of the Beaker are all consumed suggests that this is a final act of farewell, and that the boy is now ready to move on with his life.
The sixth line of the poem reads, "He reverently set it down," which is a reference to the fact that the boy has completed the ritual and is now ready to say goodbye to his mother. The use of the word "reverently" suggests that this is a solemn and respectful moment, and that the boy is deeply moved by the experience. The fact that he sets the Beaker down suggests that he is letting go of his mother's memory and is ready to move on with his life.
The final line of the poem reads, "As if it were his own," which is a reference to the fact that the boy has taken on his mother's memory as his own. The use of the word "own" suggests that he is now responsible for carrying on his mother's legacy and keeping her memory alive. This line also suggests that the boy has grown up and is now ready to take on the responsibilities of adulthood, even though he has experienced a profound loss.
Overall, When I was small, a Woman died is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of death, loss, and the fragility of life. Dickinson's use of unconventional punctuation, capitalization, and syntax adds to the sense of mystery and ambiguity in the poem, and invites the reader to interpret the meaning in their own way. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet and her ability to capture the essence of the human experience in a few short lines.
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