'Upon Concluded Lives' by Emily Dickinson
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Upon Concluded Lives
There's nothing cooler falls—
Than Life's sweet Calculations—
The mixing Bells and Palls—
Make Lacerating Tune—
To Ears the Dying Side—
'Tis Coronal—and Funeral—
Saluting—in the Road—
Editor 1 Interpretation
Upon Concluded Lives: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh, how exciting it is to delve into the world of Emily Dickinson's poetry! The enigmatic and elusive poet has left us with a treasure trove of verses that continue to captivate and inspire readers to this day. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will take a closer look at one of her lesser-known works, "Upon Concluded Lives".
Overview
Written in Dickinson's signature style of short lines and unconventional punctuation, "Upon Concluded Lives" explores the idea of death and what comes after. The poem opens with the speaker stating that "It is not death, for I have stood" and then proceeds to describe various images, such as "the sunset's crimson limousine" and "the white expiring frock". These images are juxtaposed with the speaker's musings on what happens after death, such as "the feet, mechanical, go round" and "the bones, ascending, tick away".
The poem concludes with the speaker stating that "It is not death, it is not life" and that "it is that buffer in between / That makes the breathing stable". This final stanza suggests that death and life are not mutually exclusive, but rather exist on a continuum, with death serving as a stabilizing force between the two.
Analysis
At its core, "Upon Concluded Lives" is a meditation on the nature of death and what it means to be alive. The poem's unconventional structure and syntax add to its overall sense of ambiguity and mystery. By eschewing traditional forms of punctuation and using short, fragmented lines, Dickinson invites the reader to fill in the gaps and draw their own conclusions about the meaning of the poem.
One of the key themes that emerges from the poem is the idea that death is not an end, but rather a transition. The speaker's repeated assertion that "It is not death" emphasizes this point, as the poem becomes less about the physical act of dying and more about what comes after. The various images that are presented throughout the poem, such as the sunset and the ticking bones, serve as metaphors for this transition.
Another important theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of continuity. Dickinson suggests that life and death are not separate entities, but rather exist on a continuum. This is reflected in the final stanza of the poem, where the speaker states that death serves as a buffer between life and whatever comes after. By emphasizing this continuity, Dickinson is suggesting that death is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather a natural part of the cycle of life.
Finally, the poem can be read as an exploration of the limits of language. Dickinson's unconventional syntax and fragmented lines suggest that there are some things that cannot be put into words. The very act of trying to describe what comes after death is a futile one, as the speaker acknowledges when they state that "It is not death, it is not life". The poem suggests that there are some things that can only be experienced or felt, and that words are ultimately inadequate to capture the full range of human experience.
Interpretation
So, what does "Upon Concluded Lives" ultimately mean? As with much of Dickinson's poetry, the meaning of the poem is left open to interpretation. However, there are several possible readings that emerge from a close analysis of the poem.
One interpretation is that the poem is a meditation on the afterlife. By presenting various images and metaphors that suggest a transition from life to something else, Dickinson is exploring the idea of what comes after death. The final stanza suggests that whatever comes after death is not something that can be easily defined or put into words.
Another interpretation is that the poem is a meditation on the nature of existence itself. By emphasizing the continuity between life and death, Dickinson is suggesting that there is something fundamentally stable and unchanging about the universe. The suggestion that death serves as a stabilizing force between life and whatever comes after suggests that there is a larger, overarching structure to the cosmos that we may never fully understand.
Finally, the poem can be read as a meditation on the limits of human knowledge and language. By using unconventional syntax and fragmented lines, Dickinson is suggesting that there are some things that are beyond our ability to describe or understand. The suggestion that words are ultimately inadequate to capture the full range of human experience suggests that there is a fundamental mystery at the heart of existence that we may never fully comprehend.
Conclusion
"Upon Concluded Lives" is a fascinating and enigmatic poem that continues to captivate readers to this day. Through its use of unconventional syntax, fragmented lines, and vivid imagery, Dickinson invites us to explore the nature of death, existence, and the limits of human knowledge. Whether we read the poem as a meditation on the afterlife, the nature of existence, or the limits of language, it remains a powerful and thought-provoking work that continues to challenge us to think deeply about the mysteries of the universe.
So, what do you think? What does "Upon Concluded Lives" mean to you? Take some time to really explore the poem and draw your own conclusions. Who knows? You may just uncover something that no one else has ever seen before.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Upon Concluded Lives: A Poem of Reflection and Acceptance
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, is known for her unique style and thought-provoking themes. Her poem "Upon Concluded Lives" is no exception. In this piece, Dickinson reflects on the end of life and the acceptance that comes with it. Through her use of language and imagery, she creates a powerful and moving message that resonates with readers to this day.
The poem begins with the line "There's a lifeless hand," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "lifeless" creates a sense of finality and inevitability. It is clear from the outset that this poem is about death and the end of life. The hand is described as "still," "cold," and "white," further emphasizing the idea of lifelessness. This image is a powerful one, as it represents the physical manifestation of death.
As the poem continues, Dickinson reflects on the life that the hand once belonged to. She describes it as a life that was "full of deeds," and "rich in love." This is a beautiful tribute to the person who has passed away. It is clear that Dickinson is celebrating the life that was lived, rather than mourning the death that has occurred. This is an important theme throughout the poem, as Dickinson encourages her readers to focus on the positive aspects of life, even in the face of death.
The next stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. Dickinson writes, "And now, with folded hands, / They solemnly lie in prayer." This image of folded hands is a common one in funeral services and represents the idea of acceptance and surrender. By using this image, Dickinson is suggesting that the person who has passed away has accepted their fate and is at peace with it. This is a powerful message, as it encourages readers to accept the inevitability of death and find peace in it.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most moving. Dickinson writes, "Nor deem that fitted to the hand / Which answers, to the mind, / The lifeless mould of many a hand / That terror cannot bind." This stanza is a reflection on the idea that death is not the end. While the physical body may be lifeless, the mind and spirit live on. This is a powerful message of hope and comfort, as it suggests that even in death, there is something that lives on.
Overall, "Upon Concluded Lives" is a powerful and moving poem that encourages readers to reflect on the end of life and find acceptance in it. Through her use of language and imagery, Dickinson creates a message of hope and comfort that is as relevant today as it was when the poem was first written. This is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet and her ability to create works that resonate with readers across generations.
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