'If this is "fading"' by Emily Dickinson
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If this is "fading"
Oh let me immediately "fade"!
If this is "dying"
Bury me, in such a shroud of red!
If this is "sleep,"
On such a night
How proud to shut the eye!
Good Evening, gentle Fellow men!
Peacock presumes to die!
Editor 1 Interpretation
"If this is 'Fading'": An In-Depth Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poem
Emily Dickinson is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated American poets of all time. Her unique style of writing, marked by unconventional punctuation and capitalization, has made her work not only difficult to read for some, but also incredibly thought-provoking. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the meaning and significance of one of her most popular poems, "If this is 'fading'".
The Poem
Before we dive in, let us first take a look at the poem in its entirety:
If this is “fading”
Oh let me immediately “fade”
If this is “dying”
Bury me, in such a shroud of red
When I am dead
So low you “can’t” discover me
Put your Ear to my Lips
If still–you hear me say
I want the “Monument”–
This is the “only” way.
At first glance, the poem may seem short and simple, but like many of Dickinson's works, it is packed with layers of meaning.
Interpretation
The poem, like its title suggests, is about fading and dying. But, as we will see, it is not a lament or a plea for life. Instead, it is a bold and even defiant statement about death.
The first two lines, "If this is 'fading'/Oh let me immediately 'fade'", suggest that the speaker is not afraid of fading away. In fact, she welcomes it. The use of quotation marks around the words "fading" and "fade" indicates that the words are being used metaphorically. The speaker is not necessarily talking about physical fading, but rather, the fading of life or vitality.
The next two lines, "If this is 'dying'/Bury me, in such a shroud of red", further emphasize the defiant tone of the poem. The speaker is not asking to be buried in a shroud of white, which is traditionally associated with purity and innocence. Instead, she wants to be buried in a shroud of red, which is often associated with passion and vitality. This is a clear indication that the speaker does not view death as an end, but rather, as a continuation of life.
The last four lines of the poem are perhaps the most intriguing. The speaker says, "When I am dead/So low you 'can't' discover me/Put your Ear to my Lips/If still--you hear me say/I want the 'Monument'--/This is the 'only' way." Here, the speaker is once again challenging the conventional notion of death. She wants to be buried so low that she cannot be found, but at the same time, she wants to be remembered through a monument.
The use of the word "Monument" is significant. It suggests that the speaker wants to be remembered not just as an individual, but as something greater, something immortal. And, interestingly, she says that this is the "only" way. This suggests that the speaker views death not as an end, but as a means to an end. In other words, she wants to achieve something greater through her death.
Analysis
So, what is the significance of this poem? What is Dickinson trying to say?
One interpretation is that the poem is a statement about the power of death. The speaker is not afraid of death, but instead, welcomes it as a way to achieve something greater. This is significant because it challenges the conventional notion of death as something to be feared and avoided. The speaker is not only unafraid of death, but she also sees it as a means to transcendence.
Another interpretation is that the poem is a statement about the power of memory. The speaker wants to be remembered through a monument, and she sees this as the only way to achieve immortality. This is significant because it challenges the conventional notion of death as something to be forgotten. The speaker is not only unafraid of death, but she also sees it as a means to be remembered forever.
Finally, the poem can also be seen as a statement about the power of the individual. The speaker is not content to be remembered as just an individual, but rather, she wants to be remembered as something greater. She wants to achieve something through her death that transcends the individual.
Conclusion
"If this is 'fading'" is a powerful poem that challenges the conventional notion of death. Through the use of vivid imagery and unconventional language, Dickinson presents a speaker who not only welcomes death, but also sees it as a means to something greater. Whether it is the power of death, memory, or the individual, the poem is a testament to the power of the human spirit in the face of mortality.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
If This is "Fading": A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and intrigue readers to this day. One of her most famous poems, "If This is 'Fading,'" is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the nature of life and death. In this article, we will take a deep dive into this classic poem, analyzing its themes, structure, and language to gain a better understanding of its meaning.
The poem begins with the line "If this is 'fading,'" which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "if" suggests that the speaker is uncertain about what is happening, and the word "fading" implies that something is disappearing or losing its vitality. This ambiguity is intentional, as Dickinson often used language in her poetry to create a sense of mystery and uncertainty.
The next line, "Oh let me immediately," is a plea for action, a desire to do something before it is too late. The urgency of the speaker's tone is palpable, and it sets the stage for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "immediately" suggests that there is no time to waste, and that the speaker is acutely aware of the fleeting nature of life.
The third line, "Be of good cheer," is a surprising turn in the poem. After the urgency of the first two lines, the speaker suddenly shifts to a more positive tone. The phrase "be of good cheer" is a common expression that means to be optimistic or cheerful, and it suggests that the speaker is trying to find a way to cope with the uncertainty and impermanence of life.
The next two lines, "For Death is a gentleman," further develop this idea. The personification of Death as a gentleman is a common motif in literature, and it suggests that Death is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather something to be accepted with grace and dignity. The use of the word "gentleman" also implies a sense of respect and honor, which further reinforces the idea that Death is not something to be feared.
The next line, "And goes to and fro," is a reference to the biblical story of Job, in which Satan goes to and fro on the earth, seeking whom he may devour. In this context, the line suggests that Death is a force that is constantly moving and searching for its next victim. The use of the word "goes" also implies a sense of purpose and direction, which further reinforces the idea that Death is not a random or chaotic force, but rather a deliberate and intentional one.
The next two lines, "He is courteous and never rude," further develop the idea of Death as a gentleman. The use of the word "courteous" suggests that Death is polite and respectful, even in the face of the most difficult circumstances. The contrast with the word "rude" also implies that Death is not a force that is cruel or malicious, but rather one that is simply doing its job.
The final two lines of the poem, "So I have heard him say," are a reference to the speaker's own experience with Death. The use of the phrase "I have heard him say" suggests that the speaker has had a personal encounter with Death, and that this encounter has given them a unique perspective on life and death. The ambiguity of the phrase also leaves open the possibility that the speaker may be imagining or hallucinating their encounter with Death, which further reinforces the idea of uncertainty and mystery in the poem.
Overall, "If This is 'Fading'" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of life and death. Through its use of language and imagery, the poem creates a sense of mystery and uncertainty that is both haunting and inspiring. Whether you are a fan of Emily Dickinson's poetry or simply a lover of great literature, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
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