'Remembrance has a Rear and Front—' by Emily Dickinson
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Remembrance has a Rear and Front—
'Tis something like a House—
It has a Garret also
For Refuse and the Mouse.
Besides the deepest Cellar
That ever Mason laid—
Look to it by its Fathoms
Ourselves be not pursued—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Emily Dickinson's "Remembrance has a Rear and Front" - A Deep Dive into the Layers of Memory
Have you ever paused to ponder over the complexities of memory? How it shapes our present, reflects our past, and influences our future? Emily Dickinson, in her timeless classic "Remembrance has a Rear and Front," delves deep into the enigma of memory and offers us a profound insight into its dual nature. Through her masterful use of language, imagery, and metaphor, Dickinson takes us on a journey through the labyrinthine pathways of memory, revealing its elusive front and rear and the intricate interplay between them.
A Close Reading of the Poem
Let us begin by examining the poem's structure and form. "Remembrance has a Rear and Front" is a brief yet powerful poem consisting of just two stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem's rhyme scheme is ABAB, and its meter is iambic trimeter. The iambic rhythm creates a musical flow that echoes the pulsating rhythm of memory itself.
But it is the poem's content that truly mesmerizes us. In the first stanza, Dickinson declares that "Remembrance has a Rear and Front," implying that memory has two distinct aspects – the forefront and the background. She then goes on to assert that these two aspects interweave to create a tapestry of memories, which weaves in and out of our consciousness, shaping our perception of reality.
In the second stanza, the poet likens this interplay of memory to a "door" that opens and closes, revealing glimpses of the past and moments of the present. This door, she says, is never locked, and we are free to enter it at any time, yet we must be cautious not to become trapped in the past, for that would be a form of self-imprisonment.
The Dual Nature of Memory
Dickinson's poem highlights the duality of memory – its ability to capture both the joys and the sorrows of life. Memory is a double-edged sword that can both heal and hurt. On the one hand, it can bring back happy memories of childhood, friendships, and love, and on the other hand, it can revive painful memories of loss, grief, and trauma.
The poet reminds us that memory is not a static entity but a dynamic one that evolves over time. Memory is not a mere recollection of the past but an active construction of the present. In this sense, memory is not just a repository of the past but a creative force that shapes our present and future.
The Doorway of Memory
The metaphor of memory as a door is particularly striking. The door symbolizes the threshold between the past and the present, between the seen and the unseen, between the conscious and the unconscious. The door is both an invitation and a warning – an invitation to unlock the secrets of the past and a warning not to get stuck in it.
The fact that the door is never locked reflects the accessibility of memory. We can revisit our memories at any time, but we must do so with caution, lest we get trapped in them. The door is also a symbol of the liminal space between the known and the unknown, the familiar and the unfamiliar. To open the door is to step into a new world of possibilities, to explore the uncharted territories of the psyche.
The Power of Language
One of the most striking features of Dickinson's poetry is her masterful use of language. Her poetry is characterized by its brevity, precision, and economy of words. In "Remembrance has a Rear and Front," Dickinson uses simple yet evocative words to convey her message. Her choice of words is deliberate and calculated, creating a powerful impact on the reader.
For example, the use of the word "rear" in the first line of the poem creates a sense of distance and detachment, implying that memory is something that is behind us, something that we have left behind. The word "front" in the second line, on the other hand, suggests that memory is something that is in front of us, something that we are moving towards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Remembrance has a Rear and Front" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the complexities of memory. Through her use of metaphor, imagery, and language, Dickinson offers us a profound insight into the dual nature of memory, its power to shape our present, and its ability to evoke both joy and sorrow.
The poem's brevity and simplicity belie its profound message, reminding us that poetry need not be complex or convoluted to be impactful. The poem's enduring relevance is a testament to Dickinson's genius and her ability to capture the essence of the human experience in a few words. As we journey through life, we can take comfort in the knowledge that memory, like a door, is always open, inviting us to explore the mysteries of the past and the possibilities of the future.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Remembrance has a Rear and Front— is a classic poem written by Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of the 19th century. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style of writing, which is characterized by her use of unconventional punctuation, capitalization, and syntax. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, literary devices, and overall meaning.
The poem begins with the line "Remembrance has a Rear and Front—," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "remembrance" suggests that the poem is about memory, and the phrase "rear and front" implies that there are two sides to memory. This line also sets up the poem's structure, which is divided into two stanzas, each exploring one side of memory.
In the first stanza, Dickinson describes the "rear" of memory, which is associated with pain and loss. She writes, " ’Tis something like a House's Back— / It bends beyond the Town—." The use of the metaphor of a house's back suggests that this part of memory is hidden and out of sight, much like the back of a house. The fact that it "bends beyond the Town" suggests that this part of memory is vast and stretches beyond what we can see or comprehend.
Dickinson goes on to describe the "front" of memory, which is associated with joy and happiness. She writes, " ’Tis just a front of joyousness— / With the façade removed—." The use of the word "façade" suggests that this part of memory is not entirely genuine, but rather a surface-level representation of happiness. The fact that it is "removed" suggests that there is something deeper and more complex beneath the surface.
In the second stanza, Dickinson explores the relationship between the two sides of memory. She writes, "The difference between / Despair / And Fear—is like the One / Between the instant of a Wreck / And when the Wreck has been—." The use of the word "difference" suggests that there is a distinction between despair and fear, much like there is a distinction between the rear and front of memory. The comparison to a wreck suggests that memory can be traumatic and painful, much like a shipwreck.
Dickinson goes on to write, "The mind is smooth—no motion— / Contented as the Eye / Upon the forehead of a Bust— / That knows—it cannot see—." The use of the metaphor of a bust suggests that memory is static and unchanging, much like a statue. The fact that the mind is "smooth" and "contented" suggests that memory can be comforting, even if it is painful.
In the final lines of the poem, Dickinson writes, "The Rear and Front are neighborly— / Discerning through a frame— / Contented as the Bumble bee / That from a Bank of Thyme—." The use of the word "neighborly" suggests that the two sides of memory are connected, and that they exist in close proximity to one another. The comparison to a bumblebee suggests that memory can be both sweet and painful, much like the sting of a bee.
Overall, Remembrance has a Rear and Front— is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complex nature of memory. Through her use of metaphor and imagery, Dickinson captures the duality of memory, and the way in which it can be both comforting and painful. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's unique style of writing, and her ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in just a few lines of verse.
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