'Their Height in Heaven comforts not' by Emily Dickinson

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Their Height in Heaven comforts not—
Their Glory—nought to me—
'Twas best imperfect—as it was—
I'm finite—I can't see—

The House of Supposition—
The Glimmering Frontier that
Skirts the Acres of Perhaps—
To Me—shows insecure—

The Wealth I had—contented me—
If 'twas a meaner size—
Then I had counted it until
It pleased my narrow Eyes—

Better than larger values—
That show however true—
This timid life of Evidence
Keeps pleading—"I don't know."

Editor 1 Interpretation

Their Height in Heaven Comforts Not: A Critical Analysis of Emily Dickinson’s Poem

Emily Dickinson was one of the most prolific and influential poets of the 19th century. Her unique style of writing, characterized by unconventional punctuation, capitalization, and syntax, has captivated readers for generations. Her poem “Their Height in Heaven comforts not” is no exception. This classic piece of literature is a poignant reflection on the nature of grief, loss, and the afterlife. In this detailed analysis, we will explore the various themes and motifs present in the poem, as well as its historical and cultural context.

Overview of the Poem

“Their Height in Heaven comforts not” is a short, eight-line poem that was first published posthumously in 1890. Like many of Dickinson’s poems, it is written in her trademark style, with dashes and unconventional capitalization. The poem can be divided into two stanzas, each with four lines:

Their Height in Heaven comforts not, Their Glory - nought to me - 'Twas best imperfect as it was - I'm finite - I can't see -

The second stanza is a repetition of the first, with slight alterations to the wording:

The nakedness of Need Embarrasses our Soaring - Leaves us outstripped by the Winds of the Eternity -

From these two stanzas, we can infer that the poem is a reflection on the inadequacy of human understanding when it comes to concepts like death, the afterlife, and the divine. The speaker seems to be struggling with grief and loss, and is perhaps grappling with questions of mortality and the meaning of life.

Themes and Motifs

One of the most prominent themes in “Their Height in Heaven comforts not” is the idea of finitude. The speaker acknowledges that she is “finite” and cannot fully comprehend the mysteries of the afterlife or the divine. This sense of limitation is echoed in the second stanza, where the speaker laments being “outstripped” by the “Winds of Eternity.” This theme of human limitation is a common one in Dickinson’s work, and speaks to her belief in the inherent mystery and complexity of the universe.

Another important theme in the poem is that of grief and loss. The speaker seems to be mourning the loss of someone or something that was once important to her. The use of the word “need” in the second stanza suggests that this loss has left the speaker feeling vulnerable and exposed. The phrase “Their Glory - nought to me -” underscores the emotional distance between the speaker and the object of her grief. The idea that the “height” and “glory” of the departed provide no comfort to the living is a stark reminder of the finality of death and the unbridgeable gap between the living and the dead.

The motif of flight and soaring is another interesting element of the poem. The phrase “Their Height in Heaven” suggests the image of someone or something ascending to the heavens, perhaps on wings like an angel. This imagery is echoed in the second stanza, where the speaker describes being “outstripped by the / Winds of Eternity.” This motif of flight and soaring creates a sense of movement and momentum in the poem, and underscores the theme of human limitation. The idea that the speaker is “left behind” by the soaring winds of eternity suggests a sense of loss and displacement.

Historical and Cultural Context

To fully appreciate the significance of “Their Height in Heaven comforts not,” it is important to consider the historical and cultural context in which it was written. The poem was composed during the mid-19th century, a time of great social upheaval and change in America. The country was in the midst of a civil war, and many families were experiencing the trauma of separation and loss. This sense of grief and loss is reflected in many of Dickinson’s poems, including “Their Height in Heaven comforts not.”

The mid-19th century was also a time of great religious ferment in America. The Second Great Awakening had swept the country, leading to a surge in religious enthusiasm and a proliferation of new religious movements. Dickinson herself was deeply interested in religion, and her poetry often reflects her belief in a divine presence that is both mysterious and unknowable. The theme of human limitation in “Their Height in Heaven comforts not” can be seen as a reflection of Dickinson’s belief in the limits of human understanding when it comes to the divine.

Interpretation

“Their Height in Heaven comforts not” is a poem that invites multiple interpretations. At its core, it is a reflection on the nature of grief and loss, and the limitations of human understanding when it comes to concepts like death and the afterlife. The phrase “Their Height in Heaven comforts not” suggests that the speaker has lost someone or something that was once important to her, and that the idea of their being in heaven provides no comfort. The repetition of this phrase in the second stanza underscores the theme of human limitation, and suggests that the speaker is struggling to come to grips with the finality of death.

The use of the phrase “nakedness of Need” in the second stanza is also significant. It suggests that the speaker is feeling vulnerable and exposed in the wake of her loss, and that the idea of flight or soaring offers no solace. The motif of flight and soaring, which is present throughout the poem, underscores the theme of human limitation and the unbridgeable gap between the living and the dead.

Another important element of the poem is its use of unconventional punctuation and capitalization. The dashes that Dickinson uses to separate words and phrases create a sense of fragmentation and dislocation. This fragmentation mirrors the speaker’s sense of loss and displacement, and underscores the theme of human limitation. At the same time, the use of capitalization for words like “Need” and “Soaring” imbues them with a sense of importance and significance. This creates a sense of tension between the speaker’s sense of inadequacy and her belief in the importance of the concepts she is grappling with.

Conclusion

“Their Height in Heaven comforts not” is a classic poem that speaks to the universal human experience of grief and loss. Its themes of human limitation, the inadequacy of language, and the unbridgeable gap between the living and the dead are ones that continue to resonate with readers today. The poem’s use of unconventional punctuation and capitalization, as well as its motif of flight and soaring, create a complex and layered work of literature that invites multiple interpretations. In the end, “Their Height in Heaven comforts not” is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Their Height in Heaven Comforts Not: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson’s Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems is “Their Height in Heaven Comforts Not,” a powerful and thought-provoking piece that explores the nature of grief and the afterlife. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and analyze its meaning, themes, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the line “Their height in heaven comforts not,” which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is clearly grappling with the loss of someone or something important, and is questioning the traditional beliefs about the afterlife. The idea that the deceased are somehow comforted by their position in heaven is being challenged, and the speaker is searching for a deeper understanding of what happens after we die.

The second line of the poem, “Their glory – nought to lose,” further emphasizes the speaker’s sense of loss and despair. The idea that even the glory and honor that the deceased may have achieved in life is now meaningless in the face of death is a powerful one, and speaks to the universal experience of grief and mourning. The speaker is questioning the value of all the things that we strive for in life, and wondering if they truly matter in the end.

The third line of the poem, “Their triumph – but defeat,” is perhaps the most poignant and powerful of all. Here, the speaker is suggesting that even the greatest achievements and victories in life are ultimately meaningless in the face of death. No matter how successful or accomplished we may be, we will all eventually meet the same fate, and our triumphs will be forgotten. This line is a reminder of the fragility of life, and the importance of cherishing every moment that we have.

The fourth line of the poem, “Dooms’ Day – no fear,” is a stark contrast to the previous lines, and suggests a sense of acceptance and peace. The speaker is acknowledging the inevitability of death, and is no longer afraid of it. This line is a reminder that death is a natural part of life, and that we should not fear it, but rather embrace it as a part of the cycle of existence.

The final line of the poem, “Their faith – the impartial friend,” is a powerful statement about the role of faith in the face of death. The speaker is suggesting that faith can be a source of comfort and support in times of grief and loss, and that it can help us to find meaning and purpose in the face of death. This line is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and light to be found.

Overall, “Their Height in Heaven Comforts Not” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of grief, loss, and the afterlife. Through its use of powerful imagery, poignant language, and deep themes, this poem speaks to the universal human experience of mortality and reminds us of the importance of cherishing every moment that we have. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply looking for a deeper understanding of life and death, this classic poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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