'Death is potential to that Man' by Emily Dickinson
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Death is potential to that Man
Who dies—and to his friend—
Beyond that—unconspicuous
To Anyone but God—
Of these Two—God remembers
The longest—for the friend—
Is integral—and therefore
Itself dissolved—of God—
Editor 1 Interpretation
Death is Potential to That Man: A Critical Analysis
Emily Dickinson, a prolific American poet and one of the greatest voices in American literature, has left a profound impact on the world of poetry with her unique style and subject matter. One of her remarkable works is the poem “Death is potential to that Man” which talks about the fear of death and the potential it holds for man. The poem is characterized by its powerful diction, vivid imagery, and philosophical depth that make it a classic in American literature. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the meaning of the poem, its themes, and the literary devices that Dickinson employs to convey her message.
Overview of the Poem
The poem consists of two stanzas, each containing four lines, and follows an AABB rhyme scheme. The poem begins with the line, “Death is potential to that Man/ Who dies — and to his friend” (lines 1-2) which sets the tone for the poem. The use of the word “potential” suggests that death is not an end in itself but rather a gateway to something beyond life. The second stanza begins with the line, “His fellow-men —” (line 5) which introduces the theme of community and the impact of death on those left behind.
Analysis of the Poem
Theme of Death
The theme of death is prominent in the poem as suggested by the title. Dickinson is known for her fascination with death, and this poem is no exception. The use of the phrase “Death is potential” suggests that death is not the end of life but rather a transformation into something else. The word “potential” implies that there is something beyond death, a new beginning, and a possibility for growth. The poem explores the idea that death is not something to be feared but rather something that should be embraced.
The line, “Who dies — and to his friend” (line 2) highlights the fact that death is not only a personal experience but also an experience shared with others. The use of the word “friend” suggests that death has an impact not only on family members but also on friends and acquaintances. This idea is further explored in the second stanza.
Theme of Community
The theme of community is also a significant aspect of the poem. The second stanza focuses on the impact of death on those left behind. The line, “His fellow-men —” (line 5) suggests that death is not a solitary experience but rather one that affects the entire community. The use of the word “fellow-men” is significant as it suggests a sense of brotherhood and shared experience.
The line, “We trust, in plumed procession” (line 7) suggests that death is not something to be mourned but rather something that should be celebrated. The use of the word “plumed” implies a sense of grandeur and celebration. The procession suggests that death is a journey, and the use of the word “trust” suggests that this journey is something to be embraced and not feared.
Literary Devices
Dickinson employs several literary devices to convey her message in the poem. One of the most prominent devices used in the poem is imagery. The use of vivid imagery creates a picture in the reader's mind and helps to convey the theme of the poem. For example, the use of the phrase “plumed procession” (line 7) creates an image of a grand and majestic funeral procession. The use of the word “plumed” suggests something grand and grandiose.
Another literary device that Dickinson employs in the poem is repetition. The repetition of the word “potential” emphasizes the idea that death is not the end but rather a beginning. The repetition of this word creates a sense of emphasis and importance.
The use of enjambment is also a significant literary device used in the poem. Enjambment is the continuation of a sentence beyond the end of a line of verse. For example, the line, “Death is potential to that Man/ Who dies — and to his friend” (lines 1-2) continues across two lines, creating a sense of flow and continuity.
Tone and Mood
The tone of the poem is philosophical and contemplative. The use of powerful diction, vivid imagery, and repetition create a sense of depth and importance. The mood of the poem is reflective and introspective. The poem encourages the reader to reflect on the nature of death and its potential.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Death is potential to that Man” is a classic poem by Emily Dickinson that explores the themes of death and community. The poem encourages the reader to view death as a transformation and not an end. The use of literary devices such as imagery, repetition, and enjambment create a powerful and impactful poem that continues to resonate with readers to this day. Dickinson's unique style and subject matter have left a lasting impact on American literature, and this poem is a testament to her skill and talent as a poet.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Death is potential to that Man: 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 around the world. One of her most famous poems is "Death is potential to that Man," a haunting and thought-provoking piece that explores the nature of mortality and the human experience. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes and imagery of this classic poem, and explore what it means for us as individuals and as a society.
The poem begins with the line "Death is potential to that Man," which immediately sets the tone for what is to come. The word "potential" suggests that death is not a certainty, but rather a possibility that exists for all of us. This idea is reinforced in the second line, which reads "Death is present to us all." Here, Dickinson acknowledges that death is an ever-present reality that we must all confront at some point in our lives.
The next few lines of the poem describe death as a "ferry" that carries us from this life to the next. This metaphor is particularly powerful, as it suggests that death is not an end, but rather a transition to something else. The idea of a ferry also implies that there is a destination, a place that we are headed towards. This could be interpreted as an afterlife, or simply as a continuation of the journey of life in a different form.
As the poem continues, Dickinson explores the idea of death as a "kindly" force that brings an end to suffering and pain. She writes, "Death is the privilege of the grave," suggesting that death is a release from the burdens of life. This idea is further reinforced in the lines "When sickness comes, this fellow / Rebukes it at the breath." Here, Dickinson suggests that death is a friend to those who are suffering, and that it has the power to bring an end to their pain.
However, the poem also acknowledges the fear and uncertainty that surrounds death. Dickinson writes, "We fear a light will be extinguished / And we an empty place." This line suggests that death is not just a physical end, but also a loss of something intangible - a light, a spirit, a soul. The idea of an "empty place" also suggests that death leaves behind a void that cannot be filled.
The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful. Dickinson writes, "Perhaps a funeral, with plumes / At least, to show how tall the dwelling stood / Boarded lest it fall." Here, she suggests that death is not just an individual experience, but also a communal one. The funeral, with its plumes and ceremony, is a way for society to acknowledge and honor the passing of a life. The idea of boarding up the dwelling to prevent it from falling suggests that death is a destabilizing force that can shake the foundations of our lives.
Overall, "Death is potential to that Man" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of mortality and the human experience. Through vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Dickinson captures the fear, uncertainty, and ultimate acceptance that we all must face when confronted with our own mortality. The poem reminds us that death is not just an individual experience, but also a communal one, and that it is something that we must all confront and come to terms with in our own way.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "Death is potential to that Man" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of mortality, fear, and acceptance are universal, and its imagery and metaphors are both haunting and beautiful. Whether we are confronting our own mortality or mourning the loss of a loved one, this poem reminds us that death is a natural part of the human experience, and that we must all find our own way to come to terms with it.
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