''Tis good—the looking back on Grief' by Emily Dickinson
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'Tis good—the looking back on Grief—
To re-endure a Day—
We thought the Mighty Funeral—
Of All Conceived Joy—
To recollect how Busy Grass
Did meddle—one by one—
Till all the Grief with Summer—waved
And none could see the stone.
And though the Woe you have Today
Be larger—As the Sea
Exceeds its Unremembered Drop—
They're Water—equally—
Editor 1 Interpretation
'Tis good—the looking back on Grief by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson's poem 'Tis good—the looking back on Grief is a powerful and emotional exploration of the nature of grief and the role it plays in shaping our lives. In this 10-line poem, Dickinson explores the idea that looking back on our experiences of grief can be a positive and transformative experience.
Literary Analysis
The poem begins with the simple statement, " 'Tis good—the looking back on Grief". The use of the archaic " 'Tis" immediately sets the poem in the past and creates a sense of nostalgia. This is reinforced by the idea of "looking back" which suggests that the speaker is reflecting on something that has already happened.
The second line, "To re—live it once again" introduces the idea of reliving the experience of grief. This line is significant as it suggests that the speaker sees value in revisiting the pain of grief. This idea is expanded upon in the third line, "Our Grief not only for itself" where the speaker suggests that grief has a purpose beyond the pain it causes.
The fourth line, "But for the good that followed it" is the key to understanding the poem. Here, the speaker suggests that grief can be transformative and that the good that follows it is worth the pain. This idea is further reinforced by the final line, "Familiarity with Grief enables us to live comfortably with it", which suggests that experiencing grief can make us stronger and better equipped to deal with it in the future.
Interpretation
The poem can be interpreted as a celebration of the power of grief to transform our lives. The speaker suggests that grief is not just a negative experience, but that it has value beyond the pain it causes. By looking back on our experience of grief, we can relive it and understand it better. This understanding can lead to personal growth and transformation.
The idea that "Our Grief not only for itself" suggests that grief has a purpose beyond the pain it causes. This purpose is revealed in the next line, "But for the good that followed it". This line is significant as it suggests that the pain of grief can lead to positive change in our lives. This change can take many forms, from personal growth to a deeper appreciation of life's joys.
The final line, "Familiarity with Grief enables us to live comfortably with it", suggests that experiencing grief can make us stronger and better equipped to deal with it in the future. This idea is significant as it suggests that the pain of grief is not something to be feared, but something to be embraced. By embracing the pain of grief, we can learn from it and grow as individuals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem 'Tis good—the looking back on Grief is a powerful and emotional exploration of the nature of grief and its transformative power. The poem celebrates the idea that grief has value beyond the pain it causes and that by looking back on our experiences of grief, we can learn from them and grow as individuals. The poem is a testament to the power of pain to transform our lives and is a reminder that even the most difficult experiences can lead to positive change.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson's poem "Tis good—the looking back on Grief" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of grief and the process of healing. The poem is a reflection on the experience of loss and the journey towards acceptance and healing. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with the line "Tis good—the looking back on Grief," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker acknowledges that it is beneficial to reflect on past grief and the emotions that come with it. The word "good" suggests that there is something positive to be gained from the experience of grief, which is a refreshing perspective on a topic that is often viewed as negative.
The first stanza of the poem describes the physical and emotional sensations of grief. The speaker uses vivid imagery to convey the feeling of being "numb" and "cold." The use of the word "numb" suggests a loss of feeling or sensation, which is a common symptom of grief. The line "The feet, mechanical, go round" suggests that the speaker is going through the motions of life without any real purpose or direction. The use of the word "mechanical" implies a lack of emotion or feeling, which is a common coping mechanism for those experiencing grief.
The second stanza of the poem describes the process of healing and the importance of looking back on past grief. The speaker suggests that by reflecting on past grief, one can gain a better understanding of themselves and their emotions. The line "The past is such a curious creature" suggests that the past is something to be explored and understood. The use of the word "curious" implies a sense of wonder and intrigue, which is a positive perspective on the past.
The third stanza of the poem describes the process of acceptance and the realization that grief is a natural part of life. The speaker suggests that by accepting grief, one can move forward and find peace. The line "And then we sigh, because we know" suggests a sense of resignation and acceptance. The use of the word "sigh" implies a release of emotion, which is a sign of healing.
The fourth stanza of the poem describes the importance of memory and the role it plays in the healing process. The speaker suggests that by remembering past grief, one can find comfort and solace. The line "And memory throws a backward dart" suggests that memory can be both painful and comforting. The use of the word "dart" implies a sudden and sharp pain, which is a common experience for those remembering past grief.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem describes the ultimate goal of the healing process, which is to find peace and acceptance. The speaker suggests that by looking back on past grief, one can find a sense of closure and move forward. The line "And peace to those whose plenty ceased" suggests that by accepting grief, one can find peace and contentment. The use of the word "plenty" implies a sense of abundance and prosperity, which is a positive perspective on life.
In terms of structure, the poem is divided into five stanzas, each with four lines. The use of quatrains is a common structure in poetry and allows for a clear and concise expression of ideas. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABCB, which gives the poem a musical quality and adds to its overall beauty.
The poem also uses several literary devices to convey its message. The use of imagery, such as "numb" and "cold," helps to create a vivid picture of the physical and emotional sensations of grief. The use of personification, such as "memory throws a backward dart," gives memory a human quality and makes it more relatable. The use of metaphor, such as "The past is such a curious creature," helps to convey complex ideas in a simple and concise way.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "Tis good—the looking back on Grief" is a beautiful and insightful reflection on the experience of grief and the process of healing. The poem offers a positive perspective on a topic that is often viewed as negative and suggests that by reflecting on past grief, one can gain a better understanding of themselves and their emotions. The use of vivid imagery, personification, and metaphor adds to the poem's overall beauty and helps to convey its deeper meaning.
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