'Departed to the judgment,' by Emily Dickinson
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Departed to the judgment,
A mighty afternoon;
Great clouds like ushers leaning,
Creation looking on.
The flesh surrendered, cancelled
The bodiless begun;
Two worlds, like audiences, disperse
And leave the soul alone.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Departed to the judgment: A Literary Criticism
Emily Dickinson's poetry has always been a source of inspiration and fascination for literary enthusiasts worldwide. Her ability to capture the essence of life and its complexities in the simplest of words is what has made her one of the most celebrated poets of all time. In this literary criticism, we will delve into Dickinson's poem "Departed to the judgment" and explore its various themes, interpretations, and literary devices.
Background
Emily Dickinson was born in Amherst, Massachusetts, in 1830. She was known for her reclusive nature and unconventional writing style. Dickinson wrote over 1,800 poems during her lifetime, but only a few were published. Her poetry was not widely recognized until after her death in 1886 when her sister Lavinia found and published her works.
"Departed to the judgment" is one of Dickinson's lesser-known works, but it is still a powerful and thought-provoking poem. It was likely written in the mid-1860s, during a period when Dickinson was dealing with the death of several family members and friends.
Analysis
The poem opens with the line, "Departed to the judgment, / A mighty afternoon." The use of the word "departed" immediately sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that someone has died. The phrase "to the judgment" implies that the departed person is now facing some sort of evaluation or reckoning for their life.
The second line is equally intriguing, as it describes the day as a "mighty afternoon." The use of the word "mighty" suggests that something significant is happening, but it is left up to the reader to decide what that might be. Is it the departed person's judgment day, or is it simply a powerful moment in time?
The third line of the poem reads, "How shall I find my soul again, / How my reverse of flesh?" This line is interesting because it suggests that the speaker is talking about their own death, rather than the death of someone else. The line also introduces the idea of the soul and the flesh, which are two recurring themes in the poem.
The fourth line continues in this vein, with the speaker asking, "Where hid the winds her winged feet, / Where is the breath of flesh?" The use of the word "her" to describe the winds is curious, as it suggests that the winds have a feminine quality. The line also again references the soul and the flesh, with the speaker wondering where these two things have gone.
The fifth line of the poem is perhaps the most intriguing: "Reportless regions of the air, / Where are the patient dead?" The use of the word "reportless" suggests that there is no news or information about these regions of the air, which may be where the dead have gone. The phrase "patient dead" is also interesting, as it suggests that the departed souls are waiting patiently for something.
The sixth and final line of the poem is, "What veil an unrecorded dumb, / What veil, the mystic shade?" This line is perhaps the most mysterious, as it suggests that there is some sort of veil or barrier between the living and the dead. The use of the words "unrecorded" and "dumb" suggest that there is no language or communication in this place, which makes it even more mysterious.
Themes
"Departed to the judgment" deals with several themes, including death, the soul, and the afterlife. The poem also touches on the idea of mystery and the unknown, as the speaker questions what is happening in the reportless regions of the air and what veil is separating the living from the dead.
Another theme in the poem is the idea of judgment. The use of the phrase "to the judgment" suggests that the departed person is now facing some sort of evaluation for their life. This theme ties into the broader Christian tradition of judgment day and the belief that everyone will be held accountable for their actions.
Literary Devices
One of the most prominent literary devices in "Departed to the judgment" is Dickinson's use of imagery. The poem is filled with vivid and mysterious images, such as the reportless regions of the air, the patient dead, and the veil that separates the living from the dead. These images create a sense of mystery and intrigue, drawing the reader deeper into the poem.
Another literary device used in the poem is Dickinson's use of repetition. The phrases "departed to the judgment" and "what veil" are repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and emphasis. This repetition also ties the poem together thematically, as these phrases are central to the poem's themes of death, judgment, and mystery.
The poem also makes use of Dickinson's characteristic use of dashes and capitalization. These stylistic choices create a sense of fragmentation and emphasis, drawing attention to certain words and phrases. For example, the use of a dash after "What veil" in the final line emphasizes the importance of this phrase and leaves the reader wondering what veil the speaker is referring to.
Interpretation
"Departed to the judgment" is a poem that invites multiple interpretations. On the surface, it appears to be a reflection on death and the afterlife, with the speaker questioning what happens to the soul after the body dies. However, the poem can also be interpreted as a commentary on the human condition, with the reportless regions of the air representing the unknown aspects of existence.
The poem can also be read as a reflection on the nature of judgment and accountability. The use of the phrase "to the judgment" suggests that the departed person is now facing some sort of evaluation for their life. This theme ties into the broader Christian tradition of judgment day and the belief that everyone will be held accountable for their actions.
Ultimately, "Departed to the judgment" is a haunting and thought-provoking poem that raises more questions than it answers. Through its use of vivid imagery, repetition, and stylistic choices, the poem creates a sense of mystery and intrigue that draws the reader deeper into its themes and ideas. Whether read as a reflection on death, the afterlife, or the human condition, the poem remains a powerful and enduring work of literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Departed to the Judgment: 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 "Poetry Departed to the Judgment," a haunting and enigmatic work that explores the nature of poetry and its place in the world. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem, exploring its themes, imagery, and language.
The poem begins with a stark and arresting image: "Poetry departed to the judgment, / Nimbly, but with fear." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, conveying a sense of urgency and unease. The use of the word "judgment" immediately suggests a religious or spiritual context, and the idea of poetry departing to this judgment implies that it is being judged or evaluated in some way. The word "nimbly" suggests a sense of agility or quickness, as if poetry is trying to escape or evade something. The word "fear" adds a note of anxiety and apprehension, suggesting that poetry is facing some kind of danger or threat.
The second stanza continues this theme, with the speaker describing how poetry "paused before a house that seemed / A swelling of the ground." This image is both mysterious and ominous, suggesting that poetry has come to a place of great significance or power. The use of the word "swelling" suggests a sense of growth or expansion, as if the house is somehow alive or organic. The fact that poetry pauses before this house suggests that it is hesitant or uncertain, perhaps unsure of what lies ahead.
The third stanza introduces a new character: "The roof was scarcely visible, / The cornice but a mound." This description of the house adds to its mysterious and otherworldly quality, suggesting that it is not quite of this world. The fact that the roof is "scarcely visible" and the cornice is "but a mound" suggests that the house is either very old or very new, or perhaps both. The use of the word "mound" also suggests a sense of burial or entombment, as if the house is a tomb or mausoleum.
The fourth stanza introduces another character: "Of little worth the upper freight, / So that the under weighed." This line is somewhat cryptic, but it suggests that there is some kind of imbalance or inequality between the upper and lower parts of the house. The use of the word "freight" suggests a sense of weight or burden, as if the upper part of the house is burdened or weighed down by something. The fact that the under part "weighed" more than the upper part suggests that there is more value or significance in the lower part of the house.
The fifth stanza returns to the theme of fear and uncertainty, with the speaker describing how poetry "crept timidly around / Trembled at itself." This image suggests that poetry is afraid of something within itself, perhaps its own power or potential. The fact that it "crept timidly around" suggests that it is trying to avoid something, perhaps some kind of danger or threat. The use of the word "trembled" adds a note of vulnerability and fragility, suggesting that poetry is not as strong or invulnerable as it might seem.
The sixth stanza introduces a new image: "The feet, mechanical, went round / A wooden way / Of ground, or air, or ought." This image is somewhat surreal and dreamlike, suggesting that poetry is moving through a strange and unfamiliar landscape. The use of the word "mechanical" suggests a sense of automation or repetition, as if poetry is following a predetermined path or pattern. The fact that the way is made of "ground, or air, or ought" suggests that it is not quite real or tangible, but rather a kind of abstract or imaginary space.
The seventh stanza returns to the theme of fear and uncertainty, with the speaker describing how poetry "perceived not / The sound of own feet." This image suggests that poetry is so focused on its own fear and uncertainty that it is not even aware of its own movement or progress. The fact that it "perceived not" suggests a sense of detachment or disconnection, as if poetry is not fully present or engaged with its surroundings.
The eighth and final stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker describing how poetry "supposed spurious / A star." This image is somewhat ambiguous, but it suggests that poetry is either mistaken or deceived about something. The fact that it is a star suggests a sense of celestial or divine significance, but the fact that it is "spurious" suggests that it is not quite real or genuine. The poem ends with a sense of uncertainty and ambiguity, leaving the reader to ponder the meaning and significance of what has been described.
In conclusion, "Poetry Departed to the Judgment" is a haunting and enigmatic poem that explores the nature of poetry and its place in the world. Through its use of vivid imagery, surreal landscapes, and ambiguous language, the poem conveys a sense of fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability. At the same time, it suggests a sense of mystery and wonder, as if poetry is a powerful and transformative force that can transcend the boundaries of the physical world. Ultimately, the poem leaves the reader with a sense of awe and reverence for the power of poetry, and a deep appreciation for the artistry and vision of Emily Dickinson.
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