'We wear our sober Dresses when we die' by Emily Dickinson

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We wear our sober Dresses when we die,
But Summer, frilled as for a Holiday
Adjourns her sigh-

Editor 1 Interpretation

We Wear Our Sober Dresses When We Die: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Excited Introduction

Wow, I'm so excited to dive into this beautiful poem by Emily Dickinson. "We Wear Our Sober Dresses When We Die" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of death and the traditions that come with it. Through her beautiful use of language and imagery, Dickinson takes us on a journey of understanding and acceptance of this inevitable fate. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the poem's themes, symbols, and literary devices, and analyze their significance in conveying the poem's message.

Background

Before we start exploring the poem, let's first understand the context in which it was written. Emily Dickinson was born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, and lived most of her life in seclusion, rarely leaving her home. Despite her isolation, she was a prolific writer, and her poetry is now considered some of the greatest in American literature. Dickinson's work often dealt with themes of death, love, and nature, and was noted for its unconventional style and form.

Analysis

Form and Structure

The poem is written in a traditional ballad form, with four quatrains and an ABAB rhyme scheme. The meter, however, is irregular, with lines varying in length from tetrameter to pentameter, giving the poem a unique and unpredictable rhythm. The ballad form is often associated with storytelling, and in this case, the story is the tradition of wearing sober dresses when one dies.

Themes

The poem's central theme is death and the rituals surrounding it. Dickinson explores the idea that death is inevitable and that we must prepare for it by donning our "sober dresses." The phrase "sober dresses" refers to the black clothing traditionally worn during mourning, emphasizing the solemnity and seriousness of the occasion.

Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the transience of life. Dickinson uses imagery such as "the narrow house" and "the final round" to convey the idea that death is a journey that we all must take, and that life is fleeting.

Literary Devices

Dickinson uses a variety of literary devices to convey her message. One of the most prominent is imagery. She uses vivid language to paint a picture of the funeral procession, describing "the stiff heart," "the satin gown," and "the tolling bell." This imagery creates a sense of solemnity and reverence, emphasizing the seriousness of the occasion.

Another literary device Dickinson employs is metaphor. She compares death to a journey, with "the narrow house" representing the coffin and "the final round" representing the end of life's journey. This metaphorical language adds depth and meaning to the poem, highlighting the cyclical nature of life and death.

Symbols

The most significant symbol in the poem is the "sober dresses." As previously mentioned, they represent the black clothing traditionally worn during mourning. This symbol is significant because it emphasizes the seriousness of the occasion and the need to prepare for death. It also illustrates the societal expectations placed on individuals to conform to certain traditions and rituals surrounding death.

Another symbol used in the poem is the "tolling bell." The bell is a traditional symbol of death and mourning, and its tolling adds to the solemnity and reverence of the occasion. It is a reminder of the inevitability of death and the need to be prepared for it.

Interpretation

At its core, "We Wear Our Sober Dresses When We Die" is a meditation on death and the rituals surrounding it. Dickinson uses the poem to explore the idea that death is an inevitable part of life, and that we must be prepared for it. The "sober dresses" and the tolling of the bell represent the traditions and rituals that have been established around death, emphasizing the importance of honoring the deceased.

The poem also touches on the transience of life, reminding us that we are all on a journey that will ultimately end in death. Dickinson's use of metaphor and imagery creates a sense of reverence and solemnity, highlighting the seriousness of the occasion.

Criticism

While Dickinson's poetry is celebrated for its unconventional style and form, some critics have argued that it can be difficult to understand. The irregular meter and unconventional syntax can make it challenging for readers to grasp the poem's meaning. However, others argue that it is precisely this unconventional style that makes her work so intriguing and powerful.

Another criticism of the poem is that it is too focused on death and the gloom and despair that come with it. While this may be true to some extent, it is important to remember that Dickinson's poetry also celebrates life, love, and nature. "We Wear Our Sober Dresses When We Die" is just one example of her exploration of these themes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "We Wear Our Sober Dresses When We Die" is a beautiful and poignant poem that explores the inevitability of death and the traditions surrounding it. Through her use of metaphor, imagery, and symbolism, Dickinson creates a sense of solemnity and reverence, reminding us of the importance of honoring the dead. While her unconventional style and syntax may be challenging for some readers, her poetry remains some of the most powerful and influential in American literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her poem "We wear our sober Dresses when we die" is a classic example of her unique style and perspective. In this poem, Dickinson explores the idea of death and the way we prepare for it, both physically and emotionally. Through her use of vivid imagery and powerful language, she creates a haunting and thought-provoking meditation on the nature of mortality.

The poem begins with the line "We wear our sober Dresses when we die," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "sober" suggests a sense of seriousness and solemnity, as if the speaker is acknowledging the weight of the situation. This is further emphasized by the use of the word "die," which is a stark reminder of the finality of death.

As the poem continues, Dickinson describes the way in which we prepare for death. She writes, "We put our Shoes at Nightfall," which suggests a ritualistic aspect to the process. The act of putting on shoes is often associated with going out into the world, but in this case, it seems to be a way of preparing for the journey into the afterlife. The fact that this is done at nightfall also adds to the sense of solemnity, as if the speaker is acknowledging the darkness that is to come.

The next line, "As Children, caper or play," is a stark contrast to the previous one. It suggests a sense of innocence and playfulness, which seems out of place in a poem about death. However, this contrast serves to highlight the way in which we often try to ignore or avoid the reality of death. We distract ourselves with frivolous activities and try to forget about the inevitable end that awaits us all.

The poem then takes a darker turn, as Dickinson writes, "But, wearing out our innocence / We learn his ways of Sorrow." This suggests that as we grow older and become more aware of our mortality, we begin to understand the true weight of death. The use of the word "his" to describe sorrow is interesting, as it suggests that death is a malevolent force that we must learn to deal with. This is further emphasized by the next line, which reads, "And when the solemn hours return / And we are all alone."

This line is particularly powerful, as it suggests that no matter how much we try to distract ourselves from the reality of death, there will come a time when we are forced to confront it. The use of the word "solemn" once again emphasizes the seriousness of the situation, and the fact that we are "all alone" suggests that death is something we must face on our own.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most haunting of all. Dickinson writes, "We do not dress more oft / For respectability." This suggests that the sober dresses we wear when we die are not simply a matter of tradition or social convention, but rather a reflection of the gravity of the situation. The fact that we do not dress this way more often suggests that death is a unique and special occasion, one that demands a certain level of reverence and respect.

The poem ends with the line, "Than for a Difference between / The present, and the Here!" This suggests that the reason we wear sober dresses when we die is not simply to honor the dead, but also to acknowledge the difference between the present world and the afterlife. The use of the word "Here" suggests that the afterlife is a place that is separate and distinct from our current existence, and that death is a transition from one state of being to another.

In conclusion, "We wear our sober Dresses when we die" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of mortality and the way we prepare for death. Through her use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Emily Dickinson creates a haunting meditation on the finality of death and the way in which we must all confront it at some point in our lives. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's unique perspective and her ability to capture the essence of the human experience in her writing.

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