'Those-dying then' by Emily Dickinson

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Those-dying then,
Knew where they went-
They went to God's Right Hand-
That Hand is amputated now
And God cannot be found-The abdication of Belief
Makes the Behavior small-
Better an ignis fatuus
Than no illume at all-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Interpretation and Criticism of "Those dying then" by Emily Dickinson

Oh, how exciting it is to delve into the world of Emily Dickinson's poetry! Her works are a treasure trove of hidden meanings, complex metaphors, and intricate symbolism. Today, we will be exploring one of her most haunting and enigmatic poems, "Those dying then." This poem, like many of Dickinson's works, deals with themes of death, mortality, and the afterlife. But what sets it apart is its unique perspective on these themes and the way it challenges traditional beliefs and assumptions.

Let's begin by reading the poem in its entirety:

Those dying then, Knew where they went — They went to God's Right Hand — That Hand is amputated now And God cannot be found —

The abdication of Belief Makes the Behavior small — Better an ignis fatuus Than no illume at all —

The dying need but little, Dear — A Glass of Water's all — A Flower's unobtrusive Face To punctuate the Grass —

Nor need they any Coffer — Their — Ashes — just suffice — Their Lamps — extinguished — just the Vestige Of the Brain — Bleaching — Peace —

At first glance, the poem seems to be straightforward. It describes the fate of those who have died, who are said to have gone to God's right hand. However, things quickly take a darker turn as we learn that God's hand has been amputated, and he cannot be found. This is a bold departure from traditional beliefs about the afterlife, which portray God as an all-seeing and omnipotent figure. Dickinson seems to be questioning this belief and suggesting that perhaps there is no higher power or divine plan.

But why would she make such a bold claim? As the poem goes on, we see that it is not just a rejection of religious dogma but a commentary on the human condition. The second stanza, in particular, is filled with poignant insights. Dickinson writes, "The abdication of Belief/Makes the Behavior small." This is a profound observation about the way our beliefs shape our actions. When we no longer believe in a higher power or a divine purpose, we can easily become disheartened and lose our sense of purpose. We become like "an ignis fatuus," a fleeting and illusory light that offers no real guidance or illumination.

However, the poem doesn't leave us without hope. Dickinson suggests that even in the face of death, the dying need only "little." A glass of water, a flower, or even just the sight of the grass can bring comfort and meaning. In this way, the poem reminds us of the beauty and simplicity of life and the power of small gestures to bring joy and peace.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most haunting. Dickinson writes, "Nor need they any Coffer —/Their — Ashes — just suffice —/Their Lamps — extinguished — just the Vestige/Of the Brain — Bleaching — Peace." Here, she seems to suggest that death is not an end but a form of release. We don't need coffins or elaborate rituals to commemorate our passing. Our ashes are enough, and the vestige of our brains is all that remains. The idea of our brains "bleaching" is both eerie and beautiful, a reminder that even in death, there is a sense of peace and renewal.

In conclusion, "Those dying then" is a poem that challenges our assumptions about death and the afterlife. It suggests that perhaps there is no divine plan or higher power and that our beliefs shape our behavior. However, it also offers hope in the form of small gestures and the beauty of life. Dickinson's poetry is an exploration of the human experience, and this poem is no exception. It is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the beauty that can be found even in the darkest moments.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her poem "Those-dying then" is a masterpiece of poetic expression. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in this poem to understand its deeper meaning.

The poem begins with the line "Those-dying then," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The word "dying" is a powerful one, and it immediately evokes feelings of sadness and loss. Dickinson is exploring the idea of death and what it means to those who are left behind.

The first stanza of the poem describes the scene of a dying person's last moments. Dickinson writes, "Their breaths were gathering firm / For that last onset, when the king / Be witnessed in the room." The use of the word "onset" is significant here because it suggests that death is not just a passive event but rather an active one. The dying person is preparing for their final battle, and the king, or death, is about to enter the room.

The second stanza of the poem explores the reactions of those who are watching the dying person. Dickinson writes, "I willed my keepsakes, signed away / What portion of me I / Could make assignable." This line suggests that the speaker is preparing for their own death and is willing their possessions away. The use of the word "assignable" is significant because it suggests that the speaker is aware that they cannot take their possessions with them when they die.

The third stanza of the poem explores the idea of what happens after death. Dickinson writes, "And then it was there interposed / A fly with blue, uncertain, stumbling buzz / Between the light and me." This line suggests that there is a barrier between life and death, and that even something as small as a fly can disrupt the transition from one state to the other.

The fourth stanza of the poem explores the idea of what happens to the soul after death. Dickinson writes, "And then the windows failed, and then / I could not see to see." This line suggests that the speaker's vision is failing, and they are unable to see what is happening around them. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the soul leaving the body and moving on to the afterlife.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem explores the idea of what happens to those who are left behind after someone dies. Dickinson writes, "As one that on a journey, / Alone, and far from home, / Puts up his fingers, while the dews, / Like comforts, fall, and home." This line suggests that those who are left behind after someone dies are like travelers who are far from home. They reach out for comfort, but all they find are the dews, which are like small comforts that cannot replace the home they have lost.

The imagery used in this poem is powerful and evocative. Dickinson uses the image of a fly to represent the barrier between life and death, and the image of a traveler to represent those who are left behind after someone dies. These images are both powerful and relatable, and they help to convey the emotions that are present in the poem.

The language used in this poem is also significant. Dickinson uses simple, straightforward language to convey complex emotions and ideas. The use of the word "onset" to describe death, for example, is a powerful choice that suggests that death is not just a passive event but rather an active one.

In conclusion, "Those-dying then" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of death and loss. Dickinson's use of imagery and language is masterful, and she is able to convey complex emotions and ideas with simple, straightforward language. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet and her ability to capture the essence of the human experience in her writing.

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