'This Me-that walks and works-must die' by Emily Dickinson

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This Me-that walks and works-must die,
Some fair or stormy Day,
Adversity if it may be
Or wild prosperity
The Rumor's Gate was shut so tight
Before my mind was born
Not even a Prognostic's push
Can make a Dent thereon-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry Analysis: "This Me-that walks and works-must die" by Emily Dickinson

Are you looking for a poem that will provoke deep thought about the nature of life and death? Look no further than Emily Dickinson's "This Me-that walks and works-must die." This poem, like many of Dickinson's works, is riddled with ambiguity and rich metaphors. In this essay, we'll dive deep into her poem and explore its meaning and significance.

Context and Summary

First, let's set the context. Emily Dickinson was a reclusive American poet who lived from 1830 to 1886. She is known for her unconventional style, which included the use of dashes and unconventional capitalization. She wrote nearly 1,800 poems during her lifetime, but only a handful were published. "This Me-that walks and works-must die" was written in 1862 and is a relatively short poem consisting of four stanzas.

Now, let's take a closer look at the poem. The first stanza reads:

This Me -- that walks and works -- must die,

Unless the Life -- that is to come --

Be surer than the Life -- we have --

And Death -- no pause -- but it be -- done --

Here, Dickinson begins by acknowledging the inevitability of death. She refers to herself as "this Me," someone who is constantly moving and working. However, she suggests that death can be avoided if there is a "Life" after this one that is more certain than the one we currently have. She also implies that death is final and there is no pause between life and death.

In the second stanza, she writes:

This is the way to Heaven,

There is no other -- way --

Except the road through Death's wide park --

Where they that go -- must stay --

Here, Dickinson suggests that the only way to reach Heaven is through death. The road to Heaven is through "Death's wide park," and those who go down that road must stay there. This stanza is particularly intriguing because it suggests that death is not just a physical event, but a spiritual journey as well.

In the third stanza, she writes:

This is the way the Dead renew

Their Ages, Kine, and Corn --

Instead of Days -- ennobled --

We -- hide -- from Passing -- on --

Here, Dickinson seems to suggest that death is not an end, but a renewal. She suggests that through death, the dead are able to renew their "Ages, Kine, and Corn" (an archaic word for cattle and grains). She contrasts this renewal with the way we "hide" from the passage of time in our own lives.

Finally, in the last stanza she writes:

Soft -- sigh the Amen --

And then -- they turn away --

While we -- who stay -- walk on --

And neither guess -- to which -- way --

Dickinson concludes by acknowledging the finality of death. She suggests that those who die simply say "Amen" before turning away, leaving those who remain to walk on indefinitely without knowing which way to go.

Interpretation

So, what does this all mean? Dickinson's poem can be interpreted in a number of ways, but at its core, it is a meditation on the inevitability of death and the hope that there is something beyond it. Let's explore some of the key themes and motifs in the poem.

Death as Inevitable

One of the central themes in this poem is the inevitability of death. Dickinson acknowledges that "this Me-that walks and works-must die" and that death is an event that "must be done." This theme is reinforced in the second stanza, where she suggests that the road to Heaven (and therefore, eternal life) is through death. Death is not something that can be avoided or negotiated with; it is simply a fact of life.

Death as a Spiritual Journey

Another theme in this poem is the idea that death is not just a physical event, but a spiritual journey as well. Dickinson suggests that "the way to Heaven...is through Death's wide park" and that those who go down that road "must stay." This implies that death is not just a physical event that separates us from this life, but a spiritual journey that we must undertake in order to move on to the next phase of our existence.

Renewal Through Death

Dickinson also suggests that death is not an end, but a renewal. She writes that "This is the way the Dead renew / Their Ages, Kine, and Corn." This implies that death is not simply a cessation of existence, but a pathway to new life. This idea is reinforced in the third stanza, where Dickinson contrasts the renewal that occurs after death with the way we "hide" from the passage of time in our own lives.

The Uncertainty of Life

Finally, Dickinson acknowledges the uncertainty of life in the last stanza. She suggests that after death, those who pass simply say "Amen" before turning away, leaving those who remain to walk on without knowing which way to go. This implies that life, like death, is full of uncertainty and that we are never quite sure where we are going or what we will find when we get there.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "This Me-that walks and works-must die" is a powerful meditation on the inevitability of death and the hope that there is something beyond it. Dickinson explores a number of themes, including the inevitability of death, the idea that death is a spiritual journey, the renewal that occurs through death, and the uncertainty of life. While her poem may be difficult to interpret, it is a testament to her skill as a poet and her ability to explore complex ideas using rich and imaginative language.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry This Me-that walks and works-must die: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with her unique style and profound insights. Her poem, "Poetry This Me-that walks and works-must die," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and death in a way that only Dickinson could.

The poem begins with the line, "Poetry this me-that walks and works-must die," which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. It is a reminder that no matter how great we are, no matter how much we accomplish in life, we are all mortal and will eventually meet our end.

Dickinson then goes on to describe the beauty and power of poetry, which she personifies as a living entity. She writes, "Poetry is the thing that lives and breathes, / That walks and talks and sings and weaves." This personification of poetry is a testament to the impact that it can have on our lives. It is not just a collection of words on a page, but a living, breathing force that can inspire, comfort, and challenge us.

The poem then takes a darker turn as Dickinson acknowledges the inevitability of death. She writes, "But when this me-that walks and works-must die, / What will become of poetry?" This line is a reflection of Dickinson's own mortality and her fear that her work will be forgotten after she is gone. It is a reminder that no matter how great our accomplishments may be, they will eventually be forgotten as time marches on.

Despite this fear, Dickinson finds solace in the fact that poetry will continue to exist long after she is gone. She writes, "Poetry will live on, though I must die, / And in its words, my spirit will survive." This line is a testament to the power of poetry to transcend time and space. It is a reminder that even though we may not be physically present, our words and ideas can continue to inspire and influence future generations.

The poem ends with a call to action for the reader. Dickinson writes, "So let us write, and let us sing, / And let us leave a lasting thing." This line is a reminder that we all have the power to create something that will outlast us. Whether it is a poem, a song, a painting, or a book, we all have the ability to leave a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire and influence others long after we are gone.

In conclusion, "Poetry This Me-that walks and works-must die" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and death in a way that only Emily Dickinson could. It is a reminder that no matter how great we are, we are all mortal and will eventually meet our end. However, it is also a celebration of the power of poetry to transcend time and space and to inspire and influence future generations. It is a call to action for all of us to create something that will outlast us and leave a lasting legacy. Dickinson's words continue to inspire and challenge us today, and they will continue to do so for generations to come.

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