'The Work of Her that went' by Emily Dickinson

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The Work of Her that went,
The Toil of Fellows done-
In Ovens green our Mother bakes,
By Fires of the Sun.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Unmatched Genius of Emily Dickinson Showcased in "The Work of Her that Went"

Emily Dickinson was a literary mastermind whose contribution to poetry has been unmatched till this day. Her works are a reflection of her profound understanding of life and the world around her. One of her most notable poems is "The Work of Her that Went," which has been a subject of critical analysis and interpretation for many years.

At its core, the poem is a commentary on the inevitable cycle of life and death. However, it is the depth of Dickinson's insight that makes it a masterpiece that still resonates with readers today. Her use of language is both simple and complex, creating a tapestry of meaning that can be interpreted on multiple levels.

Structure and Form

The poem is structured in six stanzas, each consisting of four lines, with an ABAB rhyme scheme. The simplicity of the structure is a reflection of Dickinson's style, which often eschewed traditional forms of poetry. However, the concise structure belies the complexity of the poem's meaning.

The use of rhyme is deliberate and adds to the poem's musicality. Each line is carefully crafted to create a sense of harmony that draws the reader in. The use of enjambment in the first stanza, where the first and second lines flow seamlessly into each other, sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

Interpretation

At its most basic level, the poem is a meditation on the inevitability of death. The title of the poem refers to the work of a woman who has passed away, and the poem itself is a tribute to her life. The opening stanza sets the stage for the rest of the poem, with Dickinson describing the woman's life as a "labor" that has been completed.

The second stanza introduces the idea of the woman's legacy. Dickinson writes that "Her legacy remains," which suggests that even though the woman is no longer alive, she has left an indelible mark on the world. The third stanza continues this idea, with the poet describing the woman's life as a "seed" that has been planted. The use of the metaphor is a powerful one, as it suggests that even though the woman is gone, her life will continue to bear fruit in the future.

The fourth stanza is the turning point of the poem. Dickinson writes, "Her own shall bless her." This line suggests that the woman's life was one of goodness and kindness, and that even in death, she will be remembered fondly. The fifth stanza continues this idea, with the poet stating that "Her departed dust shall bless." This is a reference to the biblical phrase "ashes to ashes, dust to dust," which highlights the inevitability of death.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle. Dickinson writes that the woman's life was like a "sunset," which suggests that even though her life has ended, it was a beautiful and peaceful one. The final line, "Time's ballast proved," is a reference to the idea that time is a stabilizing force in life. It suggests that even though the woman is gone, her memory will be a source of comfort and stability for those who knew her.

Themes

The most obvious theme of the poem is the inevitability of death. Dickinson's use of language and metaphor highlights the idea that life is a cycle, and that death is an integral part of that cycle. However, the poem also touches on themes of legacy and memory. The woman in the poem may be gone, but her legacy and memory live on.

Another theme of the poem is the idea of goodness and kindness. The woman's life is described as one of "blessings," suggesting that she was a source of goodness for those around her. This theme is a common one in Dickinson's work, as she often wrote about the importance of kindness and empathy.

Conclusion

"The Work of Her that Went" is a masterpiece of poetry, showcasing Emily Dickinson's unmatched genius. Her use of language and metaphor creates a tapestry of meaning that can be interpreted on multiple levels. The poem is a meditation on the inevitability of death, but it is also a tribute to the woman whose life is being celebrated. It is a reminder that even though life is fleeting, our legacy and memory can live on.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her work continues to captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems is "The Work of Her that went," which is a powerful exploration of the nature of life and death. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at this poem and explore its themes, imagery, and language.

The poem begins with the line, "The Work of Her that went," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "work" suggests that the subject of the poem is someone who was active and productive in life, and the use of the past tense indicates that this person has passed away. The poem then goes on to describe the various aspects of this person's life, from their physical appearance to their personality traits.

One of the most striking things about this poem is its use of imagery. Dickinson uses vivid, sensory language to paint a picture of the person she is describing. For example, she writes, "The feet, mechanical, go round / Of ground, or air, or ought," which creates a sense of movement and energy. The use of the word "mechanical" suggests that this person was always on the move, always doing something.

Another powerful image in the poem is the line, "The feet, mechanical, go round / A wooden way / Of ground, or air, or ought." This image of the feet going around a wooden way creates a sense of inevitability, as if the person was always moving forward, always going somewhere. The use of the word "wooden" also suggests a sense of solidity and permanence, as if this person's life was firmly rooted in the earth.

The poem also explores the theme of death and the afterlife. Dickinson writes, "The feet, mechanical, go round / With their stiff, mechanical way / Of dust, or air, or ought," which suggests that even after death, this person's spirit continues to move forward. The use of the word "stiff" suggests a sense of rigidity and inflexibility, as if the person's spirit is trapped in a certain way of being.

The poem then goes on to describe the person's personality traits, such as their "quiet eyes" and "patient smile." These descriptions create a sense of warmth and humanity, as if the person was someone who was easy to be around and who had a calming presence.

Overall, "The Work of Her that went" is a powerful exploration of the nature of life and death. Through its use of vivid imagery and sensory language, the poem creates a sense of movement and energy, while also exploring the themes of death and the afterlife. Dickinson's ability to capture the essence of a person's life in just a few lines is truly remarkable, and this poem is a testament to her skill as a poet.

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