'Remembrance has a Rear and Front-' by Emily Dickinson

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Remembrance has a Rear and Front-
'Tis something like a House-
It has a Garret also
For Refuse and the Mouse.Besides the deepest Cellar
That ever Mason laid-
Look to it by its Fathoms
Ourselves be not pursued-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Remembrance Has a Rear and Front: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Emily Dickinson, a poet of the Romantic era, is known for her unique writing style and unconventional use of language. Her poem, "Remembrance Has a Rear and Front," is a prime example of this. Through its complex imagery and intricate structure, the poem explores the nature of memory and the human experience of loss. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the poem and analyze its themes, literary devices, and overall meaning.

Overview of the Poem

"Remembrance Has a Rear and Front" is a short poem, consisting of only six lines. Despite its brevity, the poem is dense with meaning and symbolism. The poem begins with the line, "Remembrance has a Rear and Front-" which sets the stage for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "remembrance" immediately signals the poem's focus on memory and the past.

The second line, " 'Tis something like a House too large" introduces a metaphor that will be used throughout the poem. The comparison of memory to a house is an interesting one, as it conjures up images of rooms, hallways, and hidden corners. This metaphor also suggests that memory, like a house, can be both comforting and overwhelming.

The third and fourth lines, "For any Nightingale's complaint/ Or Morning Dove's delight," introduce the idea that memory can be triggered by both positive and negative experiences. The mention of the Nightingale and Morning Dove also adds to the poem's naturalistic imagery.

The fifth line, "But Memory's good as Landscape is-" further develops the metaphor of memory as a physical place. The use of the word "landscape" implies that memory is not just a collection of images and thoughts, but a vast and varied terrain.

Finally, the poem ends with the line, "Or aught save Infirmity?" which asks a rhetorical question about the nature of memory. The use of the word "infirmity" suggests that memory is not always reliable or accurate.

Themes

One of the main themes of "Remembrance Has a Rear and Front" is the nature of memory. The poem portrays memory as a complex and multifaceted concept, one that can be both beautiful and painful. The metaphor of memory as a house emphasizes the idea that memory is both comforting and overwhelming. Just as a house can be a refuge, it can also be a source of stress and anxiety.

Another theme of the poem is the relationship between memory and the natural world. The Nightingale and Morning Dove are both birds that are traditionally associated with beauty and happiness. However, the fact that their songs can trigger memories suggests that memory is not always tied to positive experiences. The use of natural imagery also emphasizes the idea that memory is a fundamental part of the human experience.

Finally, "Remembrance Has a Rear and Front" also touches on the idea of the fallibility of memory. The use of the word "infirmity" suggests that memory is not always reliable or accurate. This theme is particularly interesting, as it suggests that memory is not just a passive recording of past experiences, but a dynamic and ever-changing process.

Literary Devices

One of the most striking literary devices used in "Remembrance Has a Rear and Front" is the extended metaphor of memory as a house. This metaphor is particularly effective, as it allows the poem to explore the multifaceted nature of memory in a concrete and relatable way.

The use of natural imagery, particularly the Nightingale and Morning Dove, is another literary device used in the poem. This imagery not only adds to the poem's overall beauty, but also emphasizes the connection between memory and the natural world.

Finally, the use of rhetorical questions, particularly at the end of the poem, is also an important literary device. These questions force the reader to think about the poem's themes and ideas and engage with the text on a deeper level.

Interpretation

On a surface level, "Remembrance Has a Rear and Front" is a poem about memory and the human experience of loss. However, through its complex use of metaphor and symbolism, the poem also touches on deeper themes of human emotion and the struggle to reconcile ourselves with the past.

The metaphor of memory as a house is particularly effective, as it allows the poem to explore the many different facets of memory in a concrete and relatable way. The idea that memory can be both comforting and overwhelming is something that many readers can relate to, and the use of natural imagery adds to the poem's overall beauty and emotional resonance.

One of the most interesting aspects of "Remembrance Has a Rear and Front" is its exploration of the fallibility of memory. The fact that memory is not always reliable or accurate suggests that memory is not just a passive recording of past experiences, but a dynamic and ever-changing process. This idea is particularly relevant in the context of the poem, as it suggests that memory is not something that can be easily controlled or understood.

Overall, "Remembrance Has a Rear and Front" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores the many different facets of memory and the human experience of loss. Through its intricate use of metaphor and symbolism, the poem touches on deeper themes of human emotion and the struggle to reconcile ourselves with the past.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Remembrance has a Rear and Front: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, has left behind a legacy of poems that continue to inspire and captivate readers. Her works are known for their unconventional style, vivid imagery, and profound insights into the human condition. One such poem that stands out is "Poetry Remembrance has a Rear and Front," a masterpiece that explores the nature of memory and its relationship with poetry.

At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple reflection on the act of remembering poetry. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that Dickinson is delving into much deeper themes. The poem is divided into two stanzas, each with its own distinct message.

The first stanza begins with the line, "Poetry remembrance has a rear and front." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Dickinson introduces the idea that memory is not a linear process. Instead, it has both a "rear" and a "front," suggesting that memories can be accessed from different angles and perspectives.

The second line of the stanza, " 'Tis like a riddle of the night," further emphasizes this point. Dickinson is comparing memory to a riddle, suggesting that it is not always clear or straightforward. Memories can be elusive and difficult to grasp, much like a riddle that requires careful thought and consideration to solve.

The third line of the stanza, "And peradventure, in the dark," introduces the idea that memories can be accessed in unexpected ways. The word "peradventure" means "perhaps," suggesting that memories can be accessed by chance or accident. This line also introduces the idea of darkness, which is a recurring motif throughout the poem.

The fourth line of the stanza, "A face may look back at us," is where the poem takes a turn. Dickinson is suggesting that memories are not just abstract concepts, but they can take on a physical form. The "face" that looks back at us could be a person, a place, or even a poem. This line also introduces the idea of reflection, as the face is looking back at us.

The fifth and final line of the stanza, "And we must look at it to see," is a call to action. Dickinson is suggesting that in order to access our memories, we must actively seek them out. We cannot simply wait for them to come to us; we must actively engage with them.

The second stanza of the poem builds on the themes introduced in the first stanza. It begins with the line, "The front and rear of memory." This line echoes the first line of the first stanza, suggesting that memory is a cyclical process.

The second line of the stanza, "Are not unlike today," introduces the idea that memory is not just a reflection of the past, but it is also a part of the present. Our memories shape who we are today, and they continue to influence us in the present.

The third line of the stanza, "Devoid of temporal fray," suggests that memories exist outside of time. They are not bound by the constraints of the present or the past, but they exist in a timeless realm.

The fourth line of the stanza, "Nor forward, like the dawn," introduces the idea that memories do not necessarily have a linear progression. They do not always move forward like the dawn, but they can be accessed from different angles and perspectives.

The fifth and final line of the stanza, "The night fulfills itself," is a powerful conclusion to the poem. Dickinson is suggesting that memory is a part of the natural order of things, much like the night. It fulfills itself, and it is an essential part of our existence.

Overall, "Poetry Remembrance has a Rear and Front" is a masterful exploration of memory and its relationship with poetry. Dickinson's use of vivid imagery and unconventional language creates a powerful and thought-provoking poem that continues to resonate with readers today. The poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet and her ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in her work.

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