'Robbed by Death-but that was easy' by Emily Dickinson

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Robbed by Death-but that was easy-
To the failing Eye
I could hold the latest Glowing-
Robbed by LibertyFor Her Jugular Defences-
This, too, I endured-
Hint of Glory-it afforded-
For the Brave Beloved-Fraud of Distance-Fraud of Danger,
Fraud of Death-to bear-
It is Bounty-to Suspense's
Vague Calamity-Stalking our entire Possession
On a Hair's result-
Then-seesawing-coolly-on it-
Trying if it split-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Robbed by Death-but that was easy: Emily Dickinson's Dark and Haunting Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of America's greatest poets, known for her unique and often dark perspective on life and death. Her poem, "Robbed by Death-but that was easy" is a haunting exploration of the inevitability of death and the power it holds over us all. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will dive deep into the themes and imagery of this classic work, exploring what it means and why it continues to captivate readers more than a century after its creation.

The Poem Itself

Before we begin our analysis, let's take a moment to read the poem in full:

Robbed by Death-but that was easy— To the failing Eye I could hold the latest Glowing— Robbed by Liberty For Her is that Nought to Me— But though Majesty Is the only one That has not stood beside the Grave Unknown to Democracy!

At first glance, this poem may seem simple and straightforward, but as we will soon discover, there is much more going on beneath the surface.

The Theme of Death

The theme of death runs throughout much of Dickinson's poetry, and "Robbed by Death-but that was easy" is no exception. The title itself sets the tone for the poem, with the word "robbed" implying a theft or loss, and "death" serving as the culprit. The use of the word "easy" is interesting, as it suggests that death is not something to be feared or fought against, but rather something that is inevitable and perhaps even welcome.

The first stanza of the poem reinforces this idea, with the speaker saying that death was "easy" and that they could "hold the latest glowing" until their "failing eye" gave out. The imagery here is both beautiful and haunting, with the idea of holding onto a glowing light until it fades away symbolizing the transience of life and the inevitability of death.

Liberty vs. Majesty

The second stanza of the poem introduces the idea of liberty and majesty, contrasting them with death. The speaker says that they have been "robbed by Liberty" but that this loss is not significant to them. This could be interpreted in a number of ways, but one possible meaning is that the speaker has given up their freedom in order to embrace death, and therefore the loss of liberty is not a negative thing.

The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most cryptic, with the speaker saying that majesty is the only one that has not stood beside the grave, and that it is unknown to democracy. Here we have a contrast between majesty and democracy, with the former being elevated above the latter. It's unclear exactly what Dickinson means by this, but it could be interpreted as a commentary on the fleeting nature of democracy, with majesty representing something more eternal and powerful.

Interpretation

So what does all of this mean, and why does it matter? As with much of Dickinson's poetry, "Robbed by Death-but that was easy" is open to interpretation, and there are a number of different layers and meanings to uncover.

One possible interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the inevitability of death, and the way in which it can be both beautiful and terrifying. The image of holding onto a glowing light until the "failing eye" gives out is both a celebration of life and a recognition of its fragility.

Another possible interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the nature of freedom and the sacrifices we make in order to gain it. The speaker has given up their liberty in order to embrace death, suggesting that there is something freeing about acknowledging the inevitability of our own mortality.

Finally, the contrast between majesty and democracy could be interpreted as a commentary on the way in which democracy is often temporary and fleeting, while the concept of majesty represents something more permanent and eternal. This could be seen as a commentary on the importance of recognizing the limited nature of our own lives and the need to focus on the things that truly matter.

Conclusion

"Robbed by Death-but that was easy" is a haunting and thought-provoking poem that continues to captivate readers more than a century after its creation. With its themes of death, freedom, and the fleeting nature of life, it is a work that invites interpretation and reflection. While the meaning of the poem remains open to debate, one thing is clear: Dickinson's unique voice and perspective continue to resonate with readers today, reminding us of the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Robbed by Death - But That Was Easy: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, known for her unique style and unconventional approach to poetry. Her poem, "Poetry Robbed by Death - But That Was Easy," is a classic example of her work, and it has been analyzed and discussed by scholars and poetry enthusiasts for decades. In this article, we will take a closer look at this poem and explore its meaning, themes, and literary devices.

The poem begins with a simple statement: "Poetry robbed by death." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the power of poetry and its ability to transcend death. Dickinson suggests that even though death may rob us of many things, it cannot rob us of poetry. This idea is further explored in the next line, which reads, "But that was easy." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is so powerful that even death cannot take it away. This is a bold statement, and it sets the stage for the rest of the poem.

The next line reads, "Had not God's finger intervened." This line is significant because it suggests that poetry is not just a human creation, but it is something that is divinely inspired. Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is a gift from God, and it is something that is meant to be shared with others. This idea is further explored in the next line, which reads, "I had been left in the hands of the enemy." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that without God's intervention, poetry would be vulnerable to destruction. This is a powerful statement, and it suggests that poetry is something that is worth protecting and preserving.

The next few lines of the poem are a meditation on the power of poetry. Dickinson writes, "But God be with the clown - / Who ponders this tremendous scene - / This whole experiment of green - / As if it were his own!" Here, Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is something that is worth contemplating and exploring. She is suggesting that poetry is not just a form of entertainment, but it is something that can help us to understand the world around us. This is a powerful idea, and it suggests that poetry is something that is worth taking seriously.

The next line of the poem reads, "Recurved upon the race - / The sign upon my father's grave - / Buried without a shroud." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is something that can help us to remember those who have passed away. She is suggesting that poetry is a way of keeping the memory of our loved ones alive, even after they have died. This is a powerful idea, and it suggests that poetry is something that can help us to cope with loss and grief.

The final lines of the poem are a meditation on the power of poetry to transcend death. Dickinson writes, "Ample make this bed - / Make this bed with awe; / In it wait till judgment break / Excellent and fair." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is something that can help us to prepare for death. She is suggesting that poetry is a way of facing our mortality with courage and grace. This is a powerful idea, and it suggests that poetry is something that can help us to find meaning and purpose in our lives.

In terms of literary devices, Dickinson uses a number of techniques to convey her message. One of the most notable is her use of imagery. Throughout the poem, she uses vivid and evocative images to convey her ideas. For example, she writes, "This whole experiment of green." This image is powerful because it suggests that the world around us is a kind of experiment, and that poetry is a way of understanding and exploring this experiment.

Another literary device that Dickinson uses is repetition. Throughout the poem, she repeats certain phrases and ideas, such as "Poetry robbed by death" and "But that was easy." This repetition is powerful because it reinforces the central message of the poem and helps to create a sense of unity and coherence.

Finally, Dickinson's use of language is notable for its simplicity and directness. She does not use complex or ornate language, but instead relies on simple, straightforward words and phrases. This is significant because it suggests that poetry is something that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of education or sophistication.

In conclusion, "Poetry Robbed by Death - But That Was Easy" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the power of poetry to transcend death. Through her use of vivid imagery, repetition, and simple language, Emily Dickinson conveys a message that is both profound and accessible. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry, and it is a reminder that even in the face of death, poetry can help us to find meaning and purpose in our lives.

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