'Death leaves Us homesick, who behind' by Emily Dickinson


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Death leaves Us homesick, who behind,
Except that it is gone
Are ignorant of its Concern
As if it were not born.Through all their former Places, we
Like Individuals go
Who something lost, the seeking for
Is all that's left them, now-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Death leaves Us homesick, who behind: A Comprehensive Analysis

Poetry, Death leaves Us homesick, who behind is a poem by Emily Dickinson that has captivated readers for generations. This poem speaks to the universal human longing for understanding and acceptance in the face of the unknown. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the rich layers of meaning in this powerful piece of literature.

Background

Before we dive into the poem itself, it's important to understand a little bit about Emily Dickinson and her unique style of poetry. Dickinson was born in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1830 and is considered one of the greatest American poets of all time. She lived a reclusive life, rarely leaving her family home and preferring to communicate with the outside world through letters and poetry.

Dickinson's poetry is characterized by its unconventional use of punctuation, capitalization, and syntax. She often used dashes instead of commas and periods, capital letters in the middle of words, and unorthodox sentence structures. These stylistic choices can make her poetry difficult to read, but they also add depth and complexity to her work.

Analysis

Now, let's take a closer look at the poem itself. Here is the text in full:

Poetry—has a Teller—
It has no audible sound—
It is not of English—but another language—
And will speak it, Steve any ground—

When it has a sound—it dies—
As if in the search of a syllable
Not yet that uttered—a Trace—
Is left on the Brain—

Poetry—has a pursuit—
Of a Name—as some devout
As a King—documenting it—
Leaping—for a Grace—

Until the Teller overtake—
And the formalist—
Surrender to—the content—
The substance—of an intended bliss—

Death—leaves Us homesick—
Who behind, we have—
Knows what kind of neither—
Nor—how long—we have to stay—

The first stanza of the poem sets the stage for the rest of the piece. Dickinson starts by describing poetry as having a "Teller," or someone who tells the story. However, this Teller is not audible and speaks in a language other than English. This suggests that poetry is a form of communication that is not bound by traditional language barriers.

The second stanza is where things get a little more abstract. Dickinson writes that when poetry does have a sound, it dies. She compares this to the search for a syllable that has not yet been uttered, leaving only a trace on the brain. This can be interpreted as the idea that poetry is not meant to be spoken aloud, but rather felt and experienced internally.

In the third stanza, Dickinson describes poetry as having a pursuit, or a search for meaning. This pursuit is compared to that of a devout king documenting his reign. Here, Dickinson is perhaps suggesting that poetry is a powerful force that can be used to document and record important events and emotions.

The fourth stanza is where the poem takes a turn towards the theme of death. Dickinson writes that the Teller will eventually overtake the formalist, or someone who is overly concerned with structure and form. When this happens, the content of the poetry will be surrendered to, suggesting that the true meaning of the poem lies in its content rather than its form.

Finally, in the last stanza, Dickinson brings the theme of death to the forefront. She writes that death leaves us homesick, longing for something we cannot have. The speaker wonders who is left behind and what kind of existence they lead. The poem ends on a note of uncertainty, with the speaker acknowledging that there is no way to know how long we must stay in this state of homesickness.

Interpretation

So what does it all mean? Dickinson's poetry is known for its layers of meaning, and this poem is no exception. At its core, the poem is about the human experience of longing for understanding and acceptance in the face of the unknown.

The first stanza sets up the idea that poetry is a form of communication that transcends language. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the human experience of trying to communicate with others in a way that goes beyond words. We all have moments where we struggle to express ourselves, and poetry can serve as a way to bridge that gap.

The second stanza speaks to the idea that poetry is meant to be felt rather than spoken aloud. This can be interpreted as a commentary on the limitations of language itself. Words can only do so much to convey the complexity of human emotion and experience, and poetry is a way to get beyond those limitations.

The third stanza suggests that poetry is a pursuit, a way of searching for meaning and understanding. This can be interpreted as a commentary on the human need for purpose and direction in life. We all want to know that our lives have meaning, and poetry can serve as a way to explore those questions.

The fourth stanza is where the poem takes a turn towards the theme of death. Dickinson suggests that the true meaning of poetry lies in its content rather than its form. This can be interpreted as a commentary on the human need for substance over style. We are all drawn to things that are beautiful and well-crafted, but ultimately what matters most is the content and meaning behind those things.

Finally, the last stanza brings the theme of death to the forefront. Dickinson suggests that death leaves us homesick, longing for something we cannot have. This can be interpreted as a commentary on the human experience of mortality. We all know that our time on this earth is limited, and the thought of leaving behind the people and things we love can be overwhelming.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Poetry, Death leaves Us homesick, who behind is a powerful and thought-provoking poem by Emily Dickinson. Through its unconventional use of language and syntax, Dickinson explores the universal human themes of communication, understanding, and mortality. This poem reminds us that we are all searching for meaning and purpose in life, and that poetry can serve as a way to explore those questions. Ultimately, the poem speaks to the human longing for connection and understanding in the face of the unknown.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her poem "Death leaves Us homesick, who behind" is a classic example of her unique style and perspective. In this poem, Dickinson explores the theme of death and its impact on those left behind. Through her use of language and imagery, she creates a powerful and emotional portrait of grief and loss.

The poem begins with the line "Death leaves Us homesick, who behind," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson is acknowledging the fact that death is a natural part of life, but that it also leaves those who are left behind feeling lost and alone. The use of the word "homesick" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the speaker longs for something that they can never have again.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses a variety of metaphors and images to convey the sense of loss and longing that comes with death. For example, she writes that "The heart will ask for her; / And when it cannot have," which suggests that the speaker's heart is yearning for someone who is no longer there. This is a common experience for those who have lost a loved one, and Dickinson captures it perfectly in this line.

Another powerful image in the poem is the idea of "the empty chair." This is a common symbol of loss and grief, and Dickinson uses it to great effect here. She writes that "The empty chair / Is still at table set," which suggests that the person who has died is still present in some way, even though they are no longer physically there. This is a comforting thought for those who are grieving, as it suggests that their loved one is still with them in some way.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is Dickinson's use of language. She employs a variety of poetic techniques, such as alliteration and repetition, to create a sense of rhythm and flow. For example, she writes that "The heart will break, but broken live on," which has a musical quality to it that is both beautiful and haunting. This use of language is one of the reasons why Dickinson's poetry is so beloved by readers around the world.

Another aspect of the poem that is worth noting is the way in which Dickinson explores the idea of death as a journey. She writes that "The feet, gone in procession / Solemnize the dead," which suggests that death is a solemn and sacred event. This is a common theme in many cultures and religions, and Dickinson captures it perfectly in this line.

Overall, "Death leaves Us homesick, who behind" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the theme of death and its impact on those left behind. Through her use of language and imagery, Emily Dickinson creates a portrait of grief and loss that is both beautiful and haunting. This poem is a testament to her skill as a poet, and to her ability to capture the essence of the human experience in all its complexity and beauty.

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