'Absence disembodies-so does Death' by Emily Dickinson
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Absence disembodies-so does Death
Hiding individuals from the Earth
Superposition helps, as well as love-
Tenderness decreases as we prove-
Editor 1 Interpretation
Absence disembodies-so does Death: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Poetry
When it comes to poetry, few names stand out like Emily Dickinson's. With her unique style, enigmatic themes, and a penchant for breaking conventions, Dickinson's works remain relevant, thought-provoking, and inspiring to this day. One of her most striking poems is "Absence disembodies-so does Death." In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore this classic piece of poetry and uncover the deeper meanings and implications hidden within.
The Poem: "Absence disembodies-so does Death"
Before we dive into the analysis, let's take a look at the poem in its entirety:
Absence disembodies-so does Death Hiding individuals from the Earth Superfluous life, dies on the breast Of the Mother-of-Life, the Grave hath breath.
What is termed Birth, is but a beginning In what is termed Death, is merely a goal They are but words, when rightly said A thought of the Mind, a verbal breath.
Emily Dickinson was known for her concise and often cryptic poetry, and "Absence disembodies-so does Death" is no exception. At first glance, the poem seems to be a meditation on the nature of life and death. But what exactly is Dickinson trying to say? Let's break down the poem line by line and explore each verse's meaning.
Line-by-Line Analysis
Line 1: Absence disembodies-so does Death
The first line of the poem is short but powerful. Dickinson is making a clear connection between absence and death. Both of these concepts strip away the physical form, leaving only an intangible presence behind. This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, hinting at the deeper themes of separation, loss, and transcendence.
Line 2: Hiding individuals from the Earth
In this line, Dickinson is suggesting that absence and death have the same effect: they remove individuals from the physical world. It's worth noting that Dickinson doesn't say "removes individuals from life" but rather "from the Earth." This wording suggests that there may be something beyond the physical realm that we are unable to perceive.
Line 3: Superfluous life, dies on the breast
This verse is perhaps the most enigmatic in the poem. "Superfluous life" could be interpreted in a few different ways. It could mean life that is unnecessary or excessive, or it could mean life that is not essential. In either case, this life "dies on the breast" of the "Mother-of-Life," which is most likely a reference to the earth or nature. This line could be interpreted as a comment on the fragility and transience of life.
Line 4: Of the Mother-of-Life, the Grave hath breath.
In this line, Dickinson is continuing the metaphor of the earth as the Mother-of-Life. The "grave" is given breath, suggesting that death is not the end but rather a continuation of existence. This line also hints at the cyclical nature of life and death.
Line 5: What is termed Birth, is but a beginning
This verse is a clear statement of Dickinson's philosophy on life and death. Birth is not an endpoint but rather a starting point. We are born into the world and begin our journey through life, but that journey doesn't end with death.
Line 6: In what is termed Death, is merely a goal
Similarly, death is not the end but rather a goal. This line suggests that death is an inevitable part of life and should be embraced rather than feared. It's worth noting that Dickinson uses the word "goal" rather than "end," implying that death is just one step in a larger journey.
Line 7: They are but words, when rightly said
This line is perhaps the most cryptic in the poem. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that words are inadequate to describe the true nature of life and death. It's only when the words are "rightly said" that they can convey their true meaning.
Line 8: A thought of the Mind, a verbal breath
The final line of the poem ties together all of the themes and ideas that Dickinson has explored. Life, death, birth, and absence are all "a thought of the Mind," suggesting that they are concepts that exist beyond the physical world. They are also "a verbal breath," implying that they are fleeting and insubstantial.
Themes and Interpretations
So, what are the deeper meanings and implications of "Absence disembodies-so does Death"? Here are a few possible interpretations and themes to consider:
The Transience of Life
One of the most obvious themes of the poem is the transience of life. Dickinson suggests that life is fleeting and insubstantial, and that death is an inevitable part of the journey. This theme is echoed in many of her other works, including "Because I could not stop for Death," in which she personifies death as a gentleman who takes her on a carriage ride through life's stages.
The Cyclical Nature of Life and Death
Dickinson also hints at the cyclical nature of life and death. The "Mother-of-Life" gives birth to individuals, who then return to the earth in death. This cycle suggests that death is not an endpoint but rather a continuation of existence in another form.
The Limits of Language
Throughout the poem, Dickinson suggests that words are inadequate to describe the true nature of life and death. This theme is common in her works, as she often used unconventional syntax and punctuation to convey complex ideas. In "Absence disembodies-so does Death," she suggests that words are only effective when they are "rightly said," implying that there is a deeper meaning that exists beyond language.
The Spiritual Realm
Finally, Dickinson hints at the existence of a spiritual realm beyond the physical world. Words like "absence" and "disembodies" suggest that there is something beyond the physical realm that we are unable to perceive. This theme is echoed in many of her other works, including "There's a certain Slant of light," in which she describes a spiritual presence that can be felt but not seen.
Conclusion
"Absence disembodies-so does Death" is a powerful and enigmatic work of poetry that continues to inspire and provoke thought to this day. By examining each line of the poem and exploring the deeper themes and interpretations, we can gain a better understanding of Dickinson's unique style and philosophy. Whether you interpret the poem as a meditation on the transience of life, the cyclical nature of existence, or the limits of language, one thing is clear: Dickinson's works remain relevant, thought-provoking, and inspiring over a century after her death.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson’s poem “Absence disembodies-so does Death” is a classic piece of poetry that explores the theme of absence and death. The poem is a reflection on the nature of death and how it affects those who are left behind. Dickinson’s use of language and imagery is powerful and evocative, and the poem is a testament to her skill as a poet.
The poem begins with the line “Absence disembodies-so does Death,” which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word “disembodies” is particularly striking, as it suggests that absence and death are both capable of separating the body from the soul. This idea is further reinforced in the second line, which reads “Presence disembodies- so does Life.” Here, Dickinson is suggesting that life and presence are also capable of separating the body from the soul, but in a different way.
The poem goes on to explore the idea of absence and how it affects those who are left behind. Dickinson writes, “The flesh surrendered, cancelled, / The bodiless begun.” Here, she is suggesting that when someone dies, their physical body is surrendered and cancelled, but their soul lives on in a bodiless form. This idea is further reinforced in the lines “Two Worlds- like audiences- disperse- / And leave the Soul alone.” Here, Dickinson is suggesting that when someone dies, they are separated from the physical world and left alone in a spiritual realm.
The poem then takes a turn, as Dickinson begins to explore the idea of memory and how it can help to ease the pain of absence and death. She writes, “Memory- the Warder- / That Broke the Vase of Life- / And let the Windings go- / That held the Dust together- / The Vase of Life- its Flowers- / By softened degrees- / Subsiding into Clay-.” Here, Dickinson is suggesting that memory is like a warder, or a guardian, that helps to preserve the memories of the person who has died. She is also suggesting that memory can help to ease the pain of loss by allowing us to remember the person who has died and the memories we shared with them.
The poem ends with the lines “But Love is just as strong as Death- / As hard to tell apart- / Love and Death- each feels a solitude / At Deity’s own heart.” Here, Dickinson is suggesting that love is just as powerful as death, and that it is difficult to tell the two apart. She is also suggesting that both love and death are capable of creating a sense of solitude, or separation, at the heart of the divine.
Overall, “Absence disembodies-so does Death” is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of absence and death. Dickinson’s use of language and imagery is masterful, and the poem is a testament to her skill as a poet. The poem is a reflection on the nature of death and how it affects those who are left behind, and it offers a powerful message of hope and comfort in the face of loss.
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