'If He were living-dare I ask' by Emily Dickinson
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If He were living-dare I ask-
And how if He be dead-
And so around the Words I went-
Of meeting them-afraid-I hinted Changes-Lapse of Time-
The Surfaces of Years-
I touched with Caution-lest they crack-
And show me to my fears-Reverted to adjoining Lives-
Adroitly turning out
Wherever I suspected Graves-
'Twas prudenter-I thought-And He-I pushed-with sudden force-
In face of the Suspense-
"Was buried"-"Buried"! "He!"
My Life just holds the Trench-
Editor 1 Interpretation
"If He were living-dare I ask" by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson was an American poet who lived in the 19th century, and her work continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day. Her unique style of writing, which often employs cryptic and enigmatic language, has been the subject of much interpretation and speculation. In this essay, I will be examining and analyzing one of Dickinson's most famous poems, "If He were living-dare I ask".
Poem Analysis
Firstly, let's take a look at the poem itself. The poem is only four lines long, but it packs a powerful punch. Here is the poem in its entirety:
If He were living-dare I ask-
And how if He should be-
By some sweet chance-flown in a flask,
And I should die-there He-
At first glance, the poem seems to be about a person wondering if someone they knew who had passed away is still alive, and what would happen if they were to miraculously come back. However, as with most of Dickinson's work, there is much more going on beneath the surface.
The first line, "If He were living-dare I ask-" sets up the main theme of the poem. The speaker is questioning whether or not the person they are thinking of is still alive. However, the use of the word "dare" implies that there is some fear or apprehension in asking this question. This fear is likely rooted in the fact that the person they are thinking of is no longer alive.
The second line, "And how if He should be-" continues to build on this theme of questioning. The speaker is imagining what it would be like if the person they are thinking of were to miraculously come back to life. The use of the word "how" suggests that the speaker is unsure of how this would even be possible.
The third line, "By some sweet chance-flown in a flask," is where the poem takes a turn. The image of someone being "flown in a flask" is a strange and confusing one. It is not clear what this means, but it could be interpreted as the person being preserved in some way. The use of the word "sweet" is also interesting, as it implies that there is something positive or hopeful about this idea.
The final line, "And I should die-there He-" is perhaps the most cryptic and enigmatic of all. It is not clear who the speaker is referring to when they say "I". It is possible that they are referring to themselves, and that they are imagining a scenario in which they die and are reunited with the person they are thinking of. Alternatively, they could be referring to the person they are thinking of, and imagining a scenario in which that person comes back to life and the speaker dies. The use of the word "there" also adds to the ambiguity of the line.
Interpretation
So, what does all of this mean? As with most of Dickinson's work, there is no one definitive interpretation. However, there are a few themes and ideas that can be gleaned from the poem.
One possible interpretation is that the poem is about the speaker's fear of death and their desire for some kind of afterlife. The speaker is imagining a scenario in which they are reunited with someone they have lost, either through resurrection or through their own death. This interpretation is supported by the use of the word "sweet" in the third line, which suggests that there is something positive or hopeful about the idea of being reunited with a loved one.
Another possible interpretation is that the poem is about the speaker's uncertainty and indecision. The use of the word "dare" in the first line suggests that the speaker is hesitant to ask the question of whether or not the person they are thinking of is still alive. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the speaker's general uncertainty in life.
A third possible interpretation is that the poem is about the power of imagination. The speaker is imagining a scenario in which the person they are thinking of comes back to life. This could be seen as a way of coping with grief or loss, as the speaker is able to imagine a positive outcome even in the face of death.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "If He were living-dare I ask" is a powerful and enigmatic poem by Emily Dickinson. While there is no one definitive interpretation, the poem can be read as a meditation on death, uncertainty, and the power of imagination. The use of cryptic language and ambiguous imagery adds to the mystery and intrigue of the poem, and makes it a fascinating work of literature to study and interpret.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
If He were living-dare I ask, is a classic poem written by the renowned American poet, Emily Dickinson. This poem is a reflection of the poet's deep longing for a loved one who has passed away. The poem is a beautiful expression of grief, love, and hope, and it has touched the hearts of many readers over the years.
The poem begins with the line, "If He were living-dare I ask," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The poet is hesitant to even ask the question, as if she is afraid of the answer. This line also suggests that the poet is questioning the existence of an afterlife, and whether or not her loved one is still alive in some way.
The second line of the poem, "And how if He be dead," confirms the poet's fears and doubts. She is grappling with the reality of her loved one's death, and the pain and sadness that comes with it. The use of the word "dead" is stark and final, emphasizing the finality of death and the loss that the poet is experiencing.
The third line of the poem, "We know not of his sojourn," adds to the sense of uncertainty and mystery surrounding the loved one's death. The word "sojourn" suggests a temporary stay or journey, which could be interpreted as a reference to the afterlife. The poet is acknowledging that she does not know what happens after death, and this uncertainty is adding to her grief.
The fourth line of the poem, "But if he went to heaven," introduces the idea of an afterlife and the possibility that the loved one is in a better place. The word "heaven" is a common reference to the afterlife in many religions, and the poet is using it to suggest that her loved one may have found peace and happiness after death.
The fifth line of the poem, "And if he did, when did he leave?" is a continuation of the poet's questioning and uncertainty. She is wondering when her loved one passed away and if he is truly in heaven. This line also suggests that the poet is struggling to come to terms with her loved one's death and is searching for answers.
The sixth line of the poem, "Ah, that is the conjecture!" acknowledges that the poet may never know the answers to her questions. The word "conjecture" means speculation or guesswork, and the poet is acknowledging that she can only guess at what has happened to her loved one. This line also suggests that the poet is resigned to the fact that she may never know the truth.
The seventh line of the poem, "Sweet Heaven-if I die," is a poignant expression of the poet's hope for an afterlife. She is expressing her desire to be reunited with her loved one in heaven, and the word "sweet" suggests that she believes heaven to be a place of comfort and happiness.
The eighth line of the poem, "I hope I shall forget thee," is a surprising turn in the poem. The poet is expressing her hope that she will forget her loved one and move on from her grief. This line suggests that the poet is aware of the pain that comes with holding onto grief and is hoping to find peace and healing.
The ninth line of the poem, "That's idle-hope is but a name," is a reflection on the futility of hope. The poet is acknowledging that hope may be meaningless in the face of death and loss. This line also suggests that the poet is struggling to find meaning and purpose in her grief.
The final line of the poem, "I've torn my soul apart," is a powerful expression of the poet's pain and anguish. The word "torn" suggests a violent and painful action, and the phrase "soul apart" suggests that the poet's grief has affected her deeply. This line is a reminder of the intensity of grief and the toll it can take on a person.
In conclusion, If He were living-dare I ask is a beautiful and poignant poem that explores the themes of grief, love, and hope. The poem is a reflection of the poet's deep longing for a loved one who has passed away and her struggle to come to terms with his death. The poem is a reminder of the power of grief and the importance of finding meaning and healing in the face of loss. Emily Dickinson's masterful use of language and imagery has created a timeless work of art that continues to touch the hearts of readers today.
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