'We do not play on Graves' by Emily Dickinson
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We do not play on Graves-
Because there isn't Room-
Besides-it isn't even-it slants
And People come-And put a Flower on it-
And hang their faces so-
We're fearing that their Hearts will drop-
And crush our pretty play-And so we move as far
As Enemies-away-
Just looking round to see how far
It is-Occasionally-
Editor 1 Interpretation
We do not play on Graves by Emily Dickinson: A Masterpiece of Dark and Unconventional Poetry
Are you ready to dive into the haunting and enigmatic universe of Emily Dickinson? If so, prepare yourself for a journey that will challenge your preconceptions of what poetry should be, and will reward you with a glimpse of the human soul that is both disturbing and illuminating.
In this essay, I will explore one of Dickinson's most enigmatic and controversial poems, "We do not play on Graves," a short but powerful piece that defies easy interpretation and resonates with a deep sense of mortality, loss, and defiance.
The Poem: A Brief Analysis
Before we delve into the various layers of meaning and symbolism that permeate this poem, let us first appreciate its stark and evocative language, which immediately sets the tone for what is to come:
We do not play on Graves—
Because there isn't Room—
Besides—it isn't even—it slants
And People come—
And put a Flower on it—
And hang their faces so—
We're fearing that their Hearts will drop—
And crush our pretty play—
And so we move as far
As Enemies—away—
Just looking round to see how far
It is—Occasionally—
At first glance, the poem seems to be a simple observation of a social custom: the idea that people should not engage in frivolous or disrespectful activities on gravesites, because it is inappropriate and insensitive to the dead and their mourners.
However, as we read further, we realize that there is a deeper subtext at play here, one that challenges our assumptions about death, memory, and identity.
The first line, "We do not play on Graves—," immediately sets a somber and solemn tone, as if the speaker is implying that death is not something to be taken lightly or flippantly. The use of the word "play" is particularly striking, as it connotes a sense of childlike innocence and frivolity, which is sharply contrasted with the seriousness of death.
The next line, "Because there isn't Room—," seems to imply that gravesites are limited spaces, both physically and metaphorically. The dead occupy a fixed and finite space that cannot be invaded or encroached upon, and any attempt to do so would be futile and disrespectful.
The third line, "Besides—it isn't even—it slants," is perhaps the most cryptic and enigmatic of the whole poem. What does it mean that the gravesite "slants"? Is it a physical or a metaphorical slant? Does it imply that death is a crooked or uneven phenomenon? Or does it suggest that the speaker's perception of reality is distorted or skewed? Whatever the interpretation, this line seems to reinforce the idea that death is not a straightforward or easily comprehensible experience.
The fourth and fifth lines, "And People come—/And put a Flower on it—," seem to introduce a new element to the poem: the idea of human mourning and remembrance. The image of people coming to a gravesite and leaving flowers is a familiar one, and it suggests a sense of respect and reverence for the dead. However, the subsequent line, "And hang their faces so—," introduces a sense of vulnerability and emotional fragility, as if the mourners themselves are in danger of being overwhelmed by grief and sadness.
The sixth and seventh lines, "We're fearing that their Hearts will drop—/And crush our pretty play—," seem to imply that the speaker and their companions are engaged in some kind of game or activity that is threatened by the mourners' presence. The use of the word "pretty" is particularly ironic, as it suggests that the speaker is more concerned with their own amusement than with the gravity of the situation. Yet, the fear of the mourners' hearts dropping and crushing their play suggests a deeper sense of empathy and compassion, as if the speaker realizes that death and mourning are not just abstract concepts, but real and tangible experiences that can have a profound impact on people's lives.
The final two lines, "And so we move as far/As Enemies—away—," seem to suggest that the speaker and their companions are not welcome or accepted in the context of death and mourning. The use of the word "Enemies" is particularly striking, as it suggests a sense of alienation and hostility that is at odds with the speaker's playful and innocent tone. The fact that they are "looking round to see how far/It is—Occasionally—" implies that they are aware of their own marginalization and exclusion, yet cannot help but be drawn to the mystery and power of death.
Interpretation: Death as a Site of Transgression and Transformation
So, what is the meaning of this poem? What does it tell us about Emily Dickinson's worldview and poetic vision?
One possible interpretation is that "We do not play on Graves" is a meditation on the transgressive and transformative power of death. By presenting death as a fixed and finite space that cannot be invaded or encroached upon, Dickinson challenges our assumptions about identity, memory, and time. Death, she seems to suggest, is not just an event that happens to us, but a site of transformation and renewal, where the boundaries between the living and the dead, the past and the present, and the self and the other dissolve and merge.
The use of the word "play" is particularly significant in this context, as it suggests a sense of experimentation and exploration that is at odds with the solemnity of death. Yet, the fact that the speaker and their companions are "moving as far/As Enemies—away—" suggests that they are aware of the danger and risk involved in such experimentation. Death, in this sense, is not just a physical reality, but a psychological and emotional one, where the fear of the unknown and the desire for transcendence coexist and conflict.
The image of people leaving flowers on gravesites is also significant, as it suggests a sense of mourning and remembrance that is central to Dickinson's poetic vision. Yet, the fact that the mourners are portrayed as vulnerable and fragile, their hearts in danger of dropping and crushing the speaker's "pretty play," suggests a deeper sense of empathy and compassion that is at odds with the speaker's alienation and hostility.
In this sense, "We do not play on Graves" can be seen as a meditation on the paradoxes and complexities of human experience, where death is both a source of fear and fascination, of alienation and empathy, of transgression and transformation. By challenging our assumptions about death, Dickinson invites us to confront the mysteries and contradictions of life itself, and to embrace the fragility and impermanence of our existence with courage and grace.
Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Dark and Unconventional Poetry
In conclusion, "We do not play on Graves" is a masterpiece of dark and unconventional poetry, a haunting and enigmatic work that challenges our preconceptions of what poetry should be, and invites us to explore the mysteries and contradictions of human experience. Through its stark and evocative language, its cryptic and enigmatic imagery, and its profound and unsettling vision of death, Dickinson's poem reminds us of the fragility and impermanence of our existence, and of the transformative and transgressive power of mortality.
So, are you ready to play on graves, or to move as far as enemies away? Are you ready to confront the mysteries and contradictions of life and death, and to discover the beauty and terror of the human soul? If so, welcome to the universe of Emily Dickinson, where poetry is not just a form of artistic expression, but a mode of spiritual and philosophical exploration.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson is one of the most renowned poets of all time, and her poem "We do not play on Graves" is a classic example of her unique style and perspective. In this 14-line poem, Dickinson explores the theme of death and how it affects the living. Through her use of vivid imagery and powerful language, she creates a haunting and thought-provoking work that continues to resonate with readers today.
The poem begins with the line "We do not play on Graves," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is making it clear that death is not something to be taken lightly or treated as a game. This line also serves to establish the setting of the poem, which is likely a cemetery or other place of burial.
The next few lines of the poem describe the various activities that people engage in around graves. Dickinson writes, "Because there isn't Room / Besides -- it isn't even -- it slants / And People come -- / And put a Flower on it -- / And hang their faces so." Here, she is highlighting the fact that graves are often crowded and cramped, with little space for people to move around. She also notes that people come to graves to pay their respects and leave flowers, but they do so with a sense of sadness and reverence.
The fourth line of the poem is particularly powerful: "We want the Dead by us -- the Not Alive." This line speaks to the human desire to be close to those who have passed away, even though they are no longer living. It also suggests that the dead have a certain power or presence that the living do not.
The next few lines of the poem continue to explore this idea of the power of the dead. Dickinson writes, "Some -- stun themselves -- / Contrarily -- we -- / Justify those that leave us -- / For they left us first." Here, she is suggesting that some people are so overwhelmed by the presence of the dead that they become "stunned" or unable to function. However, the speaker and others like her are able to justify the absence of the dead because they understand that death is a natural part of life.
The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most haunting: "We trust, in plumed procession / For such, the Angels go -- / Rank after Rank, with even feet -- / And Uniforms of Snow." Here, Dickinson is describing the way that the dead are carried away by angels in a "plumed procession." This image is both beautiful and eerie, as it suggests that death is a mysterious and otherworldly experience.
Overall, "We do not play on Graves" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the theme of death in a unique and haunting way. Through her use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Emily Dickinson creates a work that continues to resonate with readers today. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply interested in exploring the human experience, this poem is definitely worth a read.
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