'Wait till the Majesty of Death' by Emily Dickinson
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Wait till the Majesty of Death
Invests so mean a brow!
Almost a powdered Footman
Might dare to touch it now!Wait till in Everlasting Robes
That Democrat is dressed,
Then prate about "Preferment"-
And "Station," and the rest!Around this quiet Courtier
Obsequious Angels wait!
Full royal is his Retinue!
Full purple is his state!A Lord, might dare to lift the Hat
To such a Modest Clay
Since that My Lord, "the Lord of Lords"
Receives unblushingly!
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Wait till the Majesty of Death" by Emily Dickinson: A Deep Dive into Mortality
Are you afraid of death? Do you ponder what comes after our physical bodies decay? Do you find comfort in the thought of an afterlife or do you fear the unknown? Emily Dickinson, an enigmatic and prolific poet, wrote extensively about mortality and the afterlife in her work. One of her most haunting and enigmatic poems is "Wait till the Majesty of Death," which delves into the grandeur and power of death. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the meaning and themes of this poem, as well as its context in Dickinson's body of work.
Context and Background
Emily Dickinson was born in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1830 and lived there until her death in 1886. She was a recluse who rarely left her family home and had very few close relationships outside of her family. During her lifetime, only a handful of her poems were published, and it wasn't until after her death that her work was discovered and recognized as some of the greatest American poetry ever written.
Dickinson's poetry is known for its dense and sometimes cryptic language, as well as its exploration of themes such as death, love, nature, and God. Her poems often use unconventional syntax and punctuation, which can make them difficult to read and interpret. "Wait till the Majesty of Death" is no exception to this style.
The Poem: "Wait till the Majesty of Death"
"Wait till the Majesty of Death Invests so mean a brow! Almost a powdered Footman Might dare to touch it now!
Wait till in Everlasting Robes That Democrat is dressed, And Monarchs bow and Hoop their Cornets – And Diadem – to rest –
And even when it dies – to pass In odors so divine, As lowly spices gone to sleep – Or Angels – perished – shine –
The opening lines of "Wait till the Majesty of Death" are striking in their imagery. Dickinson describes death as a "Majesty" that will one day "invests so mean a brow." This implies that death will elevate even the lowliest of beings to a higher status. The use of the word "powdered" to describe a footman emphasizes the regal nature of death, as powdered wigs were often worn by nobility in the 1800s.
The second stanza expands on this idea, describing death as a "Democrat" who is dressed in "Everlasting Robes." This implies that death is a great equalizer, as it does not discriminate between rich or poor, powerful or weak. Monarchs are said to "bow and Hoop their Cornets," which emphasizes the power of death to humble even those who hold the most power in life. The use of the word "Diadem" further emphasizes the idea of royalty, as a diadem is a type of crown worn by kings and queens.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most enigmatic. Dickinson describes death as passing "in odors so divine," which could be interpreted as a reference to the scent of flowers at a funeral or the sweet smell of decay. The comparison to "lowly spices" that have gone to sleep or "Angels perished" who shine implies that death is both beautiful and terrible, both heavenly and earthly.
Themes and Interpretation
The themes present in "Wait till the Majesty of Death" are complex and multifaceted. The overarching theme is, of course, death and mortality. Dickinson explores the power and grandeur of death, which is often portrayed as something to be feared or avoided. However, in this poem, death is presented as a regal figure, one that even monarchs must bow to.
Another theme present in the poem is the idea of equality. Dickinson describes death as a "Democrat" who does not discriminate based on social status or wealth. This is a radical idea, especially given the time period in which Dickinson lived, where social hierarchy was highly valued.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most difficult to interpret. The comparison of death to "lowly spices" or "Angels perished" is a striking image, but what does it mean? Some interpretations suggest that Dickinson is implying that death is both beautiful and terrible, that even in decay there is a certain kind of beauty. Others suggest that the use of "Angels" implies that there is life after death, and that death is not an end but a transition to something else.
Conclusion
"Wait till the Majesty of Death" is a haunting and mysterious poem that explores complex themes of mortality, power, and equality. Dickinson's use of language and imagery is dense and cryptic, making it difficult to parse the true meaning of the poem. However, the themes present in the poem are timeless and universal, and continue to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Wait till the Majesty of Death: A Poetic Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, is known for her unique style of writing and her ability to capture the essence of life and death in her works. Among her many poems, "Wait till the Majesty of Death" stands out as a masterpiece that explores the themes of mortality, the afterlife, and the power of death.
The poem begins with the line "Wait till the Majesty of Death," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "majesty" suggests that death is not something to be feared, but rather something to be revered and respected. This is a common theme in Dickinson's work, as she often portrays death as a natural part of life that should be accepted rather than feared.
The second line of the poem, "Has been upon my sight," suggests that the speaker has already experienced the majesty of death. This could be interpreted in a number of ways, but it is likely that the speaker has either witnessed the death of someone close to them or has had a near-death experience themselves. This experience has given them a unique perspective on death and has allowed them to see its majesty.
The third line of the poem, "I dwell in Possibility," is a departure from the theme of death that has been established in the first two lines. This line suggests that the speaker is open to new experiences and is willing to explore the possibilities that life has to offer. This is an important contrast to the theme of death that runs throughout the rest of the poem, as it suggests that the speaker is not afraid of death and is willing to embrace it as a natural part of life.
The fourth line of the poem, "A fairer House than Prose," is a reference to poetry and suggests that the speaker finds poetry to be a more beautiful and meaningful form of expression than prose. This is an important theme in Dickinson's work, as she is known for her unique style of writing that often incorporates unconventional punctuation and capitalization.
The fifth line of the poem, "More numerous of Windows," is a continuation of the theme of poetry and suggests that poetry has more possibilities for interpretation than prose. This is an important aspect of Dickinson's work, as her poems are often open to multiple interpretations and can be read in a variety of ways.
The sixth line of the poem, "Superior for Doors," is a reference to the idea that poetry can open doors to new experiences and new ways of thinking. This is an important theme in Dickinson's work, as she often explores the idea that poetry can be a transformative experience that can change the way we see the world.
The seventh line of the poem, "Of Chambers as the Cedars," is a reference to the idea that poetry can be a place of refuge and safety, much like the chambers of a cedar tree. This is an important theme in Dickinson's work, as she often explores the idea that poetry can be a source of comfort and solace in times of trouble.
The eighth line of the poem, "Impregnable of Eye," is a reference to the idea that poetry can be a powerful and unassailable form of expression. This is an important theme in Dickinson's work, as she often explores the idea that poetry can be a way of asserting one's identity and asserting one's place in the world.
The ninth line of the poem, "And for an Everlasting Roof," is a reference to the idea that poetry can be a source of permanence and stability in a world that is constantly changing. This is an important theme in Dickinson's work, as she often explores the idea that poetry can be a way of preserving the past and creating a sense of continuity with the past.
The final line of the poem, "The Gambrels of the Sky," is a reference to the idea that poetry can be a way of reaching for the heavens and exploring the mysteries of the universe. This is an important theme in Dickinson's work, as she often explores the idea that poetry can be a way of transcending the limitations of the physical world and exploring the mysteries of the spiritual world.
In conclusion, "Wait till the Majesty of Death" is a poetic masterpiece that explores the themes of mortality, the afterlife, and the power of death. Through her use of language and imagery, Emily Dickinson creates a powerful and evocative portrait of death that is both beautiful and awe-inspiring. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's unique style of writing and her ability to capture the essence of life and death in her works.
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