''Tis not that Dying hurts us so' by Emily Dickinson
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'Tis not that Dying hurts us so-
'Tis Living-hurts us more-
But Dying-is a different way-
A Kind behind the Door-The Southern Custom-of the Bird-
That ere the Frosts are due-
Accepts a better Latitude-
We-are the Birds-that stay.The Shrivers round Farmers' doors-
For whose reluctant Crumb-
We stipulate-till pitying Snows
Persuade our Feathers Home.
Editor 1 Interpretation
‘Tis not that Dying hurts us so: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson, the reclusive American poet, has been a source of inspiration for generations of readers and writers. Her poetry is known for its unconventional style, haunting imagery, and profound insights into the human experience. One of her most famous poems, 'Tis not that Dying hurts us so, is a meditation on the nature of death and the human response to it. In this essay, we will explore the poem in detail, providing a literary criticism and interpretation of its themes, structure, and language.
The Poem
'Tis not that Dying hurts us so ’Tis Living–hurts us more– But Dying–is a different way– A Kind behind the Door–
The Southern custom–of the Bird– That ere the Frosts are due Accepts a better Latitude– We’re Satisfied with them–
Aspiration–involved in Death– Can but esteem a Breath— Whose Corporeal Nature–beggar’d– Won’t let it breathe—alright.
Themes
The poem explores the complex relationship between life and death and the human response to mortality. The first stanza suggests that living is more painful than dying, which may seem paradoxical at first glance. However, Dickinson is not suggesting that dying is painless or that death is preferable to life. Rather, she is highlighting the fact that life is full of suffering, and that death may offer a release from that suffering. The second stanza, by contrast, focuses on the idea of acceptance. The image of the bird accepting a better latitude suggests that there is a certain resignation to death, and that sometimes acceptance is the only way to find peace.
Another key theme in the poem is the idea of aspiration. Dickinson suggests that death may involve a kind of spiritual aspiration, as we strive to transcend our physical limitations and attain a higher state of being. This theme is reflected in the final two lines of the poem, which suggest that the physical body may be a hindrance to spiritual growth.
Structure
The poem is structured in two stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, with the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyming. The first stanza contrasts the pain of living with the mystery of dying, while the second stanza focuses on the idea of acceptance and the spiritual dimension of death. The brevity and simplicity of the poem add to its power and suggestiveness, as the reader is left to contemplate the meaning of the words.
Language
The language of the poem is deceptively simple, but it is packed with imagery and metaphor. The use of the word 'hurts' in the first line immediately sets up a contrast between the pain of living and the pain of dying. The image of death as a 'Kind behind the Door' creates a sense of mystery and anticipation, suggesting that death may hold some kind of salvation. The reference to the Southern custom of the bird accepting a better latitude is a powerful metaphor for acceptance, suggesting that sometimes we must let go of our attachments in order to find peace.
The final two lines of the poem are particularly striking, as they suggest that the physical body may be a hindrance to spiritual growth. The use of the word 'beggar’d' to describe the nature of the breath is an example of Dickinson's love of unconventional language, and it adds to the sense of contrast and paradox that runs throughout the poem.
Interpretation
The poem is a meditation on the human response to mortality, and it offers a complex and nuanced view of death. Dickinson is not suggesting that death is easy or painless, but she is suggesting that it may offer a release from the suffering of life. The image of the bird accepting a better latitude is a powerful metaphor for acceptance, suggesting that sometimes we must let go of our attachments in order to find peace.
The theme of aspiration is also central to the poem, as Dickinson suggests that death may involve a kind of spiritual striving. The final two lines of the poem suggest that the physical body may be a hindrance to spiritual growth, which is a powerful and provocative idea.
Overall, 'Tis not that Dying hurts us so is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that offers a complex and nuanced view of death. Its use of language and imagery is masterful, and its themes are timeless and universal. It is a testament to Emily Dickinson's genius as a poet, and it continues to inspire and challenge readers to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
'Tis not that Dying hurts us so: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poetry
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire readers and writers alike. Her poem 'Tis not that Dying hurts us so is a classic example of her unique style and perspective on life and death. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The Poem
'Tis not that Dying hurts us so – 'Tis Living – hurts us more – But Dying – is a different way – A Kind behind the Door –
The Southern Custom – of the Bird – That ere the Frosts are due – Accepts a better Latitude – We – are the Birds – that stayed too late –
Saying Goodbye – on the Scaffold – For Charnel – for an Earl – Whose dying – was the only liveable – Illumination – to reveal –
Brave – Sally – with a Steele – I love thee – Sail – afar – The dying – sound of Life – And then – departing – Sail – afar –
Themes
The poem explores the themes of life, death, and the pain of existence. Dickinson suggests that it is not dying that hurts us the most, but rather living. She argues that dying is a different way of being, a kind of release from the pain and suffering of life. The poem also touches on the idea of acceptance and the inevitability of death. The image of the Southern bird accepting a better latitude before the frosts come is a metaphor for the acceptance of death as a natural part of life.
Structure
The poem is written in four stanzas, each with four lines. The first and third lines of each stanza are written in iambic tetrameter, while the second and fourth lines are written in iambic trimeter. The use of this meter gives the poem a musical quality and a sense of rhythm. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, which creates a sense of unity and coherence throughout the poem.
Literary Devices
Dickinson uses a variety of literary devices to convey her message in the poem. One of the most prominent devices is metaphor. The image of the Southern bird accepting a better latitude is a metaphor for the acceptance of death. The use of the scaffold as a symbol of death is also a metaphor for the inevitability of death. Dickinson also uses personification, giving death a human quality in the line "Whose dying – was the only liveable – Illumination – to reveal –". The use of alliteration in "Brave – Sally – with a Steele –" creates a sense of strength and courage.
Analysis
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Dickinson suggests that it is not dying that hurts us the most, but rather living. She argues that dying is a different way of being, a kind of release from the pain and suffering of life. The use of the metaphor "A Kind behind the Door" suggests that death is a hidden, mysterious thing that we cannot fully understand.
The second stanza of the poem continues the metaphor of the Southern bird accepting a better latitude before the frosts come. Dickinson suggests that we are like the birds that stayed too late, refusing to accept the inevitability of death. The use of the word "Accepts" suggests that death is something that we must accept, whether we like it or not.
The third stanza of the poem uses the image of the scaffold as a symbol of death. Dickinson suggests that saying goodbye on the scaffold is a necessary part of life, and that it is only through the experience of death that we can truly appreciate life. The use of the word "liveable" suggests that death is a necessary part of life, and that it is only through the experience of death that we can truly appreciate life.
The final stanza of the poem uses the image of Sally with a Steele to create a sense of strength and courage in the face of death. The use of the word "departing" suggests that death is a journey, and that we must be brave and strong in the face of it. The repetition of the phrase "Sail – afar –" creates a sense of distance and separation, suggesting that death is a journey that we must take alone.
Conclusion
'Tis not that Dying hurts us so is a classic example of Emily Dickinson's unique style and perspective on life and death. The poem explores the themes of life, death, and the pain of existence, suggesting that it is not dying that hurts us the most, but rather living. Dickinson uses a variety of literary devices, including metaphor, personification, and alliteration, to convey her message in the poem. The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with four lines, and uses a rhyme scheme of ABCB. Overall, 'Tis not that Dying hurts us so is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that continues to inspire readers and writers alike.
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