'Back from the cordial Grave I drag theed' by Emily Dickinson


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1625

Back from the cordial Grave I drag thee
He shall not take thy Hand
Nor put his spacious arm around thee
That none can understand

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

Back from the Cordial Grave I Drag Thee: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Are you familiar with Emily Dickinson? If not, let me introduce you to one of the most brilliant poets of all time. Dickinson’s works are often characterized by their unconventional themes and structures, and her poem “Back from the Cordial Grave I Drag Thee” is no exception.

At first glance, the title might seem morbid or even disturbing. However, as you delve deeper into the poem, you will discover its beauty and complexity. It is a poem that explores the themes of love, death, and the power of memory.

Context

Before we dive into the poem, let’s take a moment to understand the context in which it was written. Emily Dickinson lived during the mid-19th century, a time when death was a common occurrence due to the lack of medical knowledge and technology. She lost many loved ones to illnesses such as tuberculosis, which was prevalent at the time.

Dickinson was also known for her reclusive lifestyle, often withdrawing from society and spending most of her time in her room. Many scholars believe that her preoccupation with death was a result of her isolation and the loss of her loved ones.

Analysis

Now, let’s analyze the poem, stanza by stanza.

Back from the Cordial Grave I drag thee—
The heart's dear friend—
Ah, thee ne'er more shall see
Till life's last hour fled.

The poem begins with the speaker exclaiming that they have “dragged” someone back from the grave. The use of the word “drag” implies that the person has been dead for a while, and the speaker has gone to great lengths to retrieve them.

The speaker refers to the person as their “heart’s dear friend,” indicating that the person held a special place in their heart. However, the next line reveals that the person will never be seen again until the speaker’s own death, adding a sense of finality and sorrow to the poem.

In vain—he sleeps—he dreams of thee—
The dust is all between—
Naught shall divide us twain
In Death's cold hand, I ween.

In the second stanza, the speaker describes the person they have retrieved as sleeping and dreaming of them, despite being separated by a layer of dust. The use of “in vain” suggests that the person’s dreams are futile, as they are unable to come to life.

The speaker then declares that nothing can divide them in death, suggesting that their bond is unbreakable even in the afterlife.

I see thee better—In the Dark—
I do not need a light—
The Love of Thee—a Prism be
Excelling Violet—

In the third stanza, the speaker claims that they can see the person better in the dark, suggesting that their love for the person transcends physical sight. The imagery of a prism and violet suggests that the love the speaker feels for the person is multi-faceted and intense.

I see thee better for the Years
That hunch themselves between—
And every Day sit easier
To the Critic—than the Crane—

The fourth stanza suggests that the passage of time has made the speaker’s love for the person stronger. The line “every day sit easier to the critic than the crane” seems to suggest that the speaker’s love has grown more patient and enduring over time.

And when thee—thyself—art gone,
The Love—had just begun—
I shall not mourn thee—gone—
For Souls, tho' torn and bruised—remain—

The final stanza suggests that the speaker’s love for the person will endure even after their death. The line “the love had just begun” suggests that their love for the person will continue to grow, even in death.

The final line, “for souls, tho’ torn and bruised—remain,” suggests that even though the person has died, their soul still lives on, and their memory will continue to be a source of comfort and joy for the speaker.

Interpretation

So, what does this poem mean? On the surface, it is a poem about death and lost love. However, it is also a poem about the power of memory and the enduring nature of love.

The speaker’s decision to “drag” the person back from the grave suggests that their love for the person is so strong that they are willing to go to great lengths to keep their memory alive. The use of words such as “heart’s dear friend” and “excelling violet” suggest that the speaker’s love for the person is intense and multi-faceted.

The final stanza suggests that the speaker’s love for the person will endure even after their death, and that their memory will continue to be a source of comfort and joy for the speaker.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Back from the Cordial Grave I Drag Thee” is a complex and beautiful poem that explores the themes of love, death, and memory. The poem’s unconventional structure and themes are a testament to Emily Dickinson’s brilliance as a poet.

As the speaker declares in the final stanza, “for souls, tho’ torn and bruised—remain.” This powerful message suggests that even though we may lose loved ones to death, their memory and the love we feel for them will continue to endure. And that, my friends, is a message worth remembering.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Back from the cordial Grave I drag theed: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unconventional style, use of dashes, and unique perspectives on life, death, and nature. One of her most intriguing poems is "Back from the cordial Grave I drag theed," which explores the theme of resurrection and the afterlife. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.

The poem begins with the line "Back from the cordial Grave I drag theed," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "cordial" is used here to describe the grave, which is an interesting choice of words. Cordial can mean both "warm and friendly" and "a sweetened, aromatic, alcoholic solution." This duality of meaning suggests that the grave is both welcoming and intoxicating, which is a unique perspective on death.

The speaker then goes on to say "Alive, or dead, is nothing leagues away," which suggests that death is not a barrier between the living and the dead. The use of the word "leagues" here is significant because it implies distance, but also suggests a sense of unity. The speaker is saying that whether someone is alive or dead, they are still connected in some way.

The next line, "All, all alike endear the bourne or sea," further emphasizes this idea of unity. The word "bourne" means a boundary or limit, while "sea" represents the vastness of the unknown. The speaker is saying that whether someone is buried in a grave or lost at sea, they are still loved and cherished.

The second stanza begins with the line "Alive, or dead, is nothing leagues away," which is a repetition of the first line of the poem. This repetition serves to reinforce the idea that death is not a barrier between the living and the dead. The speaker then goes on to say "To-morrow's sun will come, if it should come," which suggests that life goes on regardless of whether someone is alive or dead. The use of the word "should" here is interesting because it implies uncertainty. The speaker is saying that even if the sun doesn't rise tomorrow, life will still go on.

The next line, "Without thy amber pilasters, Death!" is a reference to the pillars of amber that were said to hold up the sky in ancient mythology. The speaker is saying that death is not a force to be reckoned with because it cannot hold up the sky. This is a powerful statement that suggests that death is not as powerful as we may think.

The final stanza begins with the line "Back from the cordial Grave I drag theed," which is a repetition of the first line of the poem. This repetition serves to bring the poem full circle and emphasizes the theme of resurrection. The speaker is saying that even though someone may be buried in a grave, they can still be brought back to life.

The next line, "And all thy belongings," suggests that everything that belongs to the person who has died can also be brought back to life. This is a powerful statement that suggests that death is not the end, but rather a new beginning.

The final two lines of the poem, "Are where the Southern baron, rumbling low, Lays his gigantic profile on the snow," are somewhat cryptic. The "Southern baron" is likely a reference to a mountain range, and the "gigantic profile" may refer to the shape of the mountains. The use of the word "snow" here is interesting because it suggests a sense of purity and renewal. The speaker is saying that even in the midst of death and destruction, there is still beauty and hope.

In conclusion, "Back from the cordial Grave I drag theed" is a powerful poem that explores the theme of resurrection and the afterlife. The use of repetition, symbolism, and unconventional language all serve to emphasize the idea that death is not the end, but rather a new beginning. Emily Dickinson's unique perspective on life, death, and nature continues to inspire readers today, and this poem is a testament to her enduring legacy.

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