'Death sets a Thing significant' by Emily Dickinson


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Death sets a Thing significant
The Eye had hurried by
Except a perished Creature
Entreat us tenderly

To ponder little Workmanships
In Crayon, or in Wool,
With "This was last Her fingers did"—
Industrious until—

The Thimble weighed too heavy—
The stitches stopped—by themselves—
And then 'twas put among the Dust
Upon the Closet shelves—

A Book I have—a friend gave—
Whose Pencil—here and there—
Had notched the place that pleased Him—
At Rest—His fingers are—

Now—when I read—I read not—
For interrupting Tears—
Obliterate the Etchings
Too Costly for Repairs.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Death sets a Thing significant" by Emily Dickinson: A Stunning Exploration of Mortality

Emily Dickinson's "Death sets a Thing significant" is one of the most poignant and insightful poems about mortality ever written. With its stark simplicity, lyrical beauty, and deep philosophical resonance, this poem explores the meaning of death and the significance of life in a way that is both universal and deeply personal. In this essay, I will provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of this classic poem, examining its themes, imagery, and language to uncover its hidden meanings and explore its enduring relevance.

Overview

First, let's take a closer look at the poem itself. "Death sets a Thing significant" is a four-stanza poem with a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. The poem begins with the assertion that death "sets a thing significant," suggesting that death gives meaning to something that might otherwise be insignificant. The following stanzas explore various examples of this idea, including the death of a bird, the death of a loved one, and the death of the self. Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses vivid imagery and metaphor to create a powerful sense of the weight and significance of death.

Themes

One of the central themes of "Death sets a Thing significant" is the idea that death gives meaning to life. Dickinson suggests that without the inevitability of death, life might seem meaningless and unimportant. This theme is particularly evident in the first stanza, where Dickinson writes that "death sets a thing significant / The eye had hurried by." Here, she suggests that death gives significance to something that might otherwise go unnoticed or unappreciated. This theme is further developed in the second stanza, where Dickinson describes the death of a bird and suggests that its death gives meaning to its life. She writes, "Its little circuit it did run / On earth's sweet orbits nigh." Here, Dickinson suggests that the bird's brief life, though seemingly insignificant, is given meaning by its inevitable death.

Another important theme of the poem is the idea of transience and impermanence. Dickinson suggests that everything in life is fleeting, and that death is the ultimate reminder of this fact. This theme is particularly evident in the third stanza, where Dickinson writes, "And then the windows failed, and then / I could not see to see." Here, she suggests that as we age, our vision (both literal and metaphorical) becomes clouded and we lose the ability to perceive the world as clearly as we once did. This loss of clarity is a metaphor for the impermanence of life, and the inevitability of death.

Finally, "Death sets a Thing significant" explores the idea of acceptance and resignation in the face of death. Dickinson suggests that death is an inevitable part of life, and that we must learn to accept it, even as we mourn the loss of those we love. This theme is particularly evident in the fourth and final stanza, where Dickinson writes, "I've known a Heaven, like a Tent / To wrap its shining Yards." Here, she suggests that even in the face of death, there can be a sense of peace and acceptance, as we imagine our loved ones in a "Heaven" that is both beautiful and comforting.

Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of "Death sets a Thing significant" is the vivid imagery that Dickinson uses to create a sense of the weight and significance of death. Throughout the poem, she uses metaphor and analogy to explore the themes of the poem in a way that is both beautiful and powerful.

For example, in the first stanza, Dickinson writes that death "sets a thing significant / The eye had hurried by." Here, she uses the image of a person hurrying past something without noticing it to suggest that without the inevitability of death, we might overlook the value of life. Similarly, in the second stanza, Dickinson uses the metaphor of a bird's flight to suggest the transience and impermanence of life. She writes, "Its little circuit it did run / On earth's sweet orbits nigh," creating a sense of the bird's brief, ephemeral existence.

The third stanza is particularly rich in imagery, with Dickinson using the metaphor of failing windows to suggest the loss of clarity and vision that comes with aging. She writes, "And then the windows failed, and then / I could not see to see," creating a sense of the gradual fading of life and the inevitability of death.

Finally, in the fourth stanza, Dickinson uses the image of a tent to suggest the notion of acceptance and resignation in the face of death. She writes, "I've known a Heaven, like a Tent / To wrap its shining Yards," creating a sense of a beautiful, comforting space that can shelter us in the face of loss and grief.

Language

One of the defining characteristics of Emily Dickinson's poetry is her use of language. She often employs unconventional grammar, punctuation, and syntax to create a sense of depth and complexity in her work. "Death sets a Thing significant" is no exception, with Dickinson using language in a way that is both simple and profound.

One of the most striking examples of this is her use of repetition throughout the poem. The repeated use of the phrase "And then" in the third stanza creates a sense of inevitability and repetition, suggesting the gradual loss of clarity and vision that comes with aging. Similarly, the repeated use of the phrase "I've known" in the final stanza creates a sense of familiarity and comfort, suggesting that acceptance and resignation are familiar emotions that we all must face at some point in our lives.

Dickinson's use of irony is also noteworthy in "Death sets a Thing significant." By asserting that death gives meaning to life, she is also suggesting that life is inherently meaningless without the inevitability of death. This sense of irony is particularly evident in the first stanza, where she writes that "The eye had hurried by," suggesting that without the weight and significance of death, life might go unnoticed and unappreciated.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Death sets a Thing significant" is a stunning exploration of mortality that is both universal and deeply personal. With its vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and unconventional use of language, Emily Dickinson creates a sense of the weight and importance of death that is both beautiful and haunting. By exploring themes of transience, impermanence, acceptance, and resignation, she offers readers a profound meditation on the meaning of life and the inevitability of death. This poem is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today, and will undoubtedly continue to do so for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Death Sets a Thing Significant: A Poem Analysis

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, known for her unique style and unconventional themes. Her poem "Death sets a Thing significant" is a prime example of her exceptional talent. This poem is a reflection on the significance of death and how it shapes our understanding of life. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.

The poem begins with the line "Death sets a thing significant." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and establishes the central theme. The word "significant" is particularly important here because it suggests that death has a profound impact on our lives. It is not just an event that happens, but something that changes the way we see the world.

The second line of the poem reads, "The eye had hurried by." This line is a metaphor for how we often overlook the important things in life. We are so busy with our daily routines that we fail to appreciate the beauty and significance of the world around us. The eye that "hurried by" represents our tendency to rush through life without taking the time to stop and reflect.

The third line of the poem reads, "The ear had hurried by." This line is another metaphor, this time for how we often fail to listen to the world around us. We are so focused on our own thoughts and concerns that we fail to hear the voices of others or the sounds of nature. The ear that "hurried by" represents our tendency to be self-absorbed and oblivious to the world around us.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "The pulse forgot to stay." This line is a metaphor for how we often fail to appreciate the present moment. We are so focused on the future or the past that we forget to live in the present. The pulse that "forgot to stay" represents our tendency to be anxious or distracted, rather than fully present in the moment.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "The feet forgot to wait." This line is a metaphor for how we often rush through life without taking the time to appreciate our surroundings. We are so focused on getting to our destination that we fail to enjoy the journey. The feet that "forgot to wait" represent our tendency to be impatient and goal-oriented, rather than mindful and present.

The sixth line of the poem reads, "So arrogant did we." This line is a reflection on our human nature. We are often arrogant and self-centered, thinking that we are the center of the universe. We fail to see the bigger picture and the interconnectedness of all things. This arrogance blinds us to the significance of death and the role it plays in shaping our lives.

The seventh line of the poem reads, "The sky is not of tin." This line is a metaphor for the beauty and vastness of the world around us. The sky is not a small, insignificant thing made of tin, but a vast expanse of beauty and wonder. This line reminds us that there is more to life than our own narrow perspectives and concerns.

The eighth line of the poem reads, "Nor earth a place of stone." This line is a metaphor for the richness and complexity of the world around us. The earth is not just a place of stone, but a living, breathing entity full of life and diversity. This line reminds us that there is more to life than what we can see or touch.

The ninth line of the poem reads, "But antlered Arrogance is vain." This line is a reflection on the arrogance and self-centeredness that often blinds us to the significance of death. The "antlered Arrogance" represents our tendency to be stubborn and resistant to change. This line suggests that our arrogance is ultimately futile and that we must learn to accept the inevitability of death.

The tenth and final line of the poem reads, "In heaven, fingers twine." This line is a metaphor for the interconnectedness of all things. In heaven, there is no separation or division, only unity and harmony. This line suggests that death is not an end, but a transition to a higher state of being.

In conclusion, "Death sets a Thing significant" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges us to rethink our perspectives on life and death. Through its use of metaphor and imagery, the poem reminds us of the beauty and significance of the world around us and the interconnectedness of all things. It encourages us to be mindful and present in the moment, to listen to the voices of others, and to appreciate the journey as much as the destination. Ultimately, the poem suggests that death is not an end, but a transition to a higher state of being, where fingers twine in heaven.

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