'My life closed twice before its close—' by Emily Dickinson


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1732

My life closed twice before its close—
It yet remains to see
If Immortality unveil
A third event to me

So huge, so hopeless to conceive
As these that twice befell.
Parting is all we know of heaven,
And all we need of hell.

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

"My life closed twice before its close" by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of all time, has gifted the world with some of the most beautiful and thought-provoking poems. One such poem is "My life closed twice before its close." This poem has been analyzed and interpreted in various ways, but its true meaning and significance are still a subject of debate among scholars and poetry enthusiasts.

Overview

"My life closed twice before its close" is a short and poignant poem that consists of two quatrains. In this poem, Dickinson speaks about her life, which she believes has ended twice before her actual death. The first time was when she lost someone she loved, and the second time was when she was close to death but managed to recover.

The poem is filled with metaphors and imagery that create a vivid and powerful picture in the reader's mind. Dickinson's use of language is simple, yet it conveys deep emotions and thoughts.

Analysis

The first stanza of the poem begins with the line "My life closed twice before its close." This line has a paradoxical quality to it since it speaks of life closing twice before its actual end. This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and creates a sense of mystery and intrigue.

The second line of the first stanza reads, "It yet remains to see if Immortality unveil." This line suggests that the speaker is unsure if there is an afterlife or if there is any kind of existence after death. The word "Immortality" is capitalized, which gives it a sense of importance and significance.

In the third line of the first stanza, Dickinson uses the metaphor of a "third event" that will reveal the truth about her life. This line implies that there is something significant that is yet to happen in the speaker's life that will give her a sense of closure.

The fourth line of the first stanza reads, "This is the last / For which I hope." This line suggests that the speaker has given up hope and believes that this "third event" will be the final closure she needs.

The second stanza begins with the line, "The first that died was given / The second time was received." This line refers to the two events that closed the speaker's life before its actual end. The first time was when someone she loved died, and the second time was when she was close to death but managed to recover.

The second line of the second stanza reads, "This poem is about the second death." This line suggests that the poem is not about the first event that closed the speaker's life, but the second one. The poem is about her own experience of coming close to death and recovering from it.

In the third line of the second stanza, Dickinson uses the metaphor of a door closing. She writes, "We, who know the secret, / Wait and know the coming." This line suggests that the speaker and those who have experienced a similar event know what it feels like to have a door close on their life. They are waiting for the final closure that will bring an end to their life.

The fourth and final line of the poem reads, "And the dying is but a pang / But to live an interval." This line suggests that death is not the end, but only an interval between two phases of life. It suggests that there is something beyond death, and that dying is not as painful as living through the events that close one's life.

Interpretation

"My life closed twice before its close" is a poem that speaks about the events that closed the speaker's life before its actual end. The poem is filled with metaphors and imagery that create a sense of mystery and intrigue. The poem also raises questions about the afterlife and the existence of something beyond death.

One interpretation of the poem suggests that the two events that closed the speaker's life before its actual end represent the two phases of life. The first phase is when one is young and innocent, and the second phase is when one is old and wise. The poem suggests that there is a third phase of life that is yet to come, and that it will reveal the truth about the speaker's life.

Another interpretation of the poem suggests that the two events that closed the speaker's life before its actual end represent the two paths that one can take in life. The first path is one of love and compassion, and the second path is one of selfishness and isolation. The poem suggests that there is a third path that is yet to be revealed, and that it will bring the speaker a sense of closure and peace.

The poem can also be interpreted as a meditation on death and the afterlife. The speaker is unsure if there is an afterlife, but she is waiting for something significant to happen that will give her a sense of closure. The poem suggests that death is not the end, but only an interval between two phases of life.

Conclusion

"My life closed twice before its close" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that speaks about the events that closed the speaker's life before its actual end. The poem is filled with metaphors and imagery that create a sense of mystery and intrigue. The poem raises questions about the afterlife and the existence of something beyond death. The poem suggests that there is something beyond death, and that dying is not as painful as living through the events that close one's life.

Emily Dickinson's "My life closed twice before its close" is a timeless masterpiece that will continue to inspire and provoke thought for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

My Life Closed Twice Before Its Close: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers around the world. One of her most famous poems, "My Life Closed Twice Before Its Close," is a haunting and deeply personal reflection on the nature of death and loss. In this article, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of this classic poem, and delve into its meaning and significance.

The poem begins with the line "My life closed twice before its close," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "closed" suggests a sense of finality and completion, while the repetition of the phrase "before its close" emphasizes the idea that the speaker's life has ended prematurely. This opening line is both powerful and enigmatic, drawing the reader in and setting the stage for the rest of the poem.

The next stanza continues this theme of premature closure, with the speaker stating that "It yet remains to see / If Immortality unveil / A third event to me." Here, the speaker is acknowledging the possibility of an afterlife, and wondering if they will experience another "event" after death. The use of the word "unveil" suggests a sense of mystery and uncertainty, as if the speaker is unsure of what lies beyond the veil of death.

The third stanza introduces the idea of loss, with the speaker saying that "So huge, so hopeless to conceive / As these that twice befell." The use of the words "huge" and "hopeless" suggests a sense of overwhelming grief and despair, while the repetition of the word "twice" emphasizes the idea that the speaker has experienced loss on multiple occasions. This stanza is particularly powerful, as it conveys the depth of the speaker's pain and the magnitude of their loss.

The fourth stanza introduces a new image, that of a "parting" that is "not like death." This suggests that the speaker has experienced a separation or loss that is not related to physical death, but is still significant enough to be compared to it. This could be interpreted in a number of ways, but it suggests that the speaker has experienced a profound sense of loss or separation in their life.

The fifth stanza returns to the theme of death, with the speaker saying that "But both had gone / Descended to the grave." This reinforces the idea that the speaker has experienced multiple losses, and that death has played a significant role in their life. The use of the word "descended" suggests a sense of finality and inevitability, as if death is an inescapable fate.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker stating that "I could not see to see." This line is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the speaker is so overwhelmed by their grief and loss that they are unable to see clearly. The use of the word "see" is also significant, as it suggests that the speaker is struggling to make sense of their experiences and find meaning in their life.

Overall, "My Life Closed Twice Before Its Close" is a powerful and deeply personal reflection on the nature of death and loss. Through its use of vivid imagery, repetition, and powerful language, the poem conveys the depth of the speaker's pain and the magnitude of their loss. It is a testament to Emily Dickinson's skill as a poet, and a reminder of the enduring power of her work.

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