'The distance that the dead have gone' by Emily Dickinson


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1742

The distance that the dead have gone
Does not at first appear—
Their coming back seems possible
For many an ardent year.

And then, that we have followed them,
We more than half suspect,
So intimate have we become
With their dear retrospect.

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Distance That the Dead Have Gone by Emily Dickinson: A Journey Through Grief and Acceptance

Have you ever wondered what happens to those who die? Do they disappear into nothingness, or do they continue to exist in some way? These questions have plagued humanity for centuries, and poets and writers have tried to capture the essence of death and the afterlife in their works. Among them, Emily Dickinson stands out as one of the most enigmatic and profound voices on the topic. In her poem "The Distance That the Dead Have Gone," she explores the themes of loss, grief, and acceptance in a way that is both haunting and uplifting.

At first glance, the poem may seem simple and straightforward, with its short lines and uncomplicated language. However, upon closer inspection, the poem reveals a depth of meaning and emotion that is both subtle and powerful. The poem consists of five stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a consistent rhyme scheme of ABCB. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem:

The distance that the dead have gone Does not at first appear— Their coming back seems possible For many an ardent year.

Here, Dickinson introduces the idea that the dead are not really gone, at least not in the sense that they have disappeared into nothingness. Rather, their absence is a matter of distance, a separation that is both physical and metaphysical. The "coming back" that she mentions is not a literal return, but rather a longing for the departed to be present once again. This idea of absence and longing is a recurring theme throughout the poem, and it reflects Dickinson's own experiences with loss and grief.

The second stanza explores the nature of this distance and how it affects those who are left behind:

And then, that distance is behind, Or in front—the Psyche's highway— But no perceptible arrive In physic, or in law.

Here, Dickinson introduces the idea that the distance between the living and the dead is not a fixed point, but rather a fluid concept that changes depending on one's perspective. The "Psyche's highway" refers to the soul's journey after death, and the idea that the dead may be moving away from us, or towards us, depending on where we are in our own spiritual journey. The final two lines of the stanza are particularly poignant, as they suggest that the distance between the living and the dead cannot be measured or quantified, either in a physical or legal sense.

The third stanza takes a more philosophical approach to the concept of death and the afterlife:

Except for Ghosts—stated by Trees— Have seemed to haunt alike— The living, and the Dead— But never deemed so—till we died—

Here, Dickinson suggests that death is not just a physical separation, but a state of being that is both mysterious and elusive. The ghosts that are "stated by Trees" represent the idea that the dead may still be present in some way, even if we cannot see or hear them. The fact that they "haunt alike" both the living and the dead suggests that death is not just a one-way journey, but rather a shared experience that connects us all. The final line of the stanza is particularly poignant, as it suggests that we cannot truly understand death and the afterlife until we have experienced it ourselves.

The fourth stanza explores the idea of acceptance, and how it can help us cope with grief and loss:

This was a Poet—It is That Distills amazing sense From ordinary Meanings— And Attar so immense

Here, Dickinson acknowledges that the ideas she is exploring are not just abstract concepts, but rather deeply personal ones that have affected her own life. The "Poet" mentioned in the first line is likely a reference to herself, and the idea that poetry can help us make sense of the world around us, even in the face of profound loss and grief. The final two lines of the stanza are particularly powerful, as they suggest that even in the midst of pain and suffering, we can find beauty and meaning, much like the attar, which is a fragrant oil derived from flowers.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, and reinforces the central themes of loss, grief, and acceptance:

As We—pronounce "Doctor"—dead— And then—ample Sense Of Transport to arise—' With Gaiety, and Guile

Here, Dickinson reflects on the idea that death is both a loss and a journey, and that the dead may be moving towards a place of "Transport," which suggests a kind of transcendence beyond the physical world. The use of the word "Gaiety" suggests a sense of joy and celebration, even in the face of death, while the word "Guile" implies a sense of mystery and intrigue. Taken together, these two words suggest that even in death, there is a sense of wonder and possibility that transcends our earthly existence.

In conclusion, "The Distance That the Dead Have Gone" is a deeply moving and profound poem that explores some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. Through her use of simple language and powerful imagery, Emily Dickinson captures the essence of loss, grief, and acceptance, and offers a unique perspective on the nature of death and the afterlife. While the poem may be enigmatic and elusive at times, its beauty and power are undeniable, and it continues to resonate with readers today, more than a century after it was written.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Distance That the Dead Have Gone: A Masterpiece of Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated American poets of the 19th century, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, nature, and spirituality. Her poem, "The Distance That the Dead Have Gone," is a masterpiece that delves into the concept of death and the journey that the deceased embark upon. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the line, "The distance that the dead have gone," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "distance" implies that death is a journey, and the dead have traveled a certain distance. This idea is further reinforced in the next line, "Does not at first appear," which suggests that the journey of the dead is not immediately visible or comprehensible to the living.

The second stanza of the poem reads, "Their coming back seems possible / For all we know of them." This line is particularly interesting because it suggests that the dead may return, but only if we know enough about them. This could be interpreted as a reference to the idea that the dead live on through their legacy, whether it be through their work, their memories, or their impact on the world. In this sense, the dead do come back, but only in a figurative sense.

The third stanza of the poem reads, "Their going forth from sight / Occurs upon the air / And cleaves unto the forehead / With a remnant of despair." This stanza is particularly powerful because it describes the moment of death as something that occurs "upon the air." This suggests that death is not a physical event, but rather a spiritual one. The idea that death "cleaves unto the forehead / With a remnant of despair" is also significant because it suggests that death is not a peaceful or painless experience. Instead, it is something that leaves a lasting impression on the living.

The fourth stanza of the poem reads, "That not for all the power / Begun when life is done / Nor all the love, nor all the strife / Is able to return." This stanza is particularly poignant because it suggests that no matter how much power, love, or strife a person experiences in life, they cannot return from death. This idea is reinforced in the final stanza of the poem, which reads, "The distance that the dead have gone / Does not diminish us." This line suggests that although the dead have gone on a journey that we cannot follow, their absence does not diminish our own lives.

In terms of structure, the poem is composed of five stanzas, each with four lines. The use of quatrains is significant because it gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry. The rhyme scheme of the poem is also interesting because it follows an ABAB pattern. This pattern gives the poem a sense of rhythm and musicality, which is particularly effective in conveying the themes of death and spirituality.

In terms of literary devices, the poem is rich with metaphors and imagery. The use of the word "distance" is a metaphor for death, which is portrayed as a journey. The idea that death occurs "upon the air" is also a metaphor, which suggests that death is a spiritual event rather than a physical one. The use of the word "cleaves" is also significant because it suggests that death is something that leaves a lasting impression on the living.

The imagery in the poem is also powerful. The idea that the dead have gone a certain distance is conveyed through the use of the word "distance," which creates a visual image of a journey. The idea that death occurs "upon the air" is also a powerful image, which suggests that death is something intangible and spiritual. The use of the word "forehead" is also significant because it creates a visual image of the moment of death.

In conclusion, "The Distance That the Dead Have Gone" is a masterpiece of Emily Dickinson's poetry. The poem explores the concept of death and the journey that the deceased embark upon. Through its use of metaphors, imagery, and structure, the poem conveys powerful themes of spirituality, legacy, and the lasting impact of death on the living. Dickinson's unique style of writing is on full display in this poem, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the art of poetry.

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