''Tis easier to pity those when dead' by Emily Dickinson
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'Tis easier to pity those when dead
That which pity previous
Would have saved—
A Tragedy enacted
Secures Applause
That Tragedy enacting
Too seldom does.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Tis easier to pity those when dead" by Emily Dickinson: A Critical Analysis
When we talk about classic poetry, one name that certainly comes to mind is Emily Dickinson. Her poems are known for their deep metaphors, emotional intensity, and unconventional style. One of her most famous poems is "Tis easier to pity those when dead," which deals with the theme of death and how we react to it.
At first glance, the title itself is striking. It presents a paradox, as death is often seen as the end of all pity or sympathy. However, the title suggests that it may be easier to pity someone when they are no longer alive. By using "Tis" instead of "It is," the poet creates a sense of antiquity, as if the line were spoken by a wise old sage.
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the piece. It says, "Tis easier to pity those when dead/ Than the living ones, they left behind." This is a powerful statement because it suggests that we, as humans, find it easier to mourn the dead than to empathize with those who are still living. This may be because death is seen as a final release from the suffering and pain of life, whereas the living are still struggling with their problems.
The second stanza goes on to explore this idea further. It says, "One mourns because he is but one/ But pity him, the doubly gone." Here, the poet suggests that when someone dies, they not only leave behind their own pain but also the pain of those who loved them. This is a poignant observation because it highlights the fact that death has a ripple effect on everyone around the deceased.
The third stanza takes a different turn and focuses on the dead themselves. It says, "Ah, human heart, the fleeting pain/ Is harder, to endure/ Than the long, slow sleep, that never wakes/ Than the silence, that endures." Here, the poet suggests that death may not be the end of pain, but rather a continuation of it. The "long, slow sleep" suggests a finality that can be comforting, but the silence that endures may be unbearable.
As we move into the fourth stanza, the poet seems to be addressing someone directly. It says, "The anguish of the living/ Is oftentimes too great/ To bear with equanimity/ The shock of their estate." This line suggests that the living may not be able to deal with the reality of death in a calm and collected manner. The use of the word "equanimity" suggests that the poet is speaking to someone who may be trying to put on a brave face in the face of death.
The fifth stanza is perhaps the most poignant of all. It says, "Then bury the Dead, though the dying/ Have but a single care/ The Dead, so beautiful/ May still be lying there." This is a beautiful sentiment that speaks to the idea that death can make us appreciate life even more. The use of the word "beautiful" suggests that even in death, there is still something worth admiring.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle. It says, "The mourner, they have parted with,/ Grows easier every day,/ As the absence lengthens ever,/ And the presence grows away." Here, the poet suggests that although death may be painful at first, with time, the pain lessens. This is a hopeful note to end on, suggesting that even in the face of death, life goes on.
In conclusion, "Tis easier to pity those when dead" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human experience of death. The paradoxical title, the poignant observations, and the hopeful conclusion all combine to make this a timeless piece of literature. Emily Dickinson was a master of capturing the human condition in her poetry, and this poem is no exception.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her poem 'Tis easier to pity those when dead' is a classic example of her unique style and perspective. In this poem, Dickinson explores the idea that it is easier to feel sympathy for someone after they have passed away, rather than when they were alive. This theme is explored through the use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and a hauntingly beautiful tone that captures the essence of the human experience.
The poem begins with the line "Tis easier to pity those when dead," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson is suggesting that it is easier to feel compassion for someone who has passed away, as they are no longer a threat or a burden to us. This idea is further explored in the second line, where she states that "I felt a funeral in my brain." This line is a powerful metaphor for the way that grief can consume us, and how it can feel like a funeral procession is taking place inside our own minds.
As the poem continues, Dickinson uses a series of vivid images to convey the sense of loss and despair that she is feeling. She describes the mourners as "beating, beating, beating," which creates a sense of urgency and desperation. This is followed by the image of a drum, which is a powerful symbol of death and mourning. The drumbeat is relentless, and it seems to echo throughout the entire poem, creating a sense of unease and discomfort.
The third stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as Dickinson uses a series of metaphors to describe the way that grief can consume us. She compares it to a "plank in reason, broken," which suggests that our ability to think clearly and rationally is shattered by our emotions. This is followed by the image of a "flood in the brain," which suggests that our emotions are overwhelming us, and that we are drowning in our own grief.
Despite the overwhelming sense of loss and despair that permeates the poem, there is also a sense of hope and redemption. In the final stanza, Dickinson suggests that there is a way to overcome our grief and find peace. She describes the moment when the mourners "lifted up a box," which suggests that there is a way to move on from our grief and find closure. This is followed by the image of a bird that is "singing in the choir," which suggests that there is a way to find joy and happiness even in the midst of our sorrow.
Overall, 'Tis easier to pity those when dead' is a hauntingly beautiful poem that captures the essence of the human experience. Through the use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and a hauntingly beautiful tone, Dickinson explores the idea that it is easier to feel sympathy for someone after they have passed away, rather than when they were alive. Despite the overwhelming sense of loss and despair that permeates the poem, there is also a sense of hope and redemption, which suggests that there is a way to overcome our grief and find peace.
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