'To make One's Toilette—after Death' by Emily Dickinson
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
485
To make One's Toilette—after Death
Has made the Toilette cool
Of only Taste we cared to please
Is difficult, and still—
That's easier—than Braid the Hair—
And make the Bodice gay—
When eyes that fondled it are wrenched
By Decalogues—away—
Editor 1 Interpretation
"To make One's Toilette—after Death" by Emily Dickinson
Oh, what a masterpiece of literature Emily Dickinson has left us with "To make One's Toilette—after Death"! This haunting poem, written in Dickinson's typical style, is not only a commentary on the vanity of human existence but also a reflection on the afterlife.
Poem Analysis
The poem opens with a simple yet profound statement, "To make One's Toilette—after Death". The act of making one's toilette or grooming oneself is something that we do every day, but Dickinson turns it into something much more profound. The use of the word "toilette" is interesting as it not only refers to the act of grooming but also to the ritual of preparing one's body for burial. Dickinson is already setting the tone for the rest of the poem, which will be a meditation on death and the afterlife.
In the second line, Dickinson writes, "Has made the Toilette cool". The use of the word "cool" is interesting as it not only refers to the temperature but also to the calmness and serenity that comes with death. Dickinson is suggesting that death is something to be embraced and celebrated, rather than feared.
The third line, "And every Crown a Tomb", is perhaps the most interesting line in the poem. Dickinson is suggesting that every achievement or success that we have in life ultimately leads to our death. The use of the word "crown" is interesting here as it not only refers to a physical crown but also to the metaphorical crowns that we wear in life, such as success, power, or wealth.
In the fourth line, Dickinson writes, "To dress it takes the whole of Life". The act of dressing oneself or preparing one's body for burial is something that requires a lifetime of preparation. Dickinson is suggesting that our entire lives are leading up to this moment of death and that everything we do in life is ultimately preparing us for this moment.
The fifth line, "To dress it takes the whole of Life", is perhaps the most haunting line in the entire poem. Dickinson is suggesting that even in death, we are still concerned with our appearance and how we are perceived by others. Even in death, we are still vain and concerned with our public image.
In the final lines of the poem, Dickinson writes, "To bring a Wreath—the Reticence of Death— / To name an Ample name". The use of the word "reticence" is interesting here as it not only refers to the silence that comes with death but also to the idea that death is something that we don't talk about openly. Dickinson is suggesting that death is something that we should be more open about and that we should embrace it as a natural part of life.
Interpretation
"On the surface, 'To make One's Toilette—after Death' may seem like a commentary on the vanity of human existence, but I believe that it is much more than that. Dickinson is not only commenting on our obsession with appearance and public image but also on the inevitability of death and the afterlife.
Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses the act of preparing oneself for burial as a metaphor for the entire human experience. Our entire lives are leading up to this moment of death, and everything we do in life is ultimately preparing us for this moment. Dickinson is suggesting that death is not something to be feared but something to be embraced and celebrated.
The use of the word "cool" in the second line is particularly interesting as it suggests that death is something that brings calmness and serenity. Dickinson is suggesting that death is not an end but a new beginning, and that we should embrace it as such.
The final lines of the poem are particularly poignant. Dickinson suggests that we should be more open about death and that we should embrace it as a natural part of life. The use of the word "reticence" is particularly interesting here as it suggests that death is something that we don't talk about openly. By breaking this taboo and embracing death as a natural part of life, we can live more fully and fearlessly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "To make One's Toilette—after Death" is a masterpiece of literature that is both haunting and profound. Dickinson is not only commenting on the vanity of human existence but also on the inevitability of death and the afterlife. By embracing death as a natural part of life, we can live more fully and fearlessly. Dickinson's message is as relevant today as it was when she wrote it, and we should all take heed of her words and embrace death as a natural part of life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To Make One's Toilette—After Death: A Poetic Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, is known for her unique style of writing and her ability to capture the essence of life and death in her works. Her poem, "To Make One's Toilette—After Death," is a prime example of her brilliance as a poet. In this poem, Dickinson explores the concept of death and the rituals that surround it. Through her use of language and imagery, she creates a vivid picture of what it means to "make one's toilette" after death.
The poem begins with the line, "To make one's toilette—after death," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "toilette" is significant here, as it refers to the act of grooming oneself, particularly in preparation for a special occasion. In this case, the occasion is death, and Dickinson is suggesting that even in death, there is a need for preparation and grooming.
The second line of the poem, "Has made the toilette cool of late," is a reference to the fact that death has become a more common occurrence in recent times. The use of the word "cool" here is interesting, as it suggests a certain detachment or lack of emotion towards death. This is a common theme in Dickinson's work, as she often explores the idea of death as a natural part of life.
The third line of the poem, "Than an embargo lifted late," is a reference to the lifting of a trade embargo, which suggests that death is something that has been held back or restricted in some way. This line also suggests that death is something that is beyond our control, and that we must simply accept it as a part of life.
The fourth line of the poem, "And the discomfiture of friends," is a reference to the discomfort that friends and loved ones feel when someone dies. This line suggests that death is not just a personal experience, but one that affects those around us as well.
The fifth line of the poem, "Which of the following, be precise," is a reference to the various rituals and customs that surround death. Dickinson is suggesting that there are many different ways to prepare for death, and that each person must choose their own path.
The sixth line of the poem, "Has not yet transpired to tell," is a reference to the fact that no one knows what happens after we die. This line suggests that death is a mystery, and that we can only speculate about what comes next.
The seventh line of the poem, "But doubtless it will be declared," is a reference to the fact that eventually, we will all experience death. This line suggests that death is something that we cannot avoid, and that we must all face it at some point.
The eighth line of the poem, "When the single step is heard," is a reference to the moment of death itself. Dickinson is suggesting that death is a journey, and that the moment of death is like taking a single step into the unknown.
The ninth line of the poem, "And the startled look in the casket's eyes," is a reference to the idea that even in death, there is a sense of surprise or shock. This line suggests that death is not something that we can fully prepare for, and that there is always an element of the unknown.
The tenth and final line of the poem, "Disconcerts the second size," is a reference to the fact that death is something that affects everyone, regardless of their size or stature. This line suggests that death is a great equalizer, and that it is something that we must all face, regardless of our status in life.
Overall, "To Make One's Toilette—After Death" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the concept of death and the rituals that surround it. Through her use of language and imagery, Emily Dickinson creates a vivid picture of what it means to prepare for death, and the sense of mystery and uncertainty that surrounds it. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet, and her ability to capture the essence of life and death in her works.
Editor Recommended Sites
Analysis and Explanation of famous writings: Editorial explanation of famous writings. Prose Summary Explanation and Meaning & Analysis ExplanationWebassembly Solutions: Webassembly consulting in DFW
Learn AI Ops: AI operations for machine learning
Visual Novels: AI generated visual novels with LLMs for the text and latent generative models for the images
Decentralized Apps: Decentralized crypto applications
Recommended Similar Analysis
Love by George Herbert analysisEvery Time I Kiss You by Nizar Qabbani analysis
Best Thing in the World, The by Elizabeth Barrett Browning analysis
The Bull Moose by Alden Nowlan analysis
Poems Of Joys by Walt Whitman analysis
Crow's Fall by Ted Hughes analysis
The Thousand-And-Second Tale Of Scheherazade by Edgar Allen Poe analysis
Cut Grass by Philip Larkin analysis
The Dying Christian To His Soul by Alexander Pope analysis
Satire III by John Donne analysis