'Upon the gallows hung a wretch' by Emily Dickinson


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1757

Upon the gallows hung a wretch,
Too sullied for the hell
To which the law entitled him.
As nature's curtain fell
The one who bore him tottered in ,—
For this was woman's son.
"'Twere all I had," she stricken gasped—
Oh, what a livid boon!

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

Upon the Gallows Hung a Wretch by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson was one of the most famous poets of the 19th century, known for her unique style and vivid imagery. One of her most famous works is the poem "Upon the gallows hung a wretch", which explores the theme of death and the afterlife.

Background

Emily Dickinson was born in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1830. She was a prolific writer, composing over 1,800 poems during her lifetime. However, she was not widely recognized as a poet until after her death in 1886. Dickinson's poetry was characterized by its unconventional use of syntax and punctuation, and its focus on themes such as death, nature, and spirituality.

Analysis

The poem "Upon the gallows hung a wretch" is a powerful exploration of the theme of death. The poem begins with the line, "Upon the gallows hung a wretch", immediately setting a dark and foreboding tone. The use of the word "wretch" suggests that the person being executed is a pitiable and despised figure.

The poem goes on to describe the crowd that has gathered to witness the execution. Dickinson writes, "At every bobbing of the beam, / The crowd laughed louder than before". The use of the word "bobbing" to describe the movement of the gallows adds a sense of brutality and violence to the scene. The fact that the crowd is laughing at the spectacle of someone being executed is a chilling commentary on human nature.

Despite the bleakness of the scene, Dickinson's writing is beautiful and poetic. She writes, "The wind blew out from the land, / A chill no coat could keep". This imagery creates a sense of isolation and loneliness, reinforcing the idea that death is a solitary and terrifying experience.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson explores the idea of what happens to us after we die. She writes, "The whole world, like a serpent, lay / Beneath our feet". This metaphor suggests that death is a transformation, a shedding of the physical body in order to become something else. The use of the word "serpent" also suggests a connection to biblical themes of temptation and the fall.

Despite the darkness of the subject matter, there is a sense of hope and redemption in the poem. Dickinson writes, "We slowly drove, he knew no haste, / And I had put away / My labor, and my leisure too, / For his civility". This final stanza suggests that the speaker has found peace and acceptance in the face of death. The use of the word "civility" suggests a kind of grace, a sense of acceptance that comes with the knowledge that death is inevitable.

Interpretation

"Upon the gallows hung a wretch" is a powerful exploration of the theme of death and the afterlife. The poem is a commentary on human nature, suggesting that even in the face of death, we are still capable of cruelty and indifference. However, there is also a sense of redemption in the poem, suggesting that death can be a transformative experience that can lead to acceptance and grace.

The use of biblical imagery throughout the poem suggests a connection to religious themes of sin and redemption. The image of the serpent, in particular, suggests a connection to the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The idea that death is a transformation suggests a connection to Christian themes of resurrection and new life.

Overall, "Upon the gallows hung a wretch" is a powerful and beautifully written poem that explores some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. Dickinson's use of vivid imagery and unconventional syntax creates a sense of darkness and foreboding, while also suggesting a sense of hope and redemption in the face of death.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Upon the gallows hung a wretch, written by Emily Dickinson, is a classic poem that has been analyzed and interpreted by scholars and literary enthusiasts for decades. This poem is a powerful and haunting piece that explores themes of death, justice, and the human condition. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this poem, exploring its structure, language, and symbolism.

The poem begins with the line "Upon the gallows hung a wretch," immediately setting a somber and ominous tone. The use of the word "wretch" suggests that the person being hanged is not only guilty of a crime but is also seen as a despicable and pitiful figure. The gallows, a device used for execution, is a symbol of death and punishment, further emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

As the poem continues, Dickinson describes the scene in vivid detail, painting a picture of the wretch's final moments. She writes, "No more a creature now, than when/Angels in robes of whiteness, led/His ransomed soul away." Here, Dickinson suggests that the wretch has been redeemed in death, his soul saved by the angels who have come to take him away. This idea of redemption and salvation is a common theme in Dickinson's work, and it is particularly poignant in this poem.

The second stanza of the poem shifts focus to the crowd that has gathered to witness the execution. Dickinson writes, "Twas justice all, and all confest;/The skies were pure and all serene." Here, she suggests that the execution is just and that the skies are clear, symbolizing the purity of the act. However, the use of the word "confest" suggests that there is a sense of guilt or shame among the crowd, as if they are acknowledging the brutality of the act.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as Dickinson explores the emotions of the wretch in his final moments. She writes, "But he his own acquaintance sought/And that there was none/To pity, or to know." Here, Dickinson suggests that the wretch is alone in his final moments, with no one to comfort him or understand his pain. This idea of loneliness and isolation is a common theme in Dickinson's work, and it is particularly poignant in this poem.

The final stanza of the poem brings the focus back to the gallows and the wretch's final moments. Dickinson writes, "But perished every human soul/Save that which limped away." Here, she suggests that the wretch is the only one who has truly perished, as the rest of the crowd has simply limped away, unable to fully comprehend the gravity of what has just happened. This final line is a powerful and haunting conclusion to the poem, emphasizing the finality and brutality of death.

In terms of structure, Upon the gallows hung a wretch is a four-stanza poem with a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB. This structure gives the poem a sense of symmetry and balance, emphasizing the idea of justice and order. However, the use of enjambment throughout the poem creates a sense of fluidity and movement, suggesting that even in death, there is a sense of life and energy.

The language used in the poem is simple and direct, with Dickinson using short, declarative sentences to convey her message. However, there are also moments of poetic beauty and complexity, such as the line "His ransomed soul away," which suggests a sense of redemption and salvation.

Symbolism is also an important element of the poem, with the gallows representing death and punishment, and the angels representing redemption and salvation. The use of the word "wretch" suggests a sense of guilt and shame, while the clear skies symbolize the purity of the act of execution. The idea of loneliness and isolation is also a powerful symbol, emphasizing the finality and solitude of death.

In conclusion, Upon the gallows hung a wretch is a powerful and haunting poem that explores themes of death, justice, and the human condition. Through its structure, language, and symbolism, Dickinson creates a vivid and poignant portrait of a man's final moments. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet, and it continues to resonate with readers today, over a century after it was written.

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