'Death's Waylaying not the sharpest' by Emily Dickinson


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Death's Waylaying not the sharpest
Of the thefts of Time—
There Marauds a sorer Robber,
Silence—is his name—
No Assault, nor any Menace
Doth betoken him.
But from Life's consummate Cluster—
He supplants the Balm.

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

Death's Waylaying not the Sharpest

Emily Dickinson, one of the greatest poets in American literature and an enigmatic figure in the world of poetry, was known for her unique style and themes. In her poem, "Death's Waylaying not the Sharpest," Dickinson explores the idea of death, its inevitability, and how it is not always the most painful part of life. The poem is an important piece of Dickinson's literary canon and a significant contribution to the genre of poetry.

Analysis of the Poem

The poem is a reflection on the inevitability of death, a theme that is central to many of Dickinson's works. The speaker in the poem seems to be accepting of death as an eventuality, but also notes that it is not always the most painful part of life. The poem is written in Dickinson's characteristic style, with short lines and dashes, giving it a disjointed and fragmented feel.

The poem begins with the line, "Death's Waylaying not the Sharpest," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The idea of death as a waylaying, or an unexpected stop, is an interesting one. It suggests that death is not something that can be planned for or prepared for, but rather something that happens suddenly and without warning.

The next line, "For He is not of earth," is a reference to Death as a supernatural force. Dickinson often used religious imagery in her poems, and this line suggests that death is a force outside of human control, something that is beyond the realm of the living.

The third line, "And but by the ear of corn," is a reference to the way that death comes, not as a sharp blade, but as something gradual and natural. The image of the ear of corn suggests the passage of time, and the idea that death comes slowly and inexorably, like the ripening of a crop.

The next line, "This Attenuating Clay," is a reference to the physical body, which is slowly worn down over time. The use of the word "attenuating" suggests that the body is becoming weaker and more fragile, preparing for the eventual end.

The fifth line, "Employed to Eternity," is an interesting one, suggesting that death is not an end, but a beginning. It suggests that the souls of the dead are employed in some way, perhaps in an eternal afterlife, or in some other realm beyond the physical world.

The final line, "Is Consciousness - too Bright," is a reference to the idea that death is not a release from consciousness, but rather an intensification of it. The idea that consciousness is "too bright" suggests that it is overwhelming, and perhaps even painful, for the soul to experience.

Interpretation of the Poem

"Death's Waylaying not the Sharpest" is a poem that explores the idea of death in a unique and interesting way. The poem suggests that death is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather something that is inevitable and natural. The use of religious imagery and language suggests that death is something that is outside of human control, and that it is a force that cannot be resisted or avoided.

The poem also suggests that death is not always the most painful part of life. The line "This Attenuating Clay" suggests that the physical body is the source of pain and suffering in life, and that death is a release from that pain. The idea that the soul is employed in some way after death suggests that there is a purpose to life beyond the physical world, and that death is a transition to that purpose.

The final line of the poem, "Is Consciousness - too Bright," is a powerful one. It suggests that death is not a release from consciousness, but rather an intensification of it. The idea that consciousness is "too bright" suggests that the soul is overwhelmed by the intensity of the afterlife, and that it is a difficult transition to make.

Overall, "Death's Waylaying not the Sharpest" is a poem that is both thought-provoking and beautiful. It is a reflection on the inevitability of death and the transition to the afterlife, and it offers a unique perspective on these themes. Dickinson's use of language and imagery is masterful, and the poem is a testament to her skill as a poet.

Conclusion

"Death's Waylaying not the Sharpest" is a classic poem by Emily Dickinson that explores the idea of death and the afterlife. The poem is a reflection on the inevitability of death and the transition to the afterlife, and it offers a unique perspective on these themes. Dickinson's use of language and imagery is masterful, and the poem is a testament to her skill as a poet.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Death's Waylaying not the sharpest: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and profound themes. One of her most famous poems is "Death's Waylaying not the sharpest," which explores the inevitability of death and the human response to it. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.

The poem begins with the line, "Death's Waylaying not the sharpest," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "waylaying" suggests an ambush or surprise attack, while "not the sharpest" implies that death is not always the most obvious or immediate threat. This opening line sets up the central theme of the poem, which is the idea that death can come at any time, and we must always be prepared for it.

The second line of the poem reads, "Suspense—is Hostiler than Death—" Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the fear of death is often worse than death itself. The word "suspense" implies a state of uncertainty or anxiety, while "hostiler" suggests hostility or aggression. Dickinson is saying that the fear of death can be more harmful to us than death itself, as it can consume us and prevent us from living our lives to the fullest.

The third line of the poem reads, "He ambushes the timid," which reinforces the idea that death can come unexpectedly and without warning. The word "ambushes" suggests a surprise attack, while "timid" implies vulnerability or weakness. Dickinson is saying that death can strike anyone, regardless of their strength or courage.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "Surprises the brave," which suggests that even those who are brave and fearless can be caught off guard by death. The word "surprises" implies a sudden shock or unexpected event, while "brave" suggests courage and strength. Dickinson is saying that even the bravest among us are not immune to death's ambush.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "Defeat's the strong," which suggests that death can defeat even the strongest and most powerful among us. The word "defeat" implies a loss or failure, while "strong" suggests power and resilience. Dickinson is saying that death is a force that cannot be overcome, no matter how strong or powerful we may be.

The sixth line of the poem reads, "Defies the cunning," which suggests that even those who are clever and resourceful cannot outsmart death. The word "defies" implies a challenge or resistance, while "cunning" suggests intelligence and wit. Dickinson is saying that death is a force that cannot be outwitted or outmaneuvered, no matter how clever we may be.

The seventh and final line of the poem reads, "Bewilders the wise!" This line is particularly powerful, as it suggests that even the wisest among us are unable to fully comprehend or understand death. The word "bewilders" implies confusion or disorientation, while "wise" suggests knowledge and understanding. Dickinson is saying that death is a mystery that cannot be fully understood or explained, no matter how wise we may be.

Overall, "Death's Waylaying not the sharpest" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the inevitability of death and the human response to it. Through her use of language and imagery, Dickinson conveys the idea that death can come at any time, and we must always be prepared for it. She also suggests that the fear of death can be more harmful to us than death itself, as it can prevent us from living our lives to the fullest. Ultimately, Dickinson leaves us with the haunting image of death as a force that cannot be defeated or understood, no matter how strong, clever, or wise we may be.

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