''Twas comfort in her Dying Room' by Emily Dickinson


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'Twas comfort in her Dying Room
To hear the living Clock—
A short relief to have the wind
Walk boldly up and knock—
Diversion from the Dying Theme
To hear the children play—
But wrong the more
That these could live
And this of ours must die.

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

'Twas Comfort in Her Dying Room: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Emily Dickinson's 'Twas Comfort in Her Dying Room is a deeply moving and introspective poem that explores the theme of death and the comfort that one can find in its embrace. Composed of four stanzas of four lines each, the poem employs a simple and direct style that belies its emotional depth.

Analysis of the Poem

The first stanza of the poem sets the scene for the rest of the work. The narrator describes a dying woman, presumably someone close to her, who is surrounded by friends and family in a room filled with "hallowed memories". The use of the word "hallowed" immediately connotes a sense of reverence and sanctity, which is appropriate given the solemnity of the subject matter.

The second stanza introduces the idea of comfort as a salve for the pain of death. The narrator describes how the dying woman's friends and family have gathered around her to offer support and solace. The use of the word "pillow" in the first line evokes a sense of softness and comfort, which is contrasted with the harsh reality of death. The imagery of the "dying embers" in the second line suggests that the woman's life is coming to an end, but that there is still warmth and love to be found in the final moments.

The third stanza is perhaps the most introspective of the poem. Here, the narrator reflects on her own experiences of death and how it has affected her. The use of the word "we" in the first line suggests that the narrator is not alone in her grief, and that death is a universal experience that touches us all. The second line, "Who are to miss the heaven of old," implies that death is not just an end, but also a beginning, and that the dying woman is about to embark on a new journey.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, returning to the idea of comfort in the face of death. The use of the word "hallowed" once again emphasizes the sanctity of the moment, while the repetition of the phrase "comfort in" reinforces the idea that there is solace to be found even in the darkest of moments.

Interpretation of the Poem

At its core, 'Twas Comfort in Her Dying Room is a meditation on the human experience of death and the comfort that can be found in the presence of loved ones. The poem explores the theme of mortality with a sense of empathy and understanding, acknowledging that death is a difficult and painful experience for all involved.

One interpretation of the poem is that it is a celebration of life in the face of death. The woman in the poem is surrounded by memories of her past, and by friends and family who love her. While death is an inevitable and sometimes frightening prospect, the poem suggests that there is still beauty and peace to be found in the final moments of life.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a reminder of the importance of community in times of crisis. The dying woman is not alone in her final moments, but is instead surrounded by loved ones who offer comfort and support. The poem suggests that it is only through the support of others that we can find the strength to face the challenges of life and death.

Finally, the poem can also be interpreted as a reflection on the nature of grief and mourning. The narrator's own experiences of death suggest that it is a process that we all must go through, and that it is one that can be both painful and transformative. The phrase "miss the heaven of old" implies that there is a sense of loss associated with death, but that it is also an opportunity to begin anew.

Conclusion

'Twas Comfort in Her Dying Room is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the complex emotions associated with death and dying. Through its understated language and vivid imagery, the poem offers a meditation on the human experience of mortality and the comfort that can be found in the presence of loved ones. Whether read as a celebration of life, a reminder of the importance of community, or a reflection on the nature of grief, the poem remains a deeply moving and introspective work that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

‘Twas comfort in her Dying Room: a classic poem by Emily Dickinson that captures the essence of death and the comfort that comes with it. This poem is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the end of life and the peace that can be found in the final moments. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of the poem to understand its meaning and significance.

The poem begins with the line, “‘Twas comfort in her Dying Room,” which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word “comfort” suggests that there is a sense of peace and tranquility in the room, despite the fact that someone is dying. This is a powerful image, as it suggests that even in the face of death, there can be a sense of calm and acceptance.

The next line, “To hear the living Clock,” is a reference to the ticking of a clock, which is often associated with the passing of time and the inevitability of death. However, in this context, the clock is “living,” which suggests that it is a source of comfort and companionship for the dying person. This is a beautiful image, as it suggests that even in the final moments of life, there can be a sense of connection and companionship.

The third line, “A short relief to have,” is a reference to the relief that comes with the end of suffering. This is a common theme in Dickinson’s poetry, as she often explores the idea of death as a release from the pain and suffering of life. In this context, the relief is “short,” which suggests that it is temporary and fleeting. This is a powerful image, as it suggests that even in death, there is still a sense of impermanence and transience.

The fourth line, “To look around and see the Room,” is a reference to the dying person’s awareness of their surroundings. This is a common theme in Dickinson’s poetry, as she often explores the idea of death as a moment of heightened awareness and clarity. In this context, the dying person is able to see the room around them, which suggests that they are fully present in the moment and aware of their surroundings.

The fifth line, “The Chairs for leisure placed,” is a reference to the chairs in the room, which are arranged for the comfort and leisure of the dying person. This is a powerful image, as it suggests that even in death, there can be a sense of care and compassion for the dying person. The chairs are “placed,” which suggests that they have been deliberately arranged for the comfort of the dying person.

The sixth line, “The Couches for the Perilous Play,” is a reference to the couches in the room, which are arranged for the “perilous play” of death. This is a powerful image, as it suggests that even in death, there can be a sense of playfulness and adventure. The use of the word “perilous” suggests that death is a dangerous and risky game, but also one that can be exciting and exhilarating.

The seventh line, “And Beggars fond of play,” is a reference to the beggars who are fond of playing in the room. This is a powerful image, as it suggests that even in death, there can be a sense of community and connection. The beggars are “fond of play,” which suggests that they are not afraid of death, but rather embrace it as a natural part of life.

The eighth line, “The Floors of Hearses spright,” is a reference to the floors of hearses, which are often associated with death and mourning. However, in this context, the floors are “spright,” which suggests that they are lively and full of energy. This is a powerful image, as it suggests that even in death, there can be a sense of vitality and life.

The ninth line, “The eager pack of Stars,” is a reference to the stars in the sky, which are often associated with the afterlife and the journey of the soul. The stars are “eager,” which suggests that they are waiting for the dying person to join them in the afterlife. This is a powerful image, as it suggests that death is not an end, but rather a beginning of a new journey.

The final line, “The Gretchen in the Spire,” is a reference to the character Gretchen in Goethe’s Faust, who is a symbol of innocence and purity. The spire is a symbol of the church and the afterlife. This is a powerful image, as it suggests that even in death, there can be a sense of purity and innocence.

In terms of structure, the poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, with each line consisting of a single phrase. This gives the poem a sense of clarity and directness, which is appropriate for a poem about death and the afterlife. The use of repetition, particularly in the first and last lines, also gives the poem a sense of unity and coherence.

In terms of language, the poem is full of powerful and evocative imagery, which helps to create a vivid and memorable picture of death and the afterlife. The use of personification, particularly in the second line, also helps to create a sense of companionship and connection between the dying person and the clock.

Overall, ‘Twas comfort in her Dying Room is a beautiful and poignant poem that captures the essence of death and the comfort that can be found in the final moments. Through its powerful imagery and simple structure, the poem offers a powerful reflection on the end of life and the journey of the soul. It is a testament to Emily Dickinson’s skill as a poet and her ability to capture the complexities of life and death in a few simple lines.

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