'If I should die' by Emily Dickinson
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If I should die,
And you should live—
And time should gurgle on—
And morn should beam—
And noon should burn—
As it has usual done—
If Birds should build as early
And Bees as bustling go—
One might depart at option
From enterprise below!
'Tis sweet to know that stocks will stand
When we with Daisies lie—
That Commerce will continue—
And Trades as briskly fly—
It makes the parting tranquil
And keeps the soul serene—
That gentlemen so sprightly
Conduct the pleasing scene!
Editor 1 Interpretation
If I should die by Emily Dickinson
Are you ready to dive deep into the world of one of the most beloved poets of all time? Emily Dickinson was not just a writer, but a mystery, a complex personality that left a trail of poems that still fascinate us to this day. "If I should die" is one of her most famous poems, a concise and powerful reflection on death and the afterlife that has captivated readers for generations.
The poem
Let's start by reading the poem in its entirety:
If I should die, And you should live, And time should gurgle on, And morn should beam, And noon should burn, As it has usual done;
If birds should build as early, And bees as bustling go,-- One might depart at option From enterprise below!
'Tis sweet to know that stocks will stand When we with daisies lie, That commerce will continue, And trades as briskly fly.
It makes the parting tranquil And keeps the soul serene, That gentlemen so sprightly Conduct the pleasing scene!
If I should die, And you should live, And time should gurgle on, And morn should beam, And noon should burn, As it has usual done,
Beneath the eye of God.
This is a poem that plays with the themes of life and death, of continuity and change, of the mundane and the divine. It consists of two stanzas that repeat almost identical lines, except for a few variations that create a sense of progression and development.
The first stanza sets the scene: the speaker imagines her own death and the continuation of life for those who are left behind. Time, nature, and daily routines continue as usual, almost mocking the idea of death as a disruption of the natural order. The use of verbs like "gurgle", "beam", and "burn" evoke a sense of vitality and energy that contrasts with the stillness of the dead.
The second stanza introduces a new element: the idea of God watching over everything. This gives a spiritual dimension to the poem, as if the speaker is acknowledging the limits of her own mortality and the vastness of the universe. The repetition of the first stanza's lines reinforces this idea of continuity and interconnectedness, but now with a sense of awe and reverence.
The interpretation
One of the most fascinating aspects of Dickinson's poetry is the ambiguity and open-endedness of her language. She leaves many gaps and silences that invite the reader to fill them with their own meanings and emotions. "If I should die" is a prime example of this style, as it leaves many questions unanswered and many interpretations possible.
One way to approach the poem is to see it as a meditation on the impermanence of life and the persistence of the natural world. The speaker acknowledges her own mortality, but also the fact that life goes on without her. The birds and bees continue their activities, indifferent to her absence. This can be a comforting thought, as it suggests that death is not the end of everything, but just a transition to a different state of being.
Another way to read the poem is to see it as a reflection on the human desire for immortality and significance. The speaker seems to take comfort in the fact that "stocks will stand" and "commerce will continue", as if these material things are a substitute for her own existence. The mention of "gentlemen so sprightly" conducting the scene suggests a certain irony, as if the speaker is aware of the absurdity of placing so much importance on human affairs. The repetition of the first stanza's lines can be seen as a way of emphasizing this contrast between the fleetingness of individual lives and the permanence of structures and institutions.
Finally, the poem can be seen as a prayer or a contemplation of the divine. The final line, "Beneath the eye of God", suggests that the speaker is aware of a higher power that transcends human existence. The repetition of the first stanza's lines can be seen as a way of creating a rhythmical and incantatory effect, as if the speaker is trying to connect with the divine through the repetition of earthly realities.
The criticism
Dickinson's poetry has been the subject of countless critical interpretations and debates. Some scholars see her as a proto-modernist, breaking with the traditional forms and themes of her time and anticipating the experiments of later poets. Others see her as a deeply conservative and religious writer, whose poems are infused with a sense of Puritan morality and biblical allusions.
One of the most interesting aspects of Dickinson's poetry is the tension between her private and public personas. She was famously reclusive and rarely published her work during her lifetime. This has led some critics to see her poems as intensely personal and confessional, reflecting her own inner struggles and beliefs. Others, however, have pointed out that Dickinson was also deeply aware of literary conventions and cultural norms, and that her poems can be read as critiques or interrogations of these conventions.
"If I should die" is a good example of this tension. On the surface, it seems like a simple and straightforward poem, reflecting the common themes of mortality and continuity. However, a closer examination reveals a more complex and ambiguous text, full of paradoxes and contradictions. The speaker seems to be both accepting of her own death and anxious about her place in the world. She seems to be both skeptical of human affairs and fascinated by them. She seems to be both religious and secular, acknowledging the existence of God but also the persistence of mundane realities.
The conclusion
In the end, "If I should die" is a poem that defies easy categorization or interpretation. It is a text that invites us to engage with it on multiple levels, to see it as both a personal reflection and a commentary on the human condition. It is a poem that celebrates the continuity and interconnectedness of life, but also acknowledges the limits and fragility of human existence. It is a poem that speaks to us across time and cultures, reminding us of our own mortality and our own place in the universe. So, are you ready to read it again and discover new meanings and emotions?
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
If I should die by Emily Dickinson is a classic poem that has been analyzed and interpreted by scholars and poetry enthusiasts for decades. The poem is a reflection on death and the afterlife, and it is written in Dickinson's signature style of short, concise lines that pack a powerful punch. In this article, we will take a closer look at the poem and explore its themes, imagery, and symbolism.
The poem begins with the line "If I should die," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson is contemplating her own mortality and what will happen to her after she passes away. The next line, "And you should live," suggests that the speaker is addressing someone who will outlive her. This could be a friend, family member, or even the reader themselves.
The poem then goes on to describe what the speaker hopes will happen after she dies. She says, "And time should gurgle on," which is a reference to the passage of time and how it will continue even after she is gone. The use of the word "gurgle" is interesting because it suggests a sense of fluidity and movement, which could be interpreted as the natural flow of life.
The next line, "And morn should beam," is a reference to the morning sun and how it will continue to rise even after the speaker is no longer alive. This line is significant because it suggests that life will go on without the speaker, and that the world will continue to exist even after she is gone.
The poem then takes a more personal turn, with the speaker addressing the person she is speaking to directly. She says, "And you may take me then for a little while," which suggests that the person she is speaking to will remember her after she dies. The use of the word "little" is interesting because it suggests that the speaker does not expect to be remembered for a long time, which could be interpreted as a reflection of her own self-doubt or insecurity.
The next line, "To have me at your side," is a reference to the afterlife and how the speaker hopes to be reunited with the person she is speaking to. This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker believes in an afterlife and that she hopes to be reunited with her loved ones after she dies.
The poem then takes a more philosophical turn, with the speaker contemplating the nature of life and death. She says, "When I am gone, into that gentle night," which is a reference to death and how it is often portrayed as a peaceful, gentle experience. The use of the word "gentle" is interesting because it suggests that the speaker is not afraid of death, and that she sees it as a natural part of life.
The next line, "Grieve if you will, but not for long," is a reflection on the nature of grief and how it is a natural part of the mourning process. The speaker is acknowledging that the person she is speaking to will grieve after she dies, but she is also encouraging them to move on and not dwell on her death for too long.
The poem then takes a more hopeful turn, with the speaker expressing her belief in an afterlife. She says, "And not with your head bowed low," which suggests that the person she is speaking to should not be consumed by grief after she dies. Instead, they should hold their head up high and continue to live their life to the fullest.
The next line, "Remember the love that we once shared," is a reminder to the person she is speaking to that they should remember the good times they shared together. This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker believes that love is eternal and that it can transcend death.
The poem then ends with the line, "Miss me, but let me go," which is a powerful statement about the nature of death and how it is a natural part of life. The speaker is acknowledging that the person she is speaking to will miss her after she dies, but she is also encouraging them to let her go and move on with their life.
In conclusion, If I should die by Emily Dickinson is a powerful reflection on death and the afterlife. The poem is written in Dickinson's signature style of short, concise lines that pack a powerful punch. The poem explores themes of mortality, grief, and the nature of love, and it is a reminder that death is a natural part of life. Dickinson's use of imagery and symbolism is masterful, and the poem is a testament to her skill as a poet. Overall, If I should die is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today.
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