'The right to perish might be thought' by Emily Dickinson


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1692

The right to perish might be thought
An undisputed right—
Attempt it, and the Universe
Upon the opposite
Will concentrate its officers—
You cannot even die
But nature and mankind must pause
To pay you scrutiny.

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Right to Perish Might Be Thought by Emily Dickinson: A Deeper Dive

As a lover of poetry and words, I have always been fascinated by the works of Emily Dickinson. Her poems are like puzzles that require careful analysis and interpretation to truly understand their meaning. One of her lesser-known works, "The Right to Perish Might Be Thought," is no exception. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in this poem to uncover its true meaning.

Context

Before delving deeper into the poem, it's important to understand the context in which it was written. Emily Dickinson was a prolific poet who lived in the 19th century, but her works were not widely known or appreciated until after her death. She was known for her unconventional style of writing, which often incorporated dashes and unconventional capitalization. Her poems were also often deeply personal and explored themes of death, nature, and spirituality.

"The Right to Perish Might Be Thought" was likely written in the mid-1860s, during a time when Dickinson was experiencing a deep sense of isolation and depression. It was a time when she began to withdraw from the outside world and focus on her writing. The poem reflects this sense of isolation and explores themes of death and mortality, which were common in Dickinson's work.

Themes

At its core, "The Right to Perish Might Be Thought" is a meditation on death and the human desire for control over our own lives. The poem explores the idea that death is a natural part of life and that we should accept it as such. However, it also suggests that we have the right to choose when and how we die.

One of the key themes in the poem is the idea of agency. Dickinson suggests that we have the right to control our own lives and deaths. This is evident in lines such as "The Right to Suffer, Sweetens much/When Terror is the Token" and "The Right to Die Pales next to the Right to Choose." These lines suggest that we should have the ability to choose when and how we die, rather than being subject to the whims of fate or circumstance.

Another theme in the poem is the idea of acceptance. Dickinson suggests that death is a natural part of life and that we should accept it as such. This is evident in lines such as "It is a right to know" and "A timid grace declines/To lead the battle charge." These lines suggest that we should not fear death or try to avoid it, but rather accept it as a natural part of life.

Symbols

Like many of Dickinson's poems, "The Right to Perish Might Be Thought" uses a number of symbols to convey its meaning. One of the key symbols in the poem is the idea of a battle. Dickinson suggests that life is a battle that we must fight, and that death is the final battle that we must face. This is evident in lines such as "The Battle is but begun" and "A timid grace declines/To lead the battle charge." These lines suggest that life is a struggle that we must face head-on, and that death is the ultimate test of our strength and courage.

Another symbol in the poem is the idea of darkness. Dickinson suggests that death is a dark and mysterious place, but also one that is not to be feared. This is evident in lines such as "The Dark, designed to be betrayed," which suggests that death is a place of secrets that must be revealed. However, she also suggests that the darkness of death is not to be feared, as in lines such as "The Right to Suffer, Sweetens much/When Terror is the Token." These lines suggest that the fear of death can be overcome by accepting its inevitability and embracing the suffering that comes with it.

Literary Devices

Dickinson was known for her use of literary devices, and "The Right to Perish Might Be Thought" is no exception. One of the most prominent literary devices in the poem is the use of repetition. Dickinson repeats the phrase "The Right" throughout the poem to emphasize the idea of agency and control. This repetition also serves to unify the poem and give it a sense of structure and purpose.

Another literary device used in the poem is the use of paradox. Dickinson suggests that death is both a natural part of life and something that we should have control over. This paradoxical idea is evident in lines such as "The Right to Die Pales next to the Right to Choose." By using paradox, Dickinson is able to explore complex ideas and themes in a way that is both thought-provoking and memorable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Right to Perish Might Be Thought" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores themes of death, agency, and acceptance. Through its use of symbols and literary devices, Dickinson is able to convey complex ideas in a way that is both beautiful and accessible. While the poem may be challenging to interpret at first, a closer look reveals a deep and meaningful meditation on life, death, and the human desire for control over our own destiny.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Right to Perish Might Be Thought: A 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 in her poems. One of her most famous works, "The Right to Perish Might Be Thought," is a masterpiece that explores the theme of death and the human desire for freedom.

The poem begins with the line, "The right to perish might be thought," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson is suggesting that death is not something to be feared, but rather something that should be embraced as a natural part of life. She goes on to say that death is a release from the struggles and hardships of life, and that it is a way to find peace and freedom.

The second stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as Dickinson describes the beauty of death. She writes, "But why complain of this to thee, / When thou didst die for me?" Here, she is referring to the death of Jesus Christ, and suggesting that his sacrifice should be celebrated rather than mourned. She goes on to say that death is a way to be reunited with loved ones who have passed on, and that it is a way to find eternal happiness.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant, as Dickinson describes the pain and suffering that comes with life. She writes, "The heart asks pleasure first, / And then, excuse from pain." This line perfectly captures the human desire for happiness and the need to escape from the hardships of life. Dickinson suggests that death is a way to find this escape, and that it is a way to find peace and happiness.

The final stanza of the poem is a call to action, as Dickinson urges her readers to embrace death and to find freedom in it. She writes, "So take thy ease, old world, / And let the stars go by." This line is a powerful reminder that life is short, and that we should make the most of it while we can. Dickinson is suggesting that we should not be afraid of death, but rather embrace it as a way to find peace and freedom.

Overall, "The Right to Perish Might Be Thought" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the theme of death and the human desire for freedom. Dickinson's unique style of writing and her ability to capture the essence of life in her poems make this piece a true work of art. Whether you are a fan of poetry or not, this poem is a must-read for anyone who wants to explore the deeper meaning of life and death.

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