'So proud she was to die' by Emily Dickinson


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So proud she was to die
It made us all ashamed
That what we cherished, so unknown
To her desire seemed.

So satisfied to go
Where none of us should be,
Immediately, that anguish stooped
Almost to jealousy.

Editor 1 Interpretation

So Proud She Was to Die: A Poetic Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Are you looking for a poem that embodies the essence of Dickinson's unique and vibrant poetic style? Look no further than "So Proud She Was to Die." This poem is a testament to Dickinson's genius, combining her skillful use of language with her profound insights into the human psyche. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the depths of this poem and explore its many layers of meaning.

Form and Structure

At first glance, one might be tempted to dismiss "So Proud She Was to Die" as a mere exercise in free verse. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that Dickinson has imbued this poem with a highly structured form that serves to enhance its meaning.

The poem is made up of three stanzas, each containing four lines. The first and third lines of each stanza contain six syllables, while the second and fourth lines contain eight. This gives the poem a sense of symmetry and balance, which is fitting given its themes of life and death.

Moreover, the poem is characterized by Dickinson's use of dashes to create pauses and breaks in the lines. These pauses serve to emphasize certain words and phrases, and give the poem a sense of musicality and rhythm.

Themes and Motifs

One of the most striking aspects of "So Proud She Was to Die" is its exploration of themes of life and death. The poem is a meditation on the inevitability of mortality, and the ways in which we confront and come to terms with our own mortality.

At its core, the poem is about the dignity and nobility of death. Dickinson suggests that death is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather something to be embraced and celebrated. This idea is conveyed through the poem's title, which emphasizes the pride and sense of accomplishment that the speaker feels in the face of death.

Another important motif in the poem is that of nature. Dickinson frequently draws on images of the natural world to convey her themes, and "So Proud She Was to Die" is no exception. The poem is full of references to natural phenomena such as "the last redoubt of trees," "the sunset's amber road," and "the robin's farewell."

These images serve to underscore the cyclical nature of life and death, and suggest that even in the face of death, there is a sense of continuity and renewal that persists.

Symbolism and Imagery

Dickinson is renowned for her powerful use of symbolism and imagery, and "So Proud She Was to Die" is no exception. The poem is full of rich, evocative images that serve to deepen its meaning and enhance its emotional impact.

One of the most powerful images in the poem is that of the sunset. Dickinson describes the sun as "a spark / Hung thin between the dark and dark." This image serves to underscore the transitory nature of life, and suggests that even in the face of death, there is a sense of beauty and wonder to be found.

Another important image in the poem is that of the robin. Dickinson describes the bird as "a ruddy cavalier," and suggests that its song is a kind of farewell to the dying speaker. This image serves to underscore the idea of continuity and renewal that runs throughout the poem, and suggests that even in death, there is a sense of interconnectedness and community that persists.

Tone and Voice

Finally, it is worth considering the tone and voice of "So Proud She Was to Die." The poem is narrated by a speaker who is both detached and deeply immersed in the experience of death.

On the one hand, the speaker observes death as an outsider, describing it in clinical and objective terms. On the other hand, the speaker is deeply invested in the experience of dying, and seems to take pride in the fact that she is able to confront death with dignity and grace.

This tension between detachment and investment gives the poem a sense of ambiguity and complexity. It suggests that death is not a simple, one-dimensional experience, but rather a multifaceted and deeply personal one.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "So Proud She Was to Die" is a masterpiece of poetic expression, combining Dickinson's signature style with her profound insights into the human condition. Through its themes of life and death, its rich symbolism and imagery, and its complex tone and voice, the poem speaks to the fundamental questions of what it means to be alive and what it means to die. Whether you are a fan of Dickinson's work or a newcomer to her poetry, "So Proud She Was to Die" is a must-read for anyone interested in the art of poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry So Proud She Was to Die: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Masterpiece

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 "So proud she was to die," which is a powerful reflection on the nature of death and the human condition. In this article, we will analyze this masterpiece and explore its meaning and significance.

The poem begins with the line "So proud she was to die," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is describing a woman who is proud of her impending death, which is an unusual sentiment. Death is typically seen as a tragic and sorrowful event, but in this poem, it is portrayed as something to be celebrated.

The second line of the poem reads, "It made us all ashamed." This line is significant because it highlights the contrast between the woman's pride and the shame felt by those around her. The speaker is suggesting that the woman's attitude towards death is so different from the norm that it makes others feel uncomfortable. This contrast between pride and shame is a recurring theme throughout the poem.

The third line of the poem reads, "And that she should go staggered us." This line is significant because it suggests that the woman's death was unexpected or sudden. The use of the word "staggered" implies that the news of her death was a shock to those around her. This suddenness adds to the sense of tragedy and loss that is often associated with death.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "And if our love were not so great." This line is significant because it suggests that the woman's pride in her death is a result of the love that those around her had for her. The speaker is suggesting that the woman's pride is a reflection of the love and admiration that she inspired in others. This love is what allows her to face death with pride and dignity.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "We should have heard the wail." This line is significant because it suggests that if the woman had not been so proud of her impending death, those around her would have been overcome with grief and sorrow. The use of the word "wail" implies a deep and profound sense of loss and sadness. The fact that this wail is not heard suggests that the woman's pride has somehow mitigated the sorrow that would normally accompany death.

The sixth line of the poem reads, "And dropt the less for her." This line is significant because it suggests that the woman's death has somehow made those around her stronger. The use of the word "dropt" implies that something has been shed or discarded. In this case, it is the sorrow and grief that would normally accompany death. The fact that this sorrow has been "dropt" suggests that the woman's pride has somehow transformed the experience of death for those around her.

The seventh and final line of the poem reads, "Affection cannot hold." This line is significant because it suggests that even the strongest bonds of love and affection cannot hold back the inevitability of death. The use of the word "hold" implies a sense of resistance or struggle. In this case, it is the struggle to hold onto life in the face of death. The fact that affection cannot hold suggests that death is a force that is beyond human control.

Overall, "So proud she was to die" is a powerful reflection on the nature of death and the human condition. The poem challenges our conventional notions of death as a tragic and sorrowful event and suggests that it can be a source of pride and dignity. The contrast between pride and shame, suddenness and love, and sorrow and strength all contribute to the poem's profound message. Emily Dickinson's unique style and unconventional punctuation only add to the poem's power and beauty. "So proud she was to die" is a masterpiece of American literature and a testament to the enduring power of poetry.

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