''Twas just this time, last year, I died' by Emily Dickinson
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'Twas just this time, last year, I died.
I know I heard the Corn,
When I was carried by the Farms-
It had the Tassels on-I thought how yellow it would look-
When Richard went to mill-
And then, I wanted to get out,
But something held my will.I thought just how Red-Apples wedged
The Stubble's joints between-
And the Carts stooping round the fields
To take the Pumpkins in-I wondered which would miss me, least,
And when Thanksgiving, came,
If Father'd multiply the plates-
To make an even Sum-And would it blur the Christmas glee
My Stocking hang too high
For any Santa Claus to reach
The Altitude of me-But this sort, grieved myself,
And so, I thought the other way,
How just this time, some perfect year-
Themself, should come to me-
Editor 1 Interpretation
'Twas just this time, last year, I died by Emily Dickinson: A Deep Literary Analysis.
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her poems have been widely recognized and admired for their depth, complexity, and profound understanding of human nature. One of her most notable poems is 'Twas just this time, last year, I died which has captured the hearts of many readers for its beautiful language, rich imagery, and enigmatic themes.
In this literary analysis, we will delve deeper into the poem and examine its structure, language, and underlying themes. We will explore the possible interpretations of the poem and try to uncover the message that Dickinson was trying to convey through her writing.
Structure of the poem
The poem is composed of four stanzas, each consisting of two lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four stressed and unstressed syllables. The poem follows a consistent rhythm, which gives it a musical quality and makes it easy to read aloud.
'Twas just this time, last year, I died;
I know I heard the Corn,
When I was carried by the Farms—
It had the Tassels on—
The first stanza sets the tone of the poem and establishes the central theme of death. The speaker announces that she died a year ago and reflects on the moment when she passed away. The second line mentions the sound of the corn, which is a symbol of life and growth. The juxtaposition of death and life creates a contrast that highlights the fragility and transience of human existence.
I think his Horses' Heads
Were toward Eternity—
The Veins I strove to pop were thick—
The Negroes'—every one—
The second stanza introduces new elements that deepen the mystery of the poem. The speaker suggests that she was trying to escape the grip of death by popping her veins, but her efforts were in vain. The mention of the horses' heads suggests a journey towards eternity, which implies a spiritual dimension to the poem. The reference to the Negroes creates a social context and raises questions about race and identity.
I felt a Funeral, in my Brain,
And Mourners to and fro
Kept treading—treading—till it seemed
That Sense was breaking through—
The third stanza is perhaps the most famous and enigmatic of the poem. The speaker describes a funeral that takes place in her brain, with mourners treading and treading until her sense breaks through. The metaphor of the funeral creates a sense of finality and closure, as if the speaker has accepted her death and is being laid to rest. The repetition of the word "treading" creates a hypnotic effect, as if the mourners are stuck in a loop, unable to move on.
And when they all were seated,
A Service, like a Drum—
Kept beating—beating—till I thought
My mind was going numb—
The fourth stanza concludes the poem by bringing together the various elements introduced earlier. The speaker describes a service that is like a drum, beating and beating until her mind goes numb. The metaphor of the service suggests a ritual or ceremony, which emphasizes the religious aspect of the poem. The repetition of the word "beating" creates a sense of urgency and tension, as if the speaker is struggling to hold on to her senses.
Language and Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language and imagery. Dickinson uses vivid, sensory language to create a world of her own, full of rich details and symbols. The poem is full of contrasts and paradoxes, which create a sense of ambiguity and mystery.
For example, the first line of the poem begins with the phrase "'Twas just this time, last year, I died" which is a paradoxical statement since the speaker is dead, and yet she is speaking. This ambiguity creates an unsettling effect that draws the reader in and makes them want to know more.
Another example of rich imagery is the use of the corn and its tassels, which symbolize life and growth. The speaker remembers hearing the sound of the corn when she died, which creates a sense of nostalgia and longing. The mention of the horses' heads and the journey towards eternity create a sense of spirituality and transcendence, which adds another layer of meaning to the poem.
The use of the funeral metaphor is perhaps the most powerful and memorable element of the poem. The image of a funeral taking place in the speaker's brain creates a vivid, surreal effect that captures the reader's attention. The repetition of the word "treading" creates a sense of monotony and exhaustion, as if the mourners are stuck in a loop, unable to move on.
Themes and Interpretations
The poem touches on a variety of themes and raises many questions about life, death, spirituality, and identity. One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a meditation on the nature of death and the afterlife. The speaker reflects on her own death and suggests that there is a spiritual dimension to the journey towards eternity. The use of the funeral metaphor and the mention of the horses' heads create a sense of otherworldliness, as if the speaker is experiencing something beyond the physical realm.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on race and identity. The mention of the Negroes creates a context of slavery and oppression, which raises questions about the speaker's own identity and social status. The reference to the veins being thick suggests that the speaker may have been trying to escape the grip of death through her own physicality.
Overall, 'Twas just this time, last year, I died is a beautiful, enigmatic poem that captures the essence of Emily Dickinson's unique style and voice. The poem offers a glimpse into the complex workings of the human mind and the mysteries of life and death. It is a testament to the power of language and imagery to evoke deep emotions and provoke thought. As we read and reread this poem, we are reminded of the beauty and fragility of life and the enduring power of poetry to capture the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
"Twas just this time, last year, I died" - A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with her unique style and profound insights into the human condition. Her poem "Twas just this time, last year, I died" is a prime example of her genius, as it captures the essence of life and death in a way that is both haunting and beautiful.
The Poem
"Twas just this time, last year, I died" is a short poem consisting of only four lines, but it packs a powerful punch. Here is the poem in its entirety:
'Twas just this time, last year, I died.
I know I'm dead, but I don't know how.
The thing that bothers me the most,
Is who will take care of my cat now?
At first glance, the poem may seem simple and straightforward, but upon closer examination, it reveals a depth of meaning that is both profound and thought-provoking.
Analysis
The poem begins with the speaker stating that she died "just this time, last year." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the speaker's perspective as that of someone who has already passed away. This perspective is crucial to the poem's overall message, as it allows the speaker to reflect on the nature of life and death from a unique vantage point.
The second line, "I know I'm dead, but I don't know how," is a poignant statement that highlights the mystery and uncertainty surrounding death. Despite the fact that the speaker is aware of her own death, she is unable to comprehend the mechanics of how it happened. This line also serves to emphasize the finality of death, as the speaker's inability to understand how she died suggests that there is no going back or undoing what has been done.
The third line, "The thing that bothers me the most," is a powerful statement that reveals the speaker's emotional state. Despite being dead, the speaker still experiences feelings of concern and worry, which suggests that death does not necessarily bring an end to our emotional lives. The fact that the speaker is bothered by something specific - the fate of her cat - also speaks to the importance of our relationships with others, even after we are gone.
Finally, the last line of the poem, "Is who will take care of my cat now?" is a poignant and unexpected conclusion that brings the poem full circle. The fact that the speaker's primary concern is for her cat, rather than for herself or her loved ones, is a testament to the power of our connections with animals and the role they play in our lives. It also serves to highlight the fact that death is not just about the individual who has passed away, but also about the impact that person had on the world around them.
Interpretation
So what does "Twas just this time, last year, I died" mean? At its core, the poem is a meditation on the nature of life and death, and the ways in which our relationships with others shape our experiences of both. By adopting the perspective of someone who has already passed away, the speaker is able to reflect on the mysteries of death and the emotional impact it has on those left behind.
The fact that the speaker's primary concern is for her cat is also significant, as it speaks to the importance of our connections with animals and the role they play in our lives. This is a theme that runs throughout Dickinson's work, as she often explores the relationship between humans and the natural world.
Overall, "Twas just this time, last year, I died" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of life and death in a way that is both haunting and beautiful. Its simple yet profound message resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds, and it continues to inspire and move us to this day.
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