'The Manner of its Death' by Emily Dickinson
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The Manner of its Death
When Certain it must die-
'Tis deemed a privilege to choose-
'Twas Major Andre's Way-When Choice of Life-is past-
There yet remains a Love
Its little Fate to stipulate-How small in those who live-The Miracle to tease
With Bable of the styles-
How "they are Dying mostly-now"-
And Customs at "St. James"!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Manner of Its Death: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
If there's one thing that Emily Dickinson is known for, it's her remarkable ability to capture the essence of human emotion in her poetry. Her poems are a window into the human soul, and "The Manner of its Death" is no exception. This poem is a haunting meditation on the nature of death, and the various ways in which it can manifest itself in our lives. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes and motifs that make this poem such a masterful work of art.
Understanding the Poem
First and foremost, it's essential to understand the poem itself. "The Manner of its Death" is a short poem, composed of just six lines. Yet in those six lines, Dickinson manages to convey a powerful message that is both eerie and thought-provoking. The poem reads as follows:
The Manner of its Death
When Certain it must die
'Tis harder to die with drought
Than Ocean, or Rock, or Mountains
Death thou art swift
To strike, but thy nature
Is like Lazarus with the dead.
On the surface, the poem seems to be about death - specifically, the various ways in which it can come upon us. The first line establishes that death is inevitable, and that there is a certain point at which it becomes certain that it will occur. The second line seems to suggest that it is more difficult to accept death when it comes upon us suddenly, like a drought, than when we have time to prepare for it. The third line lists a series of seemingly invincible objects - oceans, rocks, and mountains - and yet suggests that even these mighty things can succumb to death.
The final three lines are the most enigmatic. Dickinson addresses death directly, calling it "swift" and suggesting that it strikes quickly and without warning. Yet she also notes that death's "nature is like Lazarus with the dead." This is a reference to the biblical story of Lazarus, who was raised from the dead by Jesus. The phrase "like Lazarus with the dead" seems to suggest that death, like Lazarus, has the power to bring things back to life. This is a strange and paradoxical idea - how can death bring life?
Themes and Motifs
To fully appreciate "The Manner of its Death," we need to delve deeper into its themes and motifs. One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the inevitability of death. Dickinson seems to suggest that death is an essential part of life, and that we must all accept its inevitability. This is a common theme in Dickinson's work, and it speaks to her deeply held belief in the transience of life.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of preparedness. Dickinson suggests that it is easier to accept death when we have time to prepare for it. This is a common sentiment - we often hear people say that they want to "make peace" with the idea of death before it comes. Yet Dickinson also seems to suggest that even when we are prepared, death can still be a difficult thing to accept. This speaks to the complexity of human emotion and the deep-seated fear that many of us feel when confronted with the idea of our own mortality.
The motif of Lazarus is also important in the poem. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that death is not always the end - that there is a possibility of resurrection, of new life. This is a hopeful and optimistic message, and it stands in contrast to the more fatalistic tone of much of the rest of the poem.
Interpretation
So what does it all mean? How are we to interpret "The Manner of its Death"? As with much of Dickinson's work, there is no easy answer. The poem is rich in symbolism and meaning, and it resists easy categorization.
One possible interpretation of the poem is that death is an essential part of life, and that we must all come to terms with our own mortality. Dickinson seems to suggest that while death may seem like an insurmountable obstacle, it is ultimately a natural part of the cycle of life and death. This interpretation is supported by the motif of Lazarus, which suggests that death is not always the end.
Another possible interpretation of the poem is that Dickinson is exploring the complexity of human emotion in the face of death. She suggests that even when we are prepared for death, it can still be a difficult thing to accept. This speaks to the deep-seated fear that many of us feel when confronted with the idea of our own mortality.
Finally, the poem may be read as a meditation on the power of death. Dickinson suggests that death is swift and powerful, capable of bringing even the mightiest things to their knees. Yet she also suggests that death has the power to bring new life - a hopeful message that stands in contrast to the more fatalistic tone of the rest of the poem.
Conclusion
"The Manner of its Death" is a masterpiece of poetry, a haunting meditation on the nature of death and the various ways in which it can manifest itself in our lives. Through its themes and motifs, the poem explores the complexity of human emotion in the face of death, and suggests that even in the midst of darkness, there is always the possibility of new life. It is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet that she is able to convey such a profound message in just six short lines, and a testament to her enduring legacy that this poem remains as powerful and relevant today as it was when she first wrote it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Manner of its Death: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poetry
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. Among her many masterpieces is the poem "The Manner of its Death," a haunting and thought-provoking piece that explores the nature of poetry and its ultimate fate. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic work, examining its themes, imagery, and language to gain a deeper understanding of Dickinson's unique vision.
At its core, "The Manner of its Death" is a meditation on the transience of art and the inevitability of its passing. The poem begins with the speaker asking a rhetorical question: "Of its own abyss, / unaware / How can it fall?" Here, the "it" refers to poetry itself, which is portrayed as a kind of entity that exists independently of its creators and readers. The abyss, in turn, represents the vastness and mystery of the universe, which is both the source and the destination of all things. By asking how poetry can fall into its own abyss without being aware of it, the speaker suggests that art is subject to forces beyond human comprehension and control.
The second stanza of the poem expands on this idea, using vivid imagery to convey the fragility and impermanence of poetry. "As a dying eye / lost in the snow / As the footsteps of the dead / vanish in the void" - these lines paint a picture of something fading away into nothingness, leaving no trace behind. The dying eye and the footsteps of the dead are both powerful symbols of mortality, reminding us that everything in life is temporary and fleeting. The snow and the void, on the other hand, represent the emptiness and silence that follow the passing of something precious. Taken together, these images create a sense of sadness and melancholy, as if the speaker is mourning the loss of something dear to her.
The third stanza of the poem introduces a new element, as the speaker shifts from describing the death of poetry to imagining its afterlife. "As music and splendor / survive not the lamp / That gave them birth / So poetry, captive on earth" - here, the speaker suggests that poetry is like a prisoner, trapped in the physical world and unable to escape. The lamp, in turn, represents the human mind or imagination, which is the source of all creative inspiration. By saying that music and splendor cannot survive without the lamp, the speaker implies that art is dependent on the human spirit for its existence. Without us, poetry would not exist.
The final stanza of the poem brings everything full circle, as the speaker returns to the theme of poetry's mortality. "Will perish by death / slain by neglect / The very eyes / that pierced its heart / Are closing now" - here, the speaker suggests that poetry is dying not because of any external force, but because of our own indifference and neglect. The eyes that pierced its heart are the eyes of the readers, who have lost interest in poetry and turned their attention elsewhere. The closing of these eyes represents the final death of poetry, as it fades away into obscurity and is forgotten by the world.
In terms of language and style, "The Manner of its Death" is a masterful example of Dickinson's unique voice and vision. The poem is written in her signature style, which is characterized by short lines, unconventional punctuation, and a sparse, almost cryptic use of language. This style allows Dickinson to convey complex ideas and emotions in a few simple words, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy that draws the reader in. The use of imagery is also notable, as Dickinson employs a range of metaphors and symbols to convey the abstract concepts of life, death, and art. The snow, the void, the dying eye, and the footsteps of the dead are all powerful images that evoke a sense of loss and transience, while the lamp and the eyes that pierce the heart are more concrete symbols that represent the human spirit and its relationship to creativity.
In conclusion, "The Manner of its Death" is a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the universal human experience of loss and mortality. Through its use of vivid imagery and sparse, cryptic language, Dickinson creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy that draws the reader in and invites them to contemplate the nature of art and its ultimate fate. Whether read as a meditation on the transience of life or a lament for the passing of poetry, this classic work continues to resonate with readers today, reminding us of the power and beauty of language and the enduring legacy of one of America's greatest poets.
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