'The face I carry with me-last' by Emily Dickinson


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The face I carry with me-last-
When I go out of Time-
To take my Rank-by-in the West-
That face-will just be thine-I'll hand it to the Angel-
That-Sir-was my Degree-
In Kingdoms-you have heard the Raised-
Refer to-possibly.He'll take it-scan it-step aside-
Return-with such a crown
As Gabriel-never capered at-
And beg me put it on-And then-he'll turn me round and round-
To an admiring sky-
As one that bore her Master's name-
Sufficient Royalty!

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Face I Carry with Me-Last: An Exploration of Emily Dickinson's Poetic Genius

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time. Her works have been studied and interpreted for years, and yet they still remain as enigmatic as ever. One of her most famous poems, "The Face I Carry with Me-Last," is a prime example of Dickinson's poetic genius. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various literary devices and themes used in the poem and examine their significance.

The Poem

Before we dive into our analysis of the poem, let us first take a look at the text itself:

The Face I carry with me—last—
When I go out of Time,
To take my Rank—by—
in the West—
That Face—will just be thine—

I'll hand it to the Angel—
That Sir was my Degree—
In Kingdoms—you have heard the Raised
Refer to them—as me—

'Twas faithful—but a breathing Faith—
That waited for the Right—
I'll know it—by the Firmament—
Until the Anchor's sight—

Is almost out of sight—

Analysis

The Theme

At its core, "The Face I Carry with Me-Last" is a poem about death and the afterlife. Dickinson imagines herself leaving time and entering a new realm, where she must present her "rank" to an angel. This concept of rank suggests a judgment or evaluation of her life, and the poem implies that her face will be the last thing she carries with her into this new world.

The Literary Devices

Dickinson's use of literary devices in this poem is masterful. She employs imagery, metaphor, and personification to create a vivid and haunting picture of the afterlife. The most prominent example of imagery in the poem is the face that Dickinson carries with her. The face represents her identity and her essence, and its transfer to the angel suggests a loss of self.

Metaphorically, Dickinson's use of the face as a representation of the self is a powerful and effective literary device. The face is a universally recognized symbol of identity, and its transfer to the angel implies a surrender of self. The face is also a physical aspect of the body, and its separation from the body suggests a physical death.

Personification is also used in "The Face I Carry with Me-Last." The angel is given human qualities, such as the ability to receive the face and judge Dickinson's rank. This personification creates a sense of agency and judgment in the afterlife, which adds to the poem's overall theme.

The Structure

Dickinson's use of structure in this poem is also noteworthy. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each containing four lines. This structure creates a sense of symmetry and balance in the poem, which is fitting given its theme of judgment and evaluation. The repetition of the phrase "almost out of sight" at the end of the final stanza also creates a sense of finality and closure, which adds to the poem's overall impact.

The Significance

"The Face I Carry with Me-Last" is a haunting and powerful poem that explores the theme of death and the afterlife. Dickinson's use of literary devices and structure create a vivid and evocative picture of this new world, and her exploration of identity and self adds a deeper layer of meaning.

Ultimately, this poem reminds us of our mortality and the importance of living a life that is worthy of judgment. It challenges us to consider our own legacy and the mark we will leave on the world, and it encourages us to live with purpose and meaning.

Conclusion

In "The Face I Carry with Me-Last," Emily Dickinson displays her poetic genius through her use of literary devices and structure, and her exploration of the theme of death and the afterlife. This poem reminds us of the importance of living a meaningful life and challenges us to consider our own legacy. It is a haunting and powerful work that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Face I Carry with Me-Last: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of all time, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with her unique style of writing. Her poems are known for their brevity, depth, and the ability to evoke powerful emotions in the reader. One such poem that stands out is "The Face I Carry with Me-Last," which is a masterpiece in its own right.

The poem is a reflection on the nature of memory and how it shapes our lives. It is a poignant reminder that the past is always with us, and that we carry it with us wherever we go. The poem begins with the line, "The face I carry with me-last," which immediately draws the reader in and sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

The face that Dickinson refers to is not a physical face, but rather a memory of a person who has passed away. The poem is a tribute to this person, and Dickinson uses vivid imagery to describe the impact that they had on her life. She writes, "For that beloved-one's sake, / I'll carry on the face I last beheld, / To lighten all the coming days."

The use of the word "beloved" is significant, as it suggests that the person was someone who was very close to Dickinson. The fact that she is carrying their face with her suggests that they have had a profound impact on her life, and that their memory is something that she cherishes.

The poem goes on to describe the face that Dickinson carries with her in more detail. She writes, "It was not night, for all the bells put out their tongues, / For noon, it was, as ever-sunned was noon." This description of the face is both beautiful and haunting, as it suggests that the memory of the person is so vivid that it is almost like they are still alive.

Dickinson then goes on to describe how the memory of the person has affected her. She writes, "And yet, it seemed, distinctness Witches us, / Away, stood solid then, / Like fog upon the soulless sea, / Or else, like lands to ruin driven." This description is both powerful and evocative, as it suggests that the memory of the person is both comforting and unsettling at the same time.

The poem ends with the lines, "The distance that the dead have gone / Does not at first appear; / Their coming back seems possible / For many an ardent year." These lines are a reminder that the memory of the person will always be with Dickinson, and that their presence will continue to shape her life for many years to come.

In conclusion, "The Face I Carry with Me-Last" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the nature of memory and its impact on our lives. Dickinson's use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a haunting and beautiful tribute to a person who has passed away. The poem is a reminder that the past is always with us, and that the memories of those we have loved and lost will continue to shape our lives for many years to come.

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