what is the theme of the poem "Dying" by Emily Dickinson
Think of a theme as the author's/poet's hidden message to the readers.
Let us know what you think a theme might be, and we'll be able to comment.
To determine the theme of a poem, we need to closely analyze the text and identify recurring ideas or emotions. In the case of Emily Dickinson's "Dying," let's explore the poem's language and imagery together.
To begin, I'll provide the text of the poem:
"Dying" by Emily Dickinson
I heard a fly buzz – when I died –
The Stillness in the Room
Was like the Stillness in the Air –
Between the Heaves of Storm –
The Eyes around – had wrung them dry –
And Breaths were gathering firm
For that last Onset – when the King
Be witnessed – in the Room –
I willed my Keepsakes – Signed away
What portions of me be
Assignable – and then it was
There interposed a Fly –
With Blue – uncertain – stumbling Buzz –
Between the light – and me –
And then the Windows failed – and then
I could not see to see –
Upon analyzing the poem, we can identify the central theme as the experience of dying or the transition between life and death. This is evident through the use of various details and symbols.
The poem's opening lines describe the protagonist's state of dying and their perception of the room. The stillness in the room parallels the stillness in the air between storm heaves, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and silence.
The next stanza accentuates the preparations in the room for the protagonist's imminent death. The eyes of those present are dry from crying, and breaths are being held for the final moment, emphasizing the solemnity and significance of the impending event.
In the third stanza, the protagonist attempts to distribute their keepsakes, symbolizing the letting go of worldly possessions and attachments. However, the poem takes a turn when a fly interrupts the process. This interruption, represented by the uncertain buzzing of the fly, disrupts the protagonist's detachment and directs their attention to the immediate surroundings.
Lastly, the final stanza reveals that the windows fail and the protagonist is unable to see, suggesting a symbolic blindness or loss of vision associated with death.
Therefore, while the poem may explore various themes such as mortality, loss, or the presence of death, the central theme of Emily Dickinson's "Dying" revolves around the experience and process of dying itself.