And if I Die

Name: And if I Die
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of mortality, artistic integrity, and the struggle between personal conviction and societal expectations. The speaker contemplates the possibility of death, reflecting on the nature of their existence and the purpose of their art. They express a desire for their work to remain untainted by anger or indignation, emphasizing the importance of purity in their creative expression. The speaker grapples with the idea that if their art is compromised by passionate outbursts or emotional turmoil, it would lose its value and significance. They fear that if their writing fails to resonate with others or serve a meaningful purpose, both they and their work would be rendered lifeless. The poem suggests a deep connection between the artist's identity and their creations, highlighting the weight of responsibility that comes with artistic expression. Ultimately, the speaker acknowledges the potential futility of their efforts if their art does not inspire or uplift others. They express a willingness to accept a lesser form of immortality, one that may not be celebrated or recognized, as long as their work remains true to its essence. The poem serves as a meditation on the complexities of artistic legacy, the desire for authenticity, and the inevitable confrontation with mortality.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1933 · Genre: Poetry, Lyrical, Existentialism · 135 words

First lines

And if I die, because that part of me

Which part alone of me had chance to live, Chose to be honour's threshing-floor, a sieve

Where right through wrong might make its way, and

If from all taint of indignation, free

What this Textopian page supports

And if I Die is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1933 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1933 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Lyrical, Existentialism, Romanticism, Modernism
Length: 135 words
Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is a poem that explores themes of mortality, art, and integrity through lyrical expression.
Lyrical — The writing style is characterized by emotional and musical qualities, typical of lyrical poetry.
Existentialism — The poem grapples with existential themes, questioning the meaning of life and the legacy of one's work.
Romanticism — The poem reflects Romantic ideals, emphasizing individual emotion and the beauty of artistic expression.