Asleep by Emily Dickinson (1890)
The poem explores the theme of sleep and its relationship to death. The speaker describes being asleep as a state of freedom from pain and suffering, but also notes that it can be a form of escape from reality. The poem touches on the idea that sleep may be a precursor to death, and that the two states are not so different.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Metaphysical · 96 words
First lines
As far from pity as complaint, As cool to speech as stone, As numb to revelation As if my trade were bone.
As far from time as history, As near yourself to-day As children to the rainbow's scarf, Or sunset's yellow play
To eyelids in the sepulchre.
How still the dancer lies, While color's revelations break, And blaze the butterflies!
What this Textopian page supports
Asleep is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1890 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Emily Dickinson
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Metaphysical, Symbolism
- Length: 96 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Asleep by Emily Dickinson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Asleep?
- How does this poem by Emily Dickinson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Metaphysical — The themes explore abstract concepts such as time, existence, and revelation, aligning with metaphysical poetry.
- Symbolism — The use of imagery and symbols, such as 'rainbow's scarf' and 'butterflies,' conveys deeper meanings beyond the literal.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Imagery · Death and Mourning · Sleep and Dreams · Solitude · Isolation · Mortality · Existentialism · Philosophy · Spirituality