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
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
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- Unreturning by Emily Dickinson
- The Dead Oread by Madison Cawein
- A Throe Upon The Features by Emily Dickinson
- Except The Heaven Had Come So Near by Emily Dickinson
- The Bustle In A House by Emily Dickinson
- A Book by Emily Dickinson
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