Belshazzar had a Letter
The poem explores the theme of mortality and the fleeting nature of human existence through the image of a king's feast interrupted by a mysterious hand that writes on the wall. The speaker reflects on the transience of life, the inevitability of death, and the futility of human endeavors to defy it.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Philosophical · 58 words
First lines
Belshazzar had a letter, -- He never had but one; Belshazzar's correspondent Concluded and begun In that immortal copy The conscience of us all Can read without its glasses On revelation's wall.
What this Textopian page supports
Belshazzar had a Letter 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, Religious, Philosophical, Historical
- Length: 58 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Religious — The poem references biblical themes and figures, specifically Belshazzar and the concept of divine revelation.
- Philosophical — The poem explores themes of conscience and morality, prompting reflection on human nature and divine judgment.
- Historical — The poem alludes to a historical figure, Belshazzar, and an event from ancient history.
Tags
Poem · Literary · Symbolic · Mysterious · Enigmatic · Philosophical · Existential · Spiritual · Religious · Allegorical · Mythological · Historical