Dying by Emily Dickinson (1890)
The poem explores the theme of mortality and the afterlife. The speaker describes death as a journey to an unknown destination, where one's soul will be freed from the constraints of life. The poem suggests that death is a liberating experience, allowing the individual to transcend the limitations of the physical world. The speaker also touches on the idea of eternity, suggesting that death marks not an end, but rather a transition into a new and eternal state. This is reinforced by the use of imagery and metaphor, which creates a sense of timelessness and infinity. Throughout the poem, the speaker's tone is contemplative and introspective, inviting the reader to reflect on their own mortality and the nature of existence. The language is simple yet powerful, conveying a sense of awe and wonder at the mystery of death.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Existential · 145 words
First lines
The sun kept setting, setting still; No hue of afternoon Upon the village I perceived, -- From house to house 't was noon.
The dusk kept dropping, dropping still; No dew upon the grass, But only on my forehead stopped, And wandered in my face.
My feet kept drowsing, drowsing still, My fingers were awake; Yet why so little sound myself Unto my seeming make?
How well I knew the light before! I could not see it now. 'T is dying, I am doing; but I'm not afraid to know.
What this Textopian page supports
Dying 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, Existential, Metaphysical, Symbolism
- Length: 145 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
- Epitaph by Emily Dickinson
- I Died For Beauty But Was Scarce by Emily Dickinson
- Not Any Higher Stands The Grave by Emily Dickinson
- Requiem by Emily Dickinson
- Theres A Certain Slant Of Light by Emily Dickinson
- Dead by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
- Existential — Themes of life, death, and the human condition are explored, aligning with existential literature.
- Metaphysical — The poem delves into abstract concepts such as the nature of existence and consciousness, common in metaphysical works.
Tags
Poetry · Death · Mortality · Existentialism · Philosophy · Nature · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Personification · Solitude · Isolation