Life's Trades by Emily Dickinson
The collection explores themes of mortality, nature, and the human condition through a series of poems that examine the trade-offs between life's experiences and one's own sense of self. It delves into the idea that life is a series of transactions, where individuals exchange their time, energy, and emotions for fleeting moments of joy or connection. The speaker reflects on the impermanence of these exchanges, highlighting the tension between the desire for lasting connections and the inevitability of loss. Throughout the collection, the speaker grapples with the concept of identity, questioning whether one's sense of self is defined by their relationships, experiences, or something more fundamental. This introspection is often juxtaposed with observations of nature, which serve as a reminder of the larger forces at play in life. Ultimately, the poems suggest that true understanding and connection can only be achieved through embracing the impermanence of life's trades, rather than trying to hold onto them.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1891 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Reflective · 39 words
First lines
It's such a little thing to weep, So short a thing to sigh; And yet by trades the size of these We men and women die!
What this Textopian page supports
Life's Trades is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1891 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Emily Dickinson
- Date: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Reflective
- Length: 39 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Philosophical — The poem explores existential themes related to life and death.
- Reflective — The content prompts introspection on the significance of small emotional experiences.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Philosophy · Existentialism · Mortality · Nature · Spirituality · Self-Discovery · Identity · Morality · Ethics