Lost Faith by Emily Dickinson (1890)
The poem explores the theme of spiritual disillusionment and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. The speaker describes their loss of faith as a gradual process, where they once believed in a higher power but now feel disconnected from it. The poem's tone is melancholic and introspective, with the speaker reflecting on their past beliefs and experiences. They describe how their faith was shaken by the suffering and injustices they witnessed in the world. Throughout the poem, the speaker grapples with the idea of mortality and the afterlife, questioning whether there is an existence beyond this life. The poem ultimately concludes that the speaker has lost their faith, but still holds onto a sense of hope and longing for something greater. The poem's structure and language are characterized by Dickinson's signature style, with short sentences and enjambment creating a sense of urgency and flow.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious · 61 words
First lines
To lose one's faith surpasses The loss of an estate, Because estates can be Replenished, -- faith cannot.
Inherited with life, Belief but once can be; Annihilate a single clause, And Being's beggary.
What this Textopian page supports
Lost Faith 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, Philosophical, Religious, Reflective
- Length: 61 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Lost Faith 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Lost Faith?
- How does this poem by Emily Dickinson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Joy In Death by Emily Dickinson
- The Test by Emily Dickinson
- Afraid Of Whom Am I Afraid by Emily Dickinson
- Going To Heaven by Emily Dickinson
- Prayer by Emily Dickinson
- Loyalty by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential concepts such as faith, belief, and the nature of existence.
- Religious — The content addresses the concept of faith, a central theme in religious discourse.
- Reflective — The work invites introspection on personal beliefs and the impact of losing faith.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophy · Spirituality · Faith · Doubt · Existentialism · Mortality · Nature · Symbolism · Metaphor · Imagery · Free Verse