Remorse by Emily Dickinson (1846)
The poem explores the theme of regret and longing for a lost love. The speaker expresses remorse for past actions that led to the loss of their beloved. They acknowledge their own culpability in the separation and express a deep sense of sorrow and yearning. The poem's tone is melancholic, with a focus on the emotional pain of regret. The speaker's emotions are intense and personal, conveying a sense of desperation and longing for reconciliation. The language used is simple yet powerful, with a focus on the emotional impact of the speaker's words. The imagery is subtle but effective, evoking a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. Overall, the poem presents a nuanced exploration of the human experience of regret and loss, highlighting the complexities of love and relationships.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1846 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Psychological · 96 words
First lines
Remorse is memory awake, / Her companies astir, -- / A presence of departed acts / At window and at door.
It's past set down before the soul, / And lighted with a match, / Perusal to facilitate / Of its condensed despatch.
Remorse is cureless, -- the disease / Not even God can heal; / For 't is his institution, -- / The complement of hell.
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep existential and moral questions about memory, guilt, and divine justice.
- Psychological — The work delves into the inner workings of the mind, particularly the emotional and mental impact of remorse.
- Religious — References to God and hell suggest a religious or spiritual dimension to the themes of sin and redemption.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Mortality · Regret · Guilt · Emotional Turmoil · Philosophical · Existential · Psychological Insight · Inner Conflict · Self-Discovery
What this Textopian page supports
Remorse is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1846 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Emily Dickinson
- Date: 1846 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Psychological, Religious
- Length: 96 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
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