The Past by Emily Dickinson (1890)
This collection of poetry explores themes of mortality, nature, and the human experience. It delves into the speaker's introspective and often melancholic musings on life, death, and the passage of time. The poems frequently employ imagery and symbolism to convey a sense of longing and disconnection from the world around them.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Reflective · 58 words
First lines
The past is such a curious creature, / To look her in the face / A transport may reward us, / Or a disgrace.
Unarmed if any meet her, / I charge him, fly!
Her rusty ammunition / Might yet reply!
What this Textopian page supports
The Past 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, Reflective, Metaphorical
- Length: 58 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Philosophical — Explores abstract concepts such as time and memory.
- Reflective — Encourages introspection about the nature of the past and its impact.
- Metaphorical — Uses metaphorical language to convey deeper meanings.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Death · Memory · Time · Loss · Longing · Nostalgia · Imagery · Symbolism