The Return by Emily Dickinson (1891)
This poem explores the theme of death and its aftermath. The speaker reflects on a return from the dead, describing it as a journey back to life. They note that their soul has been freed from its earthly prison, but they are now forced to confront the reality of their own mortality. The poem's tone is one of melancholy and introspection, with the speaker grappling with the consequences of their own death. They describe the experience of being dead as a kind of liberation, but also acknowledge the pain and loss that it has caused for those who remain behind. Throughout the poem, the speaker grapples with the nature of existence and the meaning of life. They question whether they will be able to return to their former self, or if they will be forever changed by their experience in death. The poem's imagery is vivid and evocative, with the speaker describing a landscape that is both beautiful and desolate. The use of natural imagery serves to underscore the idea that death is a part of the natural world, and that it is something that we must all confront at some point. Ultimately, the poem presents a complex and nuanced view of death and its aftermath. It suggests that death is not an end, but rather a transition to a new state of being. The speaker's return from the dead serves as a reminder that life and death are intertwined, and that one cannot exist without the other.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1891 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Reflective · 118 words
First lines
Though I get home how late, how late!
So I get home, 't will compensate.
Better will be the ecstasy That they have done expecting me, When, night descending, dumb and dark, They hear my unexpected knock.
Transporting must the moment be, Brewed from decades of agony!
What this Textopian page supports
The Return is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1891 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: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Reflective, Romantic, Mystical
- Length: 118 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
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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.
- Reflective — The themes involve introspection and contemplation of time and reunion.
- Romantic — The poem explores themes of longing and emotional intensity, aligning with Romantic ideals.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Imagery · Death and Mourning · Spirituality · Mortality · Existentialism · Philosophy · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor