The Spirit by Emily Dickinson (1890)
This poem explores the concept of spirituality and the afterlife. It describes a spirit that has transcended physical existence and now resides in a realm beyond mortal comprehension. The speaker reflects on the nature of this spirit, suggesting it is both free from worldly concerns and yet still connected to the living through an unseen thread.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Mystical · 103 words
First lines
'T is whiter than an Indian pipe, 'T is dimmer than a lace; No stature has it, like a fog, When you approach the place.
Not any voice denotes it here, Or intimates it there; A spirit, how doth it accost?
What customs hath the air?
This limitless hyperbole Each one of us shall be; 'T is drama, if (hypothesis) It be not tragedy!
What this Textopian page supports
The Spirit 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, Mystical, Metaphysical
- Length: 103 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Remembrance by Emily Dickinson
- I Found The Phrase To Every Thought by Emily Dickinson
- The Contract by Emily Dickinson
- Sleep Is Supposed To Be by Emily Dickinson
- Memorials by Emily Dickinson
- Old Fashioned by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on imagery and metaphor.
- Philosophical — The poem explores abstract concepts such as the nature of spirit and existence.
- Mystical — The poem delves into the ethereal and intangible aspects of the spirit.
- Metaphysical — The work contemplates the nature of reality and the unseen.
Tags
Poetry · Spirituality · Mortality · Afterlife · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Metaphor · Personification · Free Verse · American Literature · 19th Century Literature