This was in the White of the Year
The poem explores themes of mortality and the afterlife, with a focus on the speaker's emotional state as they contemplate their own death. The poem's structure and language are characterized by simplicity and directness, which serves to emphasize the speaker's stark acceptance of their own mortality.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1846 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Nature · 71 words
First lines
This was in the white of the year, That was in the green, Drifts were as difficult then to think As daisies now to be seen.
Looking back is best that is left, Or if it be before, Retrospection is prospect's half, Sometimes almost more.
What this Textopian page supports
This was in the White of the Year is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1846 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: 1846 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Nature, Philosophical
- Length: 71 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th 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 reflections, typical of lyric poetry.
- Nature — The imagery and themes revolve around natural elements like seasons and flowers.
- Philosophical — The poem contemplates abstract concepts such as time and memory.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Imagery · Symbolism · Mortality · Existentialism · Philosophy · Spirituality · Death · Life Cycle · Seasonal Change