To Hang our Head Ostensibly
The poem explores the theme of mortality and the afterlife, with the speaker describing a moment when they are forced to confront their own death. The poem's tone is one of resignation and acceptance, with the speaker seeming to acknowledge that their time on earth is limited. The poem's imagery is vivid and evocative, with the speaker describing a scene in which they are standing at the edge of a precipice, looking out over an unknown landscape. This image serves as a metaphor for the uncertainty and mystery of death. Throughout the poem, the speaker grapples with the idea of what lies beyond death, and whether it is possible to find peace or comfort in the afterlife. The poem's final lines suggest that the speaker has come to accept their fate, and is resigned to whatever may come next. The poem's themes are classic Dickinson: mortality, spirituality, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1844 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Metaphysical · 64 words
First lines
To hang our head ostensibly, And subsequent to find That such was not the posture Of our immortal mind,
Affords the sly presumption That, in so dense a fuzz, You, too, take cobweb attitudes Upon a plane of gauze!
What this Textopian page supports
To Hang our Head Ostensibly is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1844 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Emily Dickinson
- Date: 1844 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Metaphysical, Symbolism
- Length: 64 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore the nature of the mind and existence, prompting philosophical reflection.
- Metaphysical — The poem delves into abstract concepts of the mind and reality, characteristic of metaphysical literature.
- Symbolism — The use of imagery such as 'cobweb attitudes' and 'plane of gauze' suggests symbolic interpretation.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Mortality · Existentialism · Philosophy · Nature Imagery · Symbolism · Death · Loss · Grief · Solitude