Whether my Bark Went down at Sea
The poem explores the theme of mortality and the afterlife through a metaphorical journey to the sea. The speaker's bark (a symbol for their soul) sets sail on a voyage that ultimately leads to its demise, suggesting the transience of life. The poem delves into the idea that death is an inevitable part of existence, and that the soul must surrender to its fate.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Metaphysical · 64 words
First lines
Whether my bark went down at sea, Whether she met with gales, Whether to isles enchanted She bent her docile sails;
By what mystic mooring She is held to-day, -- This is the errand of the eye Out upon the bay.
What this Textopian page supports
Whether my Bark Went down at Sea 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, Lyric, Metaphysical, Symbolism
- Length: 64 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- By The Sea by Emily Dickinson
- In Shadow by Emily Dickinson
- The Hedge Of Hemlocks by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Requiem by Emily Dickinson
- Vanished by Emily Dickinson
- Shipwreck by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Metaphysical — The poem explores abstract concepts such as fate and the unknown, aligning with metaphysical themes.
- Symbolism — The use of imagery like 'bark' and 'sea' suggests deeper symbolic meanings.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Death · Mortality · Existentialism · Philosophy · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory · Mythology · Femininity