Poem Analysis - Abraham To Kill Him

A Stark Retelling

Emily Dickinson's "Abraham To Kill Him" is a concise and unsettling reimagining of the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac. The poem’s tone is stark and detached, presenting the horrifying narrative with a chilling simplicity. It lacks the grandeur and reverence often associated with religious texts, instead focusing on the raw power dynamics and the lingering consequences of blind obedience. The mood shifts subtly from detached observation to a commentary on power and survival, leaving the reader to grapple with the poem's moral implications.

Power and Obedience

One central theme is the abuse of power and the dangers of unquestioning obedience. Dickinson highlights the disparity between Abraham and Isaac – "Abraham was old" and held the authority, while "Isaac was an Urchin," young and vulnerable. This power imbalance underscores the inherent injustice of the situation. The lines "Flattered by Obeisance / Tyranny demurred" suggest that Abraham's willingness to comply was driven by a desire for flattery and the validation of his power. This interpretation diminishes the traditionally accepted view of Abraham as a figure of unwavering faith, suggesting a more cynical motivation.

Survival and Legacy

The poem also explores the theme of survival and the transmission of trauma. Isaac, spared from death, "Lived to tell the tale." This survival, however, is not presented as a triumph but as a burden. The act of retelling the story becomes a way of processing and passing down the memory of near-fatal submission. The final lines, "Moral with a mastiff / Manners may prevail," suggest that Isaac’s experience instilled in him a guarded approach to the world, one where strength ("mastiff") and conformity ("manners") are necessary for survival in a world where such acts of tyranny are possible.

The Loaded Symbolism of Isaac

Isaac himself serves as a powerful symbol of innocence and vulnerability threatened by arbitrary authority. He is not given a voice in the poem; his only role is to be the object of Abraham's obedience. This silence amplifies his powerlessness and emphasizes the emotional toll of the event. While Abraham is the one commanded, Isaac is the one who carries the weight of the experience forward, shaping his future and influencing the values he imparts to "his children." The poem seems to question whether "manners" or civility, which Isaac appears to embrace, are truly sufficient protection against the inherent threat of "tyranny."

A Lingering Question of Morality

In conclusion, "Abraham To Kill Him" offers a darkly nuanced perspective on a well-known biblical narrative. By stripping away the traditionally pious framing, Dickinson exposes the raw power dynamics, the potential for abuse, and the long-lasting effects of trauma. The poem challenges the reader to question the unquestionable, leaving us with a lingering sense of unease about the true cost of obedience and the enduring impact of power on the vulnerable. It subtly suggests that the moral of the story isn't necessarily about faith, but about the precarious balance between power and vulnerability, and whether inherited "manners" can protect against the raw potential for tyranny.