Poem Analysis - Afraid Of Whom Am I Afraid

A Defiant Stance Against Fear

Emily Dickinson's "Afraid! Of Whom Am I Afraid?" is a short but powerful declaration of defiance against fear itself. The poem, characterized by its assertive questioning and confident tone, takes on potential sources of dread – Death, Life, and even Resurrection – and dismantles their power. The overall mood is one of courageous self-assurance, as the speaker actively challenges the very notion of being afraid, culminating in a bold and almost arrogant declaration of self-worth.

Transcendence Through Questioning

One of the main themes explored in the poem is transcendence over mortality. The speaker directly confronts the fear of death, but dismisses it by portraying Death as simply "The Porter of my Father's Lodge." This image domesticates death, turning it into a mere gatekeeper of a welcoming home, diminishing its fearful aspect. The speaker's use of "Father's Lodge" is generally interpreted as a reference to God's kingdom, further mitigating the terror of mortality. Questioning the very essence of fear allows the speaker to rise above it and establish herself as someone who won't cower.

Life's Embrace and Divine Decree

Another significant theme is the acceptance of life's encompassing nature. The speaker finds it "odd" to fear life, which "comprehendeth me." This suggests a sense of being held and understood by life itself, even in its multiple "existences." The reference to "Deity decree" implies that these existences are divinely ordained, lending a sense of purpose and acceptance to the journey of life, whatever it may hold. There's no room for fear when one feels embraced and guided by a higher power.

Resurrection and the Crown of Self-Worth

The final theme centers on unshakable self-assurance, best exemplified in the stanza addressing the fear of Resurrection. The powerful imagery of the "East" and "Morn" illustrates the speaker’s confidence. The question, "Is the East/Afraid to trust the Morn/With her fastidious forehead?" likens the speaker’s trust in the afterlife to the natural, inevitable cycle of sunrise. The “Morn” represents Resurrection, the new beginning, while the “East” is the present moment. The rhetorical question suggests that such fear is absurd. The poem reaches its climax with the bold claim, "As soon impeach my Crown!" The speaker equates questioning her faith and inherent worth to impeaching her own royalty, solidifying the idea that she possesses an undeniable and unassailable value. The crown symbolizes her self-worth and spiritual authority.

The Unafraid Soul: A Final Insight

In conclusion, "Afraid! Of Whom Am I Afraid?" is a concise yet profound expression of spiritual defiance. Through strategic questioning, potent imagery, and an unwavering tone of self-assurance, Dickinson crafts a poem that triumphs over the potential sources of fear. The speaker's journey from questioning to confident declaration ultimately reveals a soul unafraid to embrace death, life, and the promise of resurrection, armed with the invincible armor of self-worth. The poem’s lasting significance lies in its articulation of a personal freedom achieved through the active rejection of fear’s power.