Poem Analysis - Again His Voice Is At The Door

A Hesitant and Intense Reunion

Emily Dickinson's "Again His Voice Is At The Door" captures a moment of intense anticipation and veiled emotion. The poem chronicles the speaker's encounter with a returning love, marked by both excitement and anxiety. Initially, the tone is one of nervous preparation, shifting to a mixture of tentative exploration and finally, a longing for the re-experienced passion. The poem explores the complexities of rekindled romance and the price of vulnerability.

Love Rekindled and Redefined

One of the central themes in the poem is love, specifically the tentative rediscovery of a past connection. The speaker's actions – choosing a flower, justifying her appearance – reveal a deep-seated desire to impress and reconnect. The line "He never saw me in this life / I might surprise his eye!" highlights her hope for a renewed and possibly more profound connection. The initial nervousness gives way to a deeper exploration of the emotional terrain they once shared, suggesting a reevaluation of their relationship.

Navigating Vulnerability

The poem also explores the theme of vulnerability. The careful and measured conversation, described as "careless and it toss / A kind of plummet strain," suggests a fear of exposing too much too soon. The metaphor of the "plummet" indicates a cautious probing of each other's emotional depths, "sounding shyly / Just how deep / The other’s one had been." This careful approach reveals a vulnerability rooted in past experiences and a hesitancy to be hurt again.

The Price of Passion

Finally, the theme of sacrifice and consequence emerges in the poem's concluding stanza. The speaker's willingness to "give to live that hour again" is tempered by the awareness of the potential cost. The image of "the purple in my Vein" and the price for "every stain" suggests a willingness to endure pain and emotional turmoil for the sake of this intense experience. However, the condition that "He must count the drops himself" implies a need for reciprocal acknowledgment and understanding of the sacrifice involved.

Symbolism of the Moon and Veiled Faces

Several symbols enrich the poem's meaning. The moon, initially described as "tender" and "thoughtful," acts as a temporary companion, perhaps representing a shared understanding or empathy. However, its departure signifies the couple's eventual isolation and vulnerability. The "veiled faces" of angels, which they "cannot count on High," are more ambiguous. Are they the expectations of the society, or previous lovers, or even fear of death itself? It is the unknown faces, possibly representing the limitations and uncertainties inherent in any human connection, especially within the realms of love and spirituality.

Concluding Thoughts: A Fleeting Moment of Intense Connection

In conclusion, "Again His Voice Is At The Door" is a poignant exploration of rekindled love, vulnerability, and the willingness to embrace both the joys and potential pains of connection. Dickinson masterfully uses imagery and carefully chosen language to convey the speaker's complex emotions, creating a vivid portrait of a fleeting moment charged with intensity and the bittersweet awareness of its potential cost. The poem leaves us pondering the true price of passionate experience and the delicate balance between risk and reward in matters of the heart.