Poem Analysis - Ample Make This Bed

Introduction: Awaiting Eternity

Emily Dickinson's "Ample Make This Bed" is a short but potent meditation on death and the anticipation of judgment. The poem possesses a hushed, reverent tone, bordering on solemnity. It transforms the mundane act of making a bed into a ritualistic preparation for the afterlife. While the poem initially feels like a simple instruction, it gradually deepens into a contemplation of mortality and divine assessment.

Theme of Mortality: The Bed as a Threshold

The central theme is undoubtedly mortality. The bed is not merely a place for rest, but a symbolic space where one awaits death and the subsequent judgment. The opening line, "Ample make this bed," emphasizes the significance of this final resting place. The use of the word "ample" suggests a space large enough to contain not just the body, but also the soul's journey towards the divine. The phrase "wait till judgment break" explicitly links the bed to the period between death and the final assessment, highlighting death as a liminal state of waiting. The poem encourages preparation for this transition with respect and care.

Imagery of Stillness and Reverence: Silencing the World

Dickinson employs imagery of stillness and reverence to underscore the poem's somber tone. The instructions to keep the mattress "straight" and the pillow "round" suggest a desire for order and perfection in the face of the unknown. The line, "Let no sunrise’ yellow noise / Interrupt this ground," is particularly striking. Sunrise, typically a symbol of new beginnings and vitality, is cast as a disruptive "noise" that must be silenced. This silencing of the external world creates a space of introspection and solemn anticipation for the divine judgment. The "ground" becomes sacred, set apart for the soul's final vigil.

Judgment and Divine Justice: "Excellent and Fair"

The concept of judgment is another crucial theme. Dickinson expresses a belief in a divine assessment that is "Excellent and fair." This suggests a sense of hope and acceptance, even in the face of the unknown. The anticipation of judgment is not portrayed as terrifying, but rather as a moment of ultimate truth and justice. The choice of words "excellent" and "fair" implies a confidence in the righteousness of the divine decision, a sense that whatever awaits is deserved and just. This offers a sense of solace and acceptance regarding the inevitable.

Symbolism of the Bed: Cradle of Life and Death

The bed itself functions as a powerful symbol. It represents not only the end of earthly life but also, perhaps paradoxically, a return to the beginning. Just as a cradle holds a newborn, the bed holds the dying, awaiting the next stage of existence. One could interpret the "round" pillow as a symbolic representation of cycles, suggesting that death is not an end but a transition within a continuous loop. Is Dickinson implying that the preparation for death is also a preparation for a new form of existence? This ambiguity leaves the reader contemplating the cyclical nature of life, death, and the potential for renewal.

Conclusion: A Quiet Acceptance

In conclusion, "Ample Make This Bed" is a poignant reflection on mortality, judgment, and the acceptance of death. Dickinson uses simple imagery and a reverent tone to transform a commonplace object – the bed – into a symbol of profound spiritual significance. The poem encourages a quiet, dignified preparation for the afterlife, suggesting that death is not an end to be feared, but a transition to be anticipated with a sense of hope and trust in divine justice. The poem's enduring power lies in its ability to transform the mundane into the sacred, inviting us to contemplate our own mortality and the mysteries that lie beyond.