Poem Analysis - Bereaved Of All I Went Abroad

Introduction: A Journey with Grief

Emily Dickinson's "Bereaved Of All, I Went Abroad" is a haunting exploration of grief and its persistent presence. The poem depicts a speaker attempting to escape sorrow, only to find that it is an inescapable companion. The tone is initially somber and desolate, shifting subtly to one of weary resignation as the speaker's efforts to evade grief prove futile. The poem's power lies in its stark imagery and the relentless personification of death or grief as an ever-present entity.

Theme: Mortality's Inescapable Embrace

One of the central themes of the poem is the inevitability of mortality. The poem never explicitly mentions death, but the repeated imagery of the "Grave" makes it clear that this is what haunts the speaker. The "Grave" precedes the speaker, obtains lodgings beforehand, and even occupies the pillow. This highlights how death is not an event at the end of life, but rather an ever-present reality that shapes experience. The speaker's attempts to escape it emphasize its power and the futility of denial. The poem underscores that mortality is not merely a physical end, but a constant, looming presence in the human condition.

Theme: The Futility of Escape and Isolation

The speaker’s journey “abroad” is not a physical one of exploration, but an internal struggle to escape the weight of loss. The repeated failed attempts to "drop it in the Crowd" or "lose it in the Sea" illustrate the impossibility of outrunning grief. This theme connects directly to the idea of isolation. Even amidst a crowd or a vast ocean, the speaker remains utterly alone with their sorrow. The geographical shift to a "New Peninsula" suggests a change in life circumstance, but the underlying emotional landscape remains unchanged. This is further supported by the mention of the speaker attempting to "steep its shape away" with "Cups of artificial Drowse" implying a reliance on numbing agents to escape the gravity of their feelings, however, with no success.

Theme: Memory's Lingering Presence

Memory serves as another significant theme. Even when the "Grave was finished," the "Spade Remained in Memory." This line suggests that even after the initial period of mourning, the tools and events associated with the loss continue to haunt the speaker. It speaks to the lasting impact of grief, implying that even after the initial trauma subsides, the memory of the loss, and the instruments of its infliction, lingers. The 'Spade' is not just a reminder of the grave being dug, but also the labor and pain associated with the loss.

Symbolism: The Grave and the Spade

The "Grave" is the most prominent symbol, representing not just physical death but also the pervasive feeling of grief and loss. Its persistent presence suggests that grief is not something to be overcome, but rather a constant companion. The "Spade" is also a powerful symbol, representing the active process of mourning and the labor involved in dealing with grief. While the "Grave" is completed, the "Spade" remains, highlighting the enduring nature of the pain. It is possible to interpret the "Spade" as representing the actions, or lack thereof, that led to the loss, suggesting that the speaker is constantly reminded of their role in the event that caused their bereavement.

Conclusion: An Enduring Legacy of Loss

"Bereaved Of All, I Went Abroad" is a powerful meditation on grief, mortality, and the enduring power of memory. Through stark imagery and relentless personification, Dickinson conveys the inescapable nature of loss and the futility of attempting to outrun sorrow. The poem's significance lies in its raw honesty about the enduring impact of grief and its ability to capture the isolating experience of mourning. The poem suggests that perhaps the only way to cope with grief is to acknowledge its presence, rather than fight a battle that cannot be won.