Poem Analysis - Besides This May

Introduction: A Glimpse Beyond the Known

Emily Dickinson's "Besides this May" is a short, evocative poem that contemplates the possibility of an afterlife. The poem moves from a simple observation of the present ("this May") to a speculative wonder about what exists beyond our earthly realm. Its tone is initially curious and anticipatory, gradually shifting towards a sense of comfort and familiarity, suggesting a connection between our world and the next. The poem's brevity amplifies its impact, leaving the reader with a profound sense of possibility.

The Allure of the Unknown: Exploring the Afterlife

One of the main themes explored in the poem is the nature of the afterlife. Dickinson uses the metaphor of a "Foreigner" to represent this unknown realm. The adjective "Foreigner" immediately suggests something different, unfamiliar, and perhaps even a little mysterious. The speaker's "Speculations" about this "Foreigner" show a yearning to understand what lies beyond death. The capitalization of "Another" and "Foreigner" elevates these concepts, suggesting they are significant and worthy of deep thought. The question of what awaits us after death has been a persistent human preoccupation, and Dickinson's poem offers a gentle exploration of this timeless theme.

Familiar Faces in a Celestial Spring: The Promise of Recognition

The poem introduces the idea that the afterlife might not be entirely alien. The lines "Some know Him whom We knew / Sweet Wonder" suggest that we may encounter familiar faces in this "Foreign" place. The phrase "Sweet Wonder" evokes a sense of joy and astonishment at the prospect of reuniting with loved ones who have passed on. This idea softens the fear of the unknown and hints at a comforting continuity between our lives and the afterlife. The poem alludes to recognition of individuals previously known, lessening anxiety associated with a completely unknown state of being after death. This possibility of reunion, of encountering familiar faces, provides a sense of solace.

Sanctity and Simplicity: Heaven for Everyone?

The final two lines, "A Nature be / Where Saints, and our plain going Neighbor / Keep May!" reveal an intriguing aspect of Dickinson's vision of the afterlife. The inclusion of both "Saints" and "our plain going Neighbor" suggests that heaven, or this other realm, is not exclusive to the exceptionally pious. Instead, it's a place for everyone, regardless of their status or perceived virtue in life. This image evokes a democratic and inclusive afterlife, where the ordinary neighbor enjoys the same eternal spring ("Keep May!") as the holiest of figures. The fact that they "Keep May!" emphasizes the enduring nature of joy and renewal in this realm, reinforcing the poem's hopeful tone.

Conclusion: An Eternal Spring for All

In conclusion, "Besides this May" is a concise yet powerful exploration of the afterlife. Through vivid imagery, Dickinson presents a vision of a realm both foreign and familiar, where we may encounter loved ones and where even the "plain going Neighbor" experiences eternal spring. The poem's strength lies in its ability to transform the potentially frightening concept of death into something comforting and even welcoming. It's a meditation on hope, suggesting that the transition to the afterlife is a passage into a state of perpetual renewal and connection. The poem ultimately offers a gentle reassurance about the continuity of existence beyond the confines of "this May."