Poem Analysis - Death Is Like The Insect

A Metaphor for Mortality

Emily Dickinson's "Death is like the insect" presents a stark and somewhat grim perspective on mortality, using the analogy of a destructive insect and a vulnerable tree. The poem begins with a sense of threat and progresses through stages of attempted intervention, finally arriving at a resigned acceptance of death's inevitable power. The tone is initially urgent and determined, shifting to a more somber and accepting mood in the final stanza. The poem, despite its brevity, explores themes of mortality, struggle, and acceptance with characteristic Dickinsonian compression.

The Unseen Threat and the Vulnerable Life

One of the central themes of the poem is mortality, presented through the vivid metaphor of the insect and the tree. Death, likened to an insect, is portrayed as a persistent and menacing force. The "tree" represents life, vulnerable and susceptible to decay. The insect's ability to "kill it" (the tree) highlights death's ultimate power. This imagery emphasizes the fragility of life and the ever-present threat of mortality. The use of "tree" instead of a more specific type of tree could show it is not about one particular death but rather death in general.

The Futile Struggle Against the Inevitable

Another significant theme is the struggle against death. The second stanza, with its active verbs like "Bait," "Seek," and "Baffle," depicts human efforts to avert death. The use of tools like "balsam" (for healing) and "saw" (for surgical intervention) symbolizes medical or other life-saving interventions. The line "Baffle, if it cost you / Everything you are" underscores the immense dedication and sacrifice that people are willing to make to preserve life. However, this struggle is ultimately portrayed as potentially futile, foreshadowing the acceptance in the final stanza. The poem highlights the psychological and physical toll of fighting against the natural process of death.

Surrender and Acceptance

The theme of acceptance emerges in the final stanza. When the insect has "burrowed / Out of reach of skill," the speaker advises, "Wring the tree and leave it." This suggests a resigned acceptance of death's inevitability. The phrase "‘Tis the vermin’s will" attributes agency to the insect, implying that death has its own decree. The act of "wringing the tree" could be interpreted as a painful yet necessary act of letting go, releasing oneself from the struggle against the inevitable. This highlights the complex emotional landscape of dealing with death and coming to terms with its power.

Symbolism of the Invasive Insect

The "insect" is a powerful symbol of death, representing its insidious and destructive nature. It is not a grand or heroic figure, but rather a small, persistent, and ultimately fatal force. Its ability to "burrow / Out of reach of skill" suggests the limitations of human knowledge and intervention in the face of death. The insect's anonymity also emphasizes the impersonal nature of death; it is not a conscious or malevolent being, but a natural part of existence. The "balsam" and "saw" can be seen as symbols of the progression of medical knowledge. If we can "Bait it with the balsam" it shows we may be able to hold death off for some time, however "Seek it with the saw" may represent the last ditch efforts.

A Final Reflection on Mortality

In conclusion, "Death is like the insect" is a concise yet profound exploration of mortality. Through the extended metaphor of the insect and the tree, Dickinson captures the vulnerability of life, the human struggle against death, and the ultimate acceptance of its inevitable power. The poem's power lies in its stark imagery and its ability to evoke a sense of both dread and resignation. It reminds us that, despite our best efforts, death remains an unavoidable aspect of the human experience, and learning to accept it is a crucial part of life. Perhaps it is an invitation to contemplate the nature of existence and to find meaning in the face of mortality.