Poem Analysis - Dying To Be Afraid Of Thee

Introduction: A Battlefield of the Heart

Emily Dickinson's "Dying! To Be Afraid Of Thee" confronts death not with terror, but with a complex understanding rooted in love and loss. The poem's tone is initially assertive, almost defiant, as it challenges the traditional fear associated with death. However, this bravado quickly gives way to a more introspective and sorrowful mood, acknowledging the pain that accompanies the severing of earthly ties. The poem uses militaristic imagery to explore the internal struggle of facing mortality and the agonizing choice between love and acceptance of death.

Love and Loss: The True Sting of Death

One of the central themes is the inextricable link between love and the fear of death. Dickinson argues that death, personified as "thee," is not inherently frightening. Instead, the fear arises from the "leaving Love behind." The poem suggests that the true terror lies not in the cessation of life, but in the pain caused to those who remain, the "Friend" left exposed to the "Artillery" of grief. This concept redefines death as an experience deeply intertwined with human connection and the emotional consequences of its termination.

Mortality as a Civil War: Internal Conflict

The theme of mortality is further developed through the powerful metaphor of a battle within the dying individual. The lines "Fight sternly in a Dying eye / Two Armies, Love and Certainty / And Love and the Reverse" vividly portray the internal conflict. "Love" represents the desire to cling to life and the relationships it holds, while "Certainty" and "the Reverse" embody the acceptance of death and the unknown that follows. This internal struggle highlights the difficult process of letting go and the profound emotional toll it takes.

Military Imagery: Metaphors of Death

The poem is rich in military imagery, which serves to illustrate the forceful and unavoidable nature of death. Phrases like "Artillery," "Arrow," and "Batteries" create a sense of overwhelming power. However, these images are not used to depict death as a violent aggressor, but rather as an inevitable force against which love wages a desperate battle. The "Arrow…Delivered straighter to the Heart" symbolizes the piercing pain of separation, suggesting that the emotional impact of death is more potent than its physical manifestation. The use of "Batteries divorce" is particularly striking, conveying the idea that death separates loved ones and severs the bonds of affection. Is this separation a permanent state, or does the poem offer a hint of hope for a reunion beyond death?

Conclusion: The Haunting Power of Love's Absence

In conclusion, "Dying! To Be Afraid Of Thee" is a profound exploration of the relationship between love, loss, and mortality. Emily Dickinson masterfully uses militaristic imagery and introspective language to convey the internal struggle of facing death. The poem suggests that the true fear of death stems not from the unknown, but from the pain of leaving loved ones behind and the severing of earthly connections. Ultimately, the poem lingers on the enduring power of love and its haunting presence in the face of inevitable loss, leaving the reader to contemplate the enduring question of what remains when life ceases to be.