Poem Analysis - Exultation Is The Going

A Journey to the Infinite

Emily Dickinson's "Exultation Is The Going" is a short yet powerful poem that explores the exhilarating feeling of breaking free from familiar boundaries and venturing into the unknown. The poem uses the metaphor of a soul's journey from inland to sea to represent a spiritual awakening or a transition into a larger, perhaps eternal, realm. The tone is initially celebratory, filled with a sense of joyous liberation, but shifts subtly in the second stanza to a tone of questioning and perhaps even a touch of wistful reflection as it considers the limits of understanding.

The Allure of the Unknown

One of the primary themes in the poem is the transcendence of limitations. Dickinson uses the imagery of "an inland soul to sea" to symbolize the soul's departure from its confined, terrestrial existence. The phrases "past the houses, past the headlands" emphasize the act of moving beyond familiar structures and landmarks, suggesting a shedding of earthly concerns and a movement towards something greater. This journey is not just physical but deeply spiritual, signifying a shift in perspective and an embrace of the infinite possibilities that lie beyond the known.

Intoxication and Revelation

Another significant theme is the ineffable nature of profound experience. The second stanza raises the question of whether those "bred among the mountains" can truly understand the "divine intoxication" of the first journey out to sea. This highlights the idea that certain experiences are so unique and transformative that they are difficult, if not impossible, to convey to those who have not undergone a similar journey. Dickinson uses the term "divine intoxication" to suggest that this experience is both overwhelmingly joyful and deeply spiritual, akin to a religious revelation.

Sea as Eternity's Symbol

The most potent symbol in the poem is the sea, which represents eternity and the vast unknown. The journey "into deep Eternity" suggests a movement towards a realm beyond human comprehension. The sea, unlike the land, is boundless and mysterious, mirroring the limitless nature of eternity. The image of the "first league out from land" is particularly striking, capturing the initial, exhilarating moment of departure and the simultaneous sense of liberation and uncertainty that accompanies such a journey.

Embracing the Boundless

In conclusion, "Exultation Is The Going" is a poem about the transformative power of stepping outside one's comfort zone and embracing the unknown. Through vivid imagery and carefully chosen language, Dickinson captures the exhilaration of spiritual awakening and the challenge of communicating such profound experiences. The poem ultimately invites us to consider the potential for transcendence that lies within each of us and to appreciate the unique and deeply personal nature of our own journeys toward the "deep Eternity." The question remains, however: can we truly understand another's journey, or are we forever bound by our own individual landscapes?