Poem Analysis - Her

A Requiem for a Lost Voice

Emily Dickinson's "Her" is a poignant elegy for a woman, possibly a poet or artist, whose unique voice is now silenced by death. The poem expresses a deep sense of loss and admiration for this woman's exceptional talent, suggesting that her artistry was unparalleled and irreplaceable. The tone is initially reverent and mournful, shifting slightly towards bitterness and even a hint of envy as the speaker contemplates the potential trivialization of her legacy. The poem ultimately underscores the inadequacy of earthly honors to truly commemorate such a remarkable individual.

The Unrivaled Artistry and Unique Voice

One of the central themes of the poem is the irreplaceable loss of unique talent. Dickinson emphasizes the woman's exceptional artistic abilities from the beginning, stating, "Poets ended / Silver perished with her Tongue." This striking imagery suggests that with her death, an entire era of poetic excellence has come to a close. The use of "Silver" as a descriptor for her tongue implies a preciousness and purity of expression. The poem further emphasizes her uniqueness by asserting, "Not on Record bubbled other, / Flute or Woman / So divine," suggesting that her artistry surpassed all others, whether human or instrumental.

The Inadequacy of Earthly Commemoration

Another important theme is the futility of worldly recognition in the face of true artistic genius. The lines "Late the Praise / ‘Tis dull conferring / On the Head too High to Crown" suggest that any posthumous accolades would be inadequate and almost insulting. The phrase "Head too High to Crown" implies that her talent was so exceptional that it transcended any earthly honors or titles. Dickinson seems to suggest that the woman's art spoke for itself and that any attempt to further glorify her would be superfluous. The imagery of a "grave sufficient sign" is powerful, implying that her burial place is the most fitting testament to her artistry.

Bitterness and the Envy of Recognition

A subtle but noticeable theme is the speaker's resentment towards superficial mourning and the potential for misinterpretation of the woman's legacy. The lines "Nought that We No Poet’s Kinsman / Suffocate with easy woe" suggest a cynicism towards those who might feign grief without truly understanding the depth of the loss. The final lines, "What, and if, Ourself a Bridegroom / Put Her down in Italy?" are particularly ambiguous and unsettling. This could be interpreted as a critique of the patriarchal tendency to dismiss women's artistic achievements or as a reflection on the possibility of her being buried in Italy and therefore being remembered wrongly. Italy, with its famous renaissance artists, perhaps cannot understand the woman's artistry. It also introduces a jarring note of personal connection, suggesting that the speaker perhaps had a more intimate relationship with the woman than previously suggested.

The Silent Flute and The Everlasting Grave

The recurring image of the "Flute" serves as a symbol of the woman's artistic voice. Just as a flute produces beautiful melodies, so too did the woman's talent create art that resonated deeply. The silencing of the flute represents the permanent loss of her creative expression. The image of the "Grave" becomes a potent symbol of both closure and lasting impact. While it signifies the end of her life, it also serves as a reminder of her extraordinary contribution to the world. The grave becomes her "sufficient sign," the ultimate testament to her unique and irreplaceable artistry.

A Legacy Unmatched

In conclusion, "Her" is a moving tribute to a woman of extraordinary talent whose death has left an irreplaceable void. Dickinson skillfully employs vivid imagery and a shifting tone to explore themes of artistic loss, the inadequacy of earthly honors, and the potential for trivializing genuine genius. The poem's strength lies in its ability to capture the profound sense of loss and admiration for this "divine" woman, whose legacy remains potent even in silence. Ultimately, "Her" serves as a reminder that true artistic brilliance transcends earthly recognition and finds its most fitting memorial in the enduring impact it has on the world.