Poem Analysis - How The Waters Closed Above Him

A Silent Drowning: Introduction

Emily Dickinson's "How the Waters Closed Above Him" is a hauntingly brief elegy. The poem focuses not on the drowning itself, but on the unknowable circumstances surrounding it and the stark aftermath. A sense of cold finality permeates the poem, tempered by a subtle, almost accusatory tone towards some undefined entity withholding answers. The mood shifts from a somber resignation to a vivid, albeit unsettling, depiction of the scene after the tragedy.

The Unknowable Truth: Themes of Loss and Mystery

The poem grapples with several interrelated themes. The most apparent is the theme of loss, specifically the loss of a young life. The drowning is presented as a fait accompli, a closed book. The opening lines emphasize the unknowable nature of the event, suggesting a deeper mystery surrounding the boy's death. Dickinson introduces the theme of abandonment. The phrase "unclaimed Hat and Jacket" evokes a sense of loneliness and suggests the boy may have been forgotten or isolated, even in life.

Lilies and Loss: Vivid Symbolism

The poem is rich in symbolism. The pond itself becomes a symbol of death and oblivion. The "Waters closed above Him" suggest a finality, a silencing of the boy's life and story. The image of the lilies spreading "Bold above the Boy" is particularly striking. Lilies are often associated with purity and innocence, but here their boldness feels almost callous, a stark contrast to the tragic fate of the boy. The lilies could be interpreted as a symbol of nature's indifference to human suffering, or, perhaps more darkly, as a symbol of societal indifference to the plight of the vulnerable.

The Unclaimed Life: Summing up a History

The "unclaimed Hat and Jacket" are powerful symbols of the boy's lost identity and potential. These simple articles of clothing become a metonym for his entire life, reduced to mere objects left behind. This evokes a profound sense of the brevity and fragility of life, and the ease with which it can be erased. One might interpret the "unclaimed" status of these items as a sign of societal neglect, questioning who was responsible for the boy's well-being and why his belongings remain unclaimed after his death.

Finality and Significance: Conclusion

"How the Waters Closed Above Him" is a powerful testament to the profound impact of a single tragic event. The poem's strength lies in its brevity and its focus on the aftermath, the unanswered questions, and the haunting symbols of loss. Dickinson masterfully uses imagery and symbolism to convey the themes of loss, abandonment, and the unknowable nature of death. The poem leaves the reader with a lingering sense of sadness and a profound awareness of the fragility of human life, urging reflection on the importance of compassion and remembrance.