Poem Analysis - I Am Afraid To Own A Body

Introduction: A Fearful Inheritance

Emily Dickinson's "I am afraid to own a Body" plunges into the anxieties surrounding existence, particularly the burden of possessing both a physical form and a soul. The poem opens with a tone of trepidation and reluctance, expressing a deep-seated fear of ownership. This initial fear morphs into a contemplation of the profound and unpredictable nature of this inherited "property." The mood evolves from fearful to reflective as the speaker grapples with the implications of this inescapable dual existence. The poem explores themes of mortality, spiritual responsibility, and the problematic nature of being human.

The Burden of Being: Themes of Mortality and Responsibility

One of the central themes is the anxiety around mortality and the responsibilities inherent in having a body and a soul. Dickinson conveys this through the stark declaration, "I am afraid to own a Body – / I am afraid to own a Soul –." This fear stems from the understanding that both are "Profound – precarious Property –," implying a fragility and vulnerability. The word "Property" is especially poignant, suggesting that we don't choose our existence but rather inherit it, along with all its inherent risks. Furthermore, the poem grapples with the idea of spiritual responsibility by mentioning ownership of the soul. This suggests a moral obligation associated with having a soul; an obligation the speaker seems hesitant to embrace.

The Unsuspecting Heir: Inheritance and Predestination

Dickinson develops the theme of predestination and the lack of control we have over our existence through the metaphor of an "Estate – entailed at pleasure / Upon an unsuspecting Heir." This suggests that our lives are inherited, predetermined by forces beyond our understanding. The phrase "unsuspecting Heir" paints a picture of someone thrust into a situation without their consent, burdened by an inheritance they didn't ask for. This emphasizes the sense of being trapped or predetermined by external factors, be it divine will or the natural order of the universe. It is a heavy inheritance of vulnerability, and the knowledge of eventual decay.

Images of Power: Duke and God as Defining Forces

The poem utilizes striking imagery to portray the forces that shape our existence. The image of a "Duke in a moment of Deathlessness" suggests a fleeting sense of power and control, juxtaposed with the ultimate reality of mortality. The "Duke" could represent earthly authority or even a momentary illusion of immortality. Contrasting this is "God, for a Frontier," which portrays the divine as a vast and perhaps unknowable boundary. "Frontier" suggests a limit, something that confines and defines our understanding of the universe and our place within it. God, in this context, becomes the ultimate defining force, a limit to our exploration and understanding.

Conclusion: A Profound Ambiguity

In conclusion, "I am afraid to own a Body" is a powerful exploration of the anxieties surrounding human existence. Dickinson uses vivid imagery and a somber tone to convey the burden of having both a physical body and a soul, burdened by responsibility. The poem highlights the fear of mortality, the theme of predetermination, and the imposing influence of external forces, be it earthly power or divine will. The poem's significance lies in its honest and unflinching examination of these profound and ambiguous aspects of being human, leaving the reader to contemplate the weight of their own inheritance. The final image of God as a "Frontier" leaves us to ponder if God offers a limitless possibility or a rigid, confining boundary.