Poem Analysis - If He Dissolve Then There Is Nothing

A World Unraveling: Introduction

Emily Dickinson's "If He Dissolve then there Is Nothing" is a short, powerful lament fueled by profound anxiety about the absence or loss of a crucial, perhaps divine, figure. The poem initially plunges the reader into a state of utter darkness and despair, utilizing stark imagery of extinguished light and a world thrown into chaos. As it progresses, the tone shifts subtly to one of desperate hope mingled with increasing uncertainty and fear. The plea for divine intervention highlights the speaker’s dependence on "Him" and the catastrophic consequences of His potential disappearance. The poem’s compressed form intensifies its emotional impact, leaving a lasting impression of existential dread.

Light's Absence: Catastrophic Loss

One of the primary themes explored in this poem is the theme of loss and its potentially devastating consequences. Dickinson employs a series of striking images to convey the magnitude of this loss. The opening lines, "If He dissolve then there is nothing more / Eclipse at Midnight," immediately establish a sense of total annihilation. The subsequent images – "Sunset at Easter," "Blindness on the Dawn," and "Faint Star of Bethlehem / Gone down!" – further amplify this feeling, suggesting that even events associated with hope and rebirth (Easter, dawn, the Star of Bethlehem) are now corrupted and plunged into darkness. The use of "Eclipse at Midnight" is particularly powerful, suggesting a double darkness, a darkness intensified by its unexpected and unnatural occurrence. This is more than just absence; it is a complete reversal of what should be.

Divine Intervention: A Desperate Plea

Another central theme is the intense need for divine intervention or reassurance. The lines "Would but some God inform Him / Or it be too late!" reveal the speaker's desperate desire for communication with a higher power. There's a sense of urgency, captured in the phrase "too late," emphasizing the imminent danger of "His" potential dissolution. The speaker pleads for someone, even a divine entity, to intervene and inform "Him" of the dire situation. This desperation underscores the speaker's helplessness and the profound reliance on "Him" for meaning and order in the world. The image of the "pulse just lisps" implies a very weak life sign, a subtle indicator that there is still a chance, however faint, for salvation.

Unanswered Prayers: The Question of Heed

The poem also explores the theme of unanswered prayers and the uncertainty of being heard. The lines "Say that a little life for His / Is leaking red / His little Spaniel tell Him! / Will He heed?" introduce a note of heartbreaking vulnerability. The image of "a little life for His / Is leaking red" suggests a sacrifice being made, perhaps in vain. The plea for even a humble "Spaniel" to convey the message highlights the speaker's utter desperation. However, the question "Will He heed?" hangs in the air, unanswered, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of doubt and the possibility of indifference. This final questioning suggests the speaker fears not only the loss of "Him" but also the possibility that "He" is either unaware or unwilling to respond, adding another layer of complexity to the poem's emotional impact.

Symbolic Darkness: Meaning and Interpretation

The poem is rich with symbolism. The recurring image of darkness, manifested through "Eclipse," "Sunset," and "Blindness," represents not only literal darkness but also the absence of hope, faith, and meaning. The "Faint Star of Bethlehem / Gone down!" is a particularly potent symbol, as the Star of Bethlehem is traditionally associated with the birth of Jesus and the promise of salvation. Its disappearance signifies the loss of spiritual guidance and the potential collapse of the speaker's belief system. The "Chariots" likely symbolize divine transport or salvation, but their arrival is uncertain. Furthermore, the very identity of "He" remains ambiguous. Is it God? A loved one? A concept? The open-endedness of this leaves the poem's interpretation ultimately up to the reader. Could "He" represent the speaker's own faith, and its dissolution signify a crisis of belief?

Existential Dread: Conclusion

In conclusion, "If He Dissolve then there Is Nothing" is a powerful and unsettling exploration of loss, uncertainty, and the desperate need for connection. Through its vivid imagery and shifting tones, the poem conveys a profound sense of existential dread, highlighting the devastating consequences of losing something or someone essential to one's sense of self and the world. The ambiguity surrounding "He" and the unanswered questions at the poem's close leave the reader grappling with the possibility of a world devoid of meaning and the painful reality of unanswered prayers, ultimately reminding us of the fragility of faith and the human need for something greater than ourselves.