Poem Analysis - It Is An Honorable Thought

Introduction: A Bow to Immortality

Emily Dickinson's "It Is An Honorable Thought" is a short but potent meditation on immortality. The poem presents a hopeful and somewhat reverent perspective on the possibility of lasting beyond physical existence. The tone is initially respectful, even courtly, before shifting to a more reflective and subtly melancholic consideration of earthly decay. While brief, the poem's impact lies in its contrast between the ephemeral nature of the material world and the enduring potential of something beyond it.

Theme of Enduring Legacy

One of the primary themes of the poem is the idea of an enduring legacy. Dickinson suggests that humans possess an "immortal place" that transcends physical limitations. This idea is introduced with the phrase "honorable thought," which immediately elevates the concept of immortality to something worthy of respect and admiration. The poem implies that this "immortal place" is not something automatically granted, but rather a thought, an idea, or perhaps a work that is created and left behind to last far longer than the physical body.

The Ephemeral Nature of Earthly Existence

The contrasting theme, and an important counterpoint, is the fragility and impermanence of earthly things. Dickinson employs vivid imagery to illustrate this point, using "pyramids decay" and "kingdoms, like the orchard, / Flit russetly away." The pyramids, symbols of enduring power and civilization, are depicted as crumbling. The simile of kingdoms fading away like an orchard in autumn ("russetly") emphasizes the cyclical nature of time and the inevitability of decline. This theme works to emphasize the importance of the other idea - that humans have an immortal place beyond Earth.

Imagery of Respect and Transcendence

The poem begins with the image of lifting one's hat "As one encountered gentlefolk / Upon a daily street." This simple act of respect serves as a metaphor for the reverence Dickinson feels towards the possibility of immortality. The "gentlefolk" could symbolize those who have achieved a form of immortality through their actions or creations. The image of the "daily street" further emphasizes that this encounter, and the potential for immortality, is something that can occur in everyday life, not just in grand or extraordinary circumstances. This also implies an accessible form of immortality is available to people. The shift from a simple greeting to the decay of kingdoms underscores the idea that even the most significant earthly achievements are ultimately subject to the passage of time.

Conclusion: Finding Honor in Transcendence

In conclusion, "It Is An Honorable Thought" is a concise yet powerful exploration of the human desire for immortality. Dickinson juxtaposes the transient nature of the physical world with the enduring potential of an "immortal place." The poem's strength lies in its ability to suggest that even as earthly structures crumble, the possibility of transcending mortality through thought, action, or creation remains a profoundly "honorable" endeavor. The poem leaves us pondering the nature of this "immortal place" and how we might achieve it in our own lives, highlighting the human ambition to last.