Poem Analysis - It Makes No Difference Abroad

Introduction: A World Unmoved

Emily Dickinson's "It Makes No Difference Abroad" is a poignant reflection on the uneven distribution of suffering and the indifference of nature to human drama. The poem starts with seemingly neutral observations about the natural world, then abruptly introduces elements of profound human suffering. The tone shifts from observational to contemplative, highlighting the stark contrast between the cyclical rhythms of nature and the unique, often devastating experiences of humanity. Ultimately, the poem suggests that while nature continues its predictable course, individual pain remains intensely personal and isolated.

Nature's Impassivity: The First Theme

One of the primary themes in the poem is the impassivity of nature. The opening stanzas depict a world where seasons follow their predictable course, days blossom into noon, and wildflowers bloom. The lines "The Seasons fit the same / The Mornings blossom into Noons / And split their Pods of Flame" paint a picture of natural processes unfolding without regard for human concerns. The image of "Brooks slam all the Day" suggests a relentless, almost violent energy in nature that contrasts sharply with the later references to suffering. The natural world, in its consistent and often overwhelming presence, is simply unaffected by human tragedy. It doesn't stop for anything.

Human Suffering and Religious Symbolism: The Second Theme

Another significant theme is the exploration of human suffering, particularly in a religious context. The reference to "Calvary," the site of Jesus' crucifixion, immediately introduces a profound element of pain and sacrifice. The line "No Black bird bates his Banjo / For passing Calvary" is particularly striking. The absence of the blackbird's music emphasizes the profound silence and lack of acknowledgement surrounding suffering. It underscores the idea that even the most monumental human tragedies are not universally recognized or mourned by the natural world. The term "Auto da Fe," relating to the Spanish Inquisition, highlights the specific suffering of persecution and judgment. Dickinson contrasts these events with the natural world, emphasizing its detachment from such experiences.

Individual Misery and The Bee's Perspective: The Third Theme

The poem delves into the intensely personal nature of misery. The final stanza shifts focus entirely, offering the perspective of a bee. "Auto da Fe and Judgment / Are nothing to the Bee." This line directly contrasts large-scale human tragedies with the limited scope of the bee's world. The bee's "separation from His Rose / To Him sums Misery" signifies that for each individual, regardless of species, pain is defined by their own immediate experience of loss. This suggests that even in a world filled with grand tragedies, individual sorrow remains the most potent and all-encompassing form of suffering for the one experiencing it. The poem’s ending therefore presents a powerful statement regarding the deeply subjective nature of grief and its universal power to shape individual experience.

Symbols: Calvary and the Bee

The poem uses striking symbols to reinforce its themes. Calvary represents the pinnacle of religious suffering and sacrifice. Its presence in the poem signifies the weight of human tragedy and the indifference of nature toward such events. The bee is a symbol of individual experience and limited perspective. It represents the idea that each creature's world is defined by its own immediate circumstances, and that its suffering, however small it may seem in the grand scheme of things, is profoundly real and all-consuming to that individual. The rose also serves as a symbol, representing love and beauty, the loss of which is a source of profound sorrow.

Conclusion: A Personal Perspective

In conclusion, "It Makes No Difference Abroad" is a powerful exploration of the disconnect between the predictable rhythms of nature and the unique, often devastating experiences of human suffering. Dickinson's poem contrasts the grand scale of human tragedy with the intensely personal nature of individual misery, exemplified by the bee's perspective. Ultimately, the poem suggests that while the world continues its course, individual pain remains intensely personal and profoundly significant to the one experiencing it. The poem is a statement about the way individual perception constructs the experience of existence. This can be interpreted as a comment on a God whose creation seems indifferent to the suffering inherent within it, but more generally it presents a vision of each creature trapped in its own world of feeling.