Poem Analysis - Its Easy To Invent A Life

A Divine Whim: Introduction to Dickinson's "It's Easy To Invent A Life"

Emily Dickinson's "It's Easy To Invent A Life" presents a bold and somewhat unsettling view of creation and destruction, portraying God as an almost nonchalant artist. The poem begins with a straightforward declaration about the ease of creation, quickly transitioning into a meditation on the ephemerality of life and the seemingly arbitrary nature of divine authority. The tone is a blend of awe, skepticism, and a hint of dark humor, as Dickinson questions the cost and purpose of God's creative power. It offers a stark perspective on existence, suggesting that life is both readily made and easily discarded.

The Creator as Gambler: The Theme of Divine Authority

One of the central themes of the poem is the nature of divine authority. Dickinson depicts God not as a careful craftsman, but as a playful gambler. "Creation but the Gambol / Of His Authority" suggests that the universe is the result of a divine whim, a game played by God. This imagery reduces the significance of human life, implying that it might be a mere byproduct of God's amusement. The use of the word "gambol," meaning a playful skipping or frolicking, is starkly contrasted with the serious implications of life and death, creating a sense of ironic detachment.

The Cost of Spontaneity: Exploring Mortality and Transience

Another prominent theme is mortality and transience, or, more pointedly, the cheapness of life. The second stanza introduces the idea that existence is easily "effaced" and that even a "thrifty Deity" cannot afford to grant eternity to everything that is created "spontaneously." This implies a limited cosmic budget, where eternity is a luxury that is not universally available. The phrase "The Perished Patterns murmur" suggests a faint echo of past lives, quickly forgotten as God continues his seemingly endless act of creating and destroying, without a second thought.

Sun and Man: Vivid Imagery and Their Implications

Dickinson employs striking imagery, particularly in the final two lines: "Proceed inserting Here a Sun / There leaving out a Man." The sun, a symbol of life and light, is juxtaposed with the "Man," representing individual human existence. The image emphasizes the scale of God's creative power, placing the creation of a sun and the omission of a single man on equal footing. This suggests that individual lives are insignificant in the grand cosmic scheme. It also raises questions about the value of human life and whether it is merely a random element in God's design.

A Cosmic Editor: Concluding Thoughts on Dickinson's View of Existence

In conclusion, "It's Easy To Invent A Life" offers a cynical yet compelling vision of existence under the rule of a seemingly arbitrary God. Dickinson challenges traditional notions of divine benevolence, suggesting that creation and destruction are simply part of a cosmic game played by an all-powerful being. The poem's strength lies in its ability to provoke contemplation about the meaning and value of individual life in a universe that appears indifferent to human concerns. Dickinson's portrayal of God as a cosmic editor who can insert a sun or delete a man with equal ease leaves the reader questioning the true nature of divine authority and the fragility of human existence.