Poem Analysis - Its Such A Little Thing To Weep

A Seemingly Simple Grief

Emily Dickinson's "It's Such A Little Thing To Weep" is a deceptively simple poem that explores the profound impact of seemingly minor emotions. The poem initially presents grief as insignificant, almost trivial. However, it quickly shifts to a more serious and even unsettling tone, revealing the potentially fatal consequences of suppressed or underestimated sorrow. This contrast between the lightness of the opening and the gravity of the conclusion creates a powerful and haunting effect.

The Trade of Grief

The poem's central theme is the insidious nature of grief and the subtle ways it can consume us. Dickinson uses the metaphor of "Trades" to suggest that these small acts of weeping and sighing are a currency, a form of exchange that ultimately costs us our lives. The word "Trades" implies a systematic, almost commercial transaction. It highlights that we unknowingly participate in a process where small emotional expenditures accumulate, eventually leading to our demise. The poem suggests that suppressing or minimizing these emotions can be just as detrimental as outwardly expressing them, as they quietly work their way into our being.

Small Sorrows, Big Impact

Another key theme is the deceptiveness of appearances. The poem emphasizes the contrast between the perceived insignificance of weeping and sighing and their actual power. The opening lines, "It's such a little thing to weep/So short a thing to sigh," establish a sense of triviality. However, this is immediately challenged by the concluding lines, "And yet by Trades the size of these/We men and women die!" This stark juxtaposition highlights the poem's central argument: that seemingly small emotions can have a profound and even deadly impact on our lives. It cautions against underestimating the power of grief and the importance of acknowledging and processing our emotions.

The Symbolism of Tears and Breaths

The recurring images of weeping and sighing serve as potent symbols of suppressed emotions. Tears, often associated with sadness and vulnerability, are presented as a "little thing," something easily dismissed. Similarly, sighs, representing weariness or resignation, are deemed "short." However, Dickinson elevates these seemingly insignificant acts to symbols of a deeper, more profound emotional burden. They represent the cumulative effect of unaddressed grief, the subtle yet persistent weight that wears us down over time. The poem's brevity mirrors the "little" nature of the described emotions, yet the message resonates with immense power due to the finality of "die!" Could this poem be about the everyday burdens of life, the small things that accumulate to cause immense stress, and eventually, death?

A Profound Reflection on Mortality

In conclusion, "It's Such A Little Thing To Weep" is a powerful meditation on the subtle and insidious nature of grief and the deceptive nature of appearances. Dickinson masterfully uses simple language and potent imagery to convey the profound impact of seemingly minor emotions. The poem serves as a stark reminder that even the smallest sorrows, if left unaddressed, can accumulate and ultimately lead to our demise. Its enduring significance lies in its ability to challenge our assumptions about the nature of grief and the importance of emotional awareness. The poem's strength is its concise and direct delivery of the human condition.