Poem Analysis - Love Is Anterior To Life

A Concise Ode to Love's Primacy

Emily Dickinson's "Love is anterior to Life" is a compact yet profound declaration about the nature of love. The poem, just four lines long, asserts love's fundamental and overarching role in existence. Its tone is declarative and confident, bordering on the absolute. There is no real mood shift within such a short piece, instead, it maintains a steadfast affirmation of love’s priority and impact.

Love's Temporal Supremacy

The central theme is undoubtedly love's supreme importance. Dickinson establishes this by placing love outside the conventional timeline of birth and death. Love is "anterior to Life," meaning it precedes existence itself. It is also "Posterior to Death," suggesting that love continues even after life ends. By positioning love before and after the boundaries of life and death, Dickinson argues that love is not merely a part of existence, but a fundamental force that transcends it. This reinforces love's significant role in the grand scheme of existence.

Creation and the Essence of Earth

Dickinson uses the concepts of "Creation" and "Earth" to further illustrate love’s significance. Love is the "Initial of Creation," implying that love is the very foundation upon which the universe was built. This paints love as an elemental force. Furthermore, love is "The Exponent of Earth." Exponent, in this context, is likely referring to a mathematical power, suggesting that love is the driving force or essential quality of the earth itself. It's the characteristic that defines the Earth, implying love is intrinsic and fundamental to its existence. It implies that all aspects of earthly existence are raised to a higher power through love.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The poem employs potent symbolism through its use of time and abstract concepts. "Life" and "Death" serve as symbolic markers of the human experience, which Dickinson positions love outside of. "Creation" stands as the ultimate beginning, while "Earth" represents the tangible, existing world. Love itself is portrayed as an abstract, all-encompassing force rather than a specific emotion or relationship. The poem's strength lies in its unwavering assertion of love’s significance, though the specific nature or definition of this love remains open to interpretation. Is it divine love, romantic love, or a universal force of connection?

Final Thoughts: Love's Enduring Significance

In conclusion, "Love is anterior to Life" is a powerful testament to love’s fundamental role in existence. Through concise language and potent symbolism, Dickinson presents love not as a fleeting emotion, but as a foundational force that precedes life, endures beyond death, initiates creation, and defines the essence of Earth. The poem leaves a lasting impression of love's profound and enduring significance, placing it at the very core of being. It's a testament to its importance in our lives.