One Dignity Delays for All
poem 98
One Dignity Delays for All - meaning Summary
Mortality's Shared Dignity
Dickinson presents death as a single, inevitable dignity that comes to everyone. She imagines it as a mitred, purple-crowned procession with coaches, attendants, bells, and village recognition, making even humble people equal in rank. The poem contrasts worldly pomp with the quiet claim of ‘‘You and I’’ who present a meek escutcheon and accept the shared honor of dying. It frames mortality as both ceremonial and democratic.
Read Complete AnalysesOne dignity delays for all One mitred Afternoon None can avoid this purple None evade this Crown! Coach, it insures, and footmen Chamber, and state, and throng Bells, also, in the village As we ride grand along! What dignified Attendants! What service when we pause! How loyally at parting Their hundred hats they raise! Her pomp surpassing ermine When simple You, and I, Present our meek escutheon And claim the rank to die!
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