Poem Analysis - Remembrance Has A Rear And Front

A House of Memories: Introduction to Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson's "Remembrance has a Rear and Front" presents memory as a multifaceted and architectural space. The poem, short and evocative, uses the image of a house to explore the varied levels of recollection, from the trivial to the potentially disturbing. Its tone begins as observational, almost detached, but shifts subtly toward a more cautionary and introspective mood as it delves into the darker depths of memory. The simple structure reinforces the accessibility of the poem's central metaphor, making it relatable despite its underlying complexity.

The Architecture of Recollection: Mapping Memory's Landscape

The central theme of this poem is undoubtedly the nature of memory itself. Dickinson portrays remembrance not as a single, unified entity, but as a layered structure, much like a house. The "Rear and Front" suggest that memory has both presentable and less appealing aspects. The "Garret" filled with "Refuse and the Mouse" represents forgotten or unwanted memories, the mundane details we tend to discard. In contrast, the "deepest Cellar" holds something far more profound and potentially threatening, indicating memories that are buried deeply, perhaps suppressed or traumatic.

Descending into the Cellar: Exploring Hidden Dangers

The second theme is the potential danger inherent in delving too deeply into memory. The "deepest Cellar" is not simply a storage space; it's a place that demands careful consideration: "Look to it by its Fathoms – / Ourselves be not pursued." This warning suggests that some memories are best left undisturbed, that confronting them directly could be psychologically perilous. The image of being "pursued" by these buried recollections implies a loss of control, a potential for the past to overwhelm the present. This theme explores the idea that not all remembering is beneficial, and that some memories can actively harm us.

The Weight of the Past: Symbolism and Imagery

The house itself functions as a powerful symbol for the entirety of the human mind and its capacity for storing experience. The "Garret" symbolizes the surface-level, often inconsequential memories, while the "Cellar" represents the subconscious, the repository of deeply buried or repressed experiences. The "Mason" who "laid" the cellar could symbolize societal or familial influences shaping the individual's subconscious. The "Fathoms" used to measure the cellar's depth evoke a sense of mystery and the vastness of the unconscious mind. The image of being "pursued" is particularly vivid, suggesting a feeling of being haunted or overwhelmed by the past.

A Final Reflection: The Enduring Power of Remembrance

In conclusion, "Remembrance has a Rear and Front" offers a concise yet profound exploration of the complexities of memory. Dickinson’s use of the house metaphor allows her to represent the different layers and qualities of recollection, from the trivial to the potentially dangerous. The poem serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that while memory shapes our identity, it can also harbor shadows that should be approached with care. The poem invites us to consider the ethical and psychological implications of remembering, and to acknowledge the profound influence of the past on our present selves.