Poem Analysis - Robbed By Death But That Was Easy

A Loss Less Bitter Than Freedom's Price

Emily Dickinson's "Robbed By Death but That Was Easy" is a poem that initially seems to grapple with the sting of mortality, yet quickly pivots to consider greater, perhaps more insidious, losses. The poem’s tone is one of almost resigned acceptance, moving from an acknowledgment of death’s sting to a darker consideration of the costs of liberty and uncertainty. While death is presented as a relatively simple theft, the poem suggests other forms of robbery are far more insidious. The overall mood suggests a quiet contemplation tinged with skepticism.

The Enduring Cost of Liberty

One of the central themes of the poem is the complex and paradoxical relationship between liberty and suffering. Initially, the speaker acknowledges being "Robbed by Death," but downplays the severity of this loss. The second stanza, however, shifts focus to being "Robbed by Liberty." This suggests that freedom, while desirable, exacts a heavy toll. The phrase "Jugular Defences" evokes a sense of vulnerability and constant struggle to maintain this liberty. The hint of glory suggests a romantic vision of freedom, but it also implies a necessary endurance of suffering for those deemed "Brave Beloved" who pursue it.

The Uncertainty of Suspense

Another key theme is the devastating power of uncertainty and suspense. The latter half of the poem moves away from concrete losses like death and liberty to explore the abstract "Fraud of Distance Fraud of Danger, / Fraud of Death to bear." These "frauds" are not tangible things but rather the anxieties and fears that plague the mind. Dickinson elevates "Suspense’s / Vague Calamity" to a position of immense power. The speaker frames it as a more significant burden than even death, noting that it is a "Bounty" to endure. This hints at the emotional and psychological toll that uncertainty takes, one that's perhaps harder to quantify than the physical reality of death.

Imagery of precariousness and danger

The poem is rich with imagery of precariousness and danger that reinforces its themes. The lines "Stalking our entire Possession / On a Hair’s result / Then seesawing coolly on it / Trying if it split" are particularly striking. This image depicts a constant state of tension, where everything one owns is balanced on the edge of disaster, held only by the thin thread of "a Hair’s result." The "seesawing" further emphasizes the instability and the constant threat of collapse. It vividly captures the agonizing feeling of living under the weight of uncertainty and the ever-present possibility of losing everything. This can be interpreted both literally (the fear of tangible loss) and figuratively (the loss of hope or peace of mind).

Conclusion: Beyond the Grave

In conclusion, "Robbed By Death but That Was Easy" is a poem that transcends a simple meditation on mortality. It delves into the more subtle and pervasive forms of loss that shape human experience. Dickinson suggests that while death is inevitable, the costs of freedom and the psychological toll of uncertainty can be more profound and enduring. The poem leaves the reader pondering which losses are truly the most difficult to bear, suggesting that perhaps the anxieties and vulnerabilities inherent in life are more formidable than the cessation of it.