Poem Analysis - She Bore It Till The Simple Veins

A Quiet Passing, A Grand Ascent

Emily Dickinson's "She Bore It Till The Simple Veins" is a poignant exploration of suffering, patience, and eventual transcendence. The poem narrates the story of a woman enduring an unnamed hardship until her death, after which she is elevated to a celestial realm. The tone is initially somber and empathetic, marked by descriptions of physical deterioration, but shifts to one of hopeful reverence as the poem progresses. This shift underscores the poem's central theme: suffering can be a prelude to a glorious afterlife. The poem speaks to the universal human experience of pain and the longing for release.

Endurance and the Marks of Suffering

One of the main themes in the poem is endurance in the face of suffering. The opening stanza vividly depicts the physical manifestations of the woman's ordeal. The "simple veins / Traced azure on her hand" and the "purple Crayons" around her eyes are subtle yet powerful images of wear and tear. The phrase "She bore it" emphasizes the active, persistent nature of her suffering. The use of color – "azure" and "purple" – against the backdrop of implied paleness creates a striking contrast, highlighting the toll that time and pain have taken. This detailed description, despite not explicitly naming the source of her suffering, conveys a powerful sense of quiet, relentless hardship.

Mortality and Transcendence

Another significant theme is mortality and the possibility of transcendence. The line "Till Daffodils had come and gone / I cannot tell the sum" suggests the passage of a considerable amount of time, emphasizing the duration of the woman's suffering. The statement, "and then she ceased to bear it / And with the Saints sat down," signifies her death and subsequent entrance into heaven. This transition is stark, marking a shift from earthly pain to celestial peace. The poem subtly suggests that death is not an ending, but a release, an ascent to a higher plane of existence. The ambiguity in “I cannot tell the sum” suggests the incalculable amount of suffering she endured and the speaker’s awe at her ability to bear it.

Imagery of Earth and Heaven

The poem employs contrasting imagery of earthly life and heavenly existence to reinforce its themes. The "patient figure" and "timid bonnet" on the "village street" paint a picture of a simple, humble life. These images are juxtaposed with the description of heaven: "Crowns instead, and Courtiers / And in the midst so fair." This contrast highlights the dramatic transformation the woman undergoes in death. She moves from a world of quiet suffering and anonymity to a realm of glory and recognition. The "Crowns" and "Courtiers" symbolize the honor and status she now possesses, while her "shy immortal face" suggests that her inherent goodness and humility remain unchanged even in paradise. This juxtaposition underscores the idea that earthly suffering can lead to eternal reward.

A Whisper of Immortality

In conclusion, "She Bore It Till The Simple Veins" is a moving meditation on suffering, death, and the promise of eternal life. The poem uses vivid imagery and a shift in tone to convey the woman's journey from earthly pain to celestial glory. Dickinson subtly suggests that even in the face of prolonged hardship, there is hope for a peaceful and rewarding afterlife. The final lines, "Whose but her shy immortal face / Of whom we're whispering here?" leave the reader with a sense of wonder and reverence, reminding us of the enduring power of the human spirit and the possibility of finding solace beyond the mortal realm. The act of "whispering" suggests a reverence and awe, indicating that her story is one of quiet inspiration and enduring legacy.