Poem Analysis - The Dust Behind I Strove To Join

A Broken Connection: Introduction to Dickinson's Lament

Emily Dickinson's "The Dust behind I Strove To Join" is a brief but potent meditation on the frustrating disconnect between aspiration and achievement, past and present. The poem expresses a sense of longing and disappointment as the speaker attempts to connect with something that remains just out of reach. The tone is initially one of striving, shifting to one of disillusionment and a sense of unraveling. The overall mood is melancholic, suggesting a fundamental disruption in the natural order of things.

The Elusive Past and the Present's Failure

One of the poem's central themes is the difficulty of connecting with the past, or perhaps more broadly, with a previous state of being. The "Dust behind" can be interpreted as representing the speaker's history, experiences, or even lost potential. The phrase "I strove to join" underscores the effort exerted in attempting to reclaim or reintegrate this past. However, the attempt fails, highlighting the inherent challenge of reconciling present realities with past aspirations.

Imagery of Disruption and Loss

The poem utilizes vivid imagery to convey the speaker's frustration and sense of loss. The image of "Sequence ravelled out of Sound" is particularly striking. This suggests that the natural order or progression of things has been disrupted, like a musical harmony suddenly dissolving into noise. The simile "Like Balls upon a Floor" further emphasizes this sense of chaos and disarray. Balls scattered on a floor lack direction or purpose, mirroring the speaker's feeling of being lost and disconnected.

Symbolism and the Unattainable Disk

The "Disk before" is a key symbol, representing perhaps a goal, a future state, or a sense of wholeness. It's something the speaker is striving towards, but the act of looking forward simultaneously creates a separation from the "Dust behind." The poem implies that striving for something ahead can inadvertently lead to a disconnection from one's roots or past experiences. Is Dickinson suggesting that progress and memory are inherently at odds, or that our attempts to reconcile them are doomed to failure? This remains an open question.

A Final Note on Disconnection

In conclusion, "The Dust behind I Strove To Join" is a poignant exploration of the human desire for connection and the inherent challenges in achieving it. Through evocative imagery and symbolic language, Dickinson captures the frustration of attempting to bridge the gap between past and present, aspiration and reality. The poem ultimately suggests that such attempts can be futile, leaving the individual with a sense of loss and a profound awareness of life's fragmented nature.