Poem Analysis - The Face I Carry With Me Last

Introduction: Anticipating Immortality

Emily Dickinson's "The Face I Carry With Me last" is a fascinating exploration of identity, legacy, and the anticipation of judgment in the afterlife. The poem possesses a tone of confident expectation, almost bordering on audaciousness, as the speaker envisions their reception in heaven. There's a distinct shift from earthly reference ("Degree," "Kingdoms") to celestial grandeur, culminating in a scene of divine admiration. The overall mood is one of assured triumph, suggesting a deep-seated belief in the power of earthly relationships to shape one's eternal identity.

The Legacy of Love and Identity

One of the central themes is the power of love or a significant relationship to define one's identity, even beyond death. The "face I carry with me last" is not inherently the speaker's own, but rather "thine," belonging to someone else. This suggests that the defining feature of the speaker's earthly existence is their connection to another person. The poem implies that this relationship, whatever its nature, has been so formative that it becomes the very image presented to the divine for judgment. The love shared, therefore, becomes a passport to heavenly recognition.

Royal Recognition and Divine Approval

The theme of recognition and validation in the afterlife is vividly portrayed. The speaker anticipates being judged based on this borrowed "face," and expects a positive outcome. The angel's actions – scanning the face, stepping aside, and returning with a crown "as Gabriel never capered at" – all point to an exceptional level of approval. This imagery suggests that the speaker’s connection to the person whose face they carry is not only significant but also deeply valued in the heavenly realm. The crown symbolizes a reward for embodying the virtues associated with that relationship, implying that love and loyalty are highly prized in the divine order.

Symbols of Transformation and Elevation

The crown presented by the angel is a powerful symbol of transformation. It represents the speaker's elevation from an earthly being to a figure of "Royalty" in the afterlife. This transformation is directly linked to the "face" they carry, further emphasizing the power of earthly relationships to shape one’s eternal destiny. The act of being turned "round and round / To an admiring sky" underscores this transformation, highlighting the speaker's new status as someone worthy of celestial attention and admiration. This image reinforces the idea that the speaker's identity, defined by their relationship, is not diminished but rather amplified in the afterlife.

Questioning the Nature of the Relationship

The poem begs the question: what is the exact nature of the relationship between the speaker and the person whose "face" they carry? Is it a romantic love, a deep friendship, or perhaps a mentor-mentee dynamic? The ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations, broadening the poem’s appeal. Perhaps Dickinson intended to highlight the universality of profound connections, suggesting that any relationship that deeply shapes one's character becomes a part of their eternal identity.

Conclusion: An Eternal Reflection

In conclusion, "The Face I Carry With Me last" is a powerful testament to the enduring impact of human connection. It suggests that the relationships we forge on Earth can shape our identities and influence our reception in the afterlife. The poem uses vivid imagery and a confident tone to convey a sense of assured triumph, suggesting that love, loyalty, and profound relationships are not merely earthly concerns but qualities that resonate throughout eternity. Ultimately, the poem encourages reflection on the people who define us and the legacy we carry with us into the unknown.