Poem Analysis - The Feet Of People Walking Home

An Exploration of Hope and Resurrection

Emily Dickinson's "The Feet Of People Walking Home" is a poem steeped in quiet optimism and a sense of eternal continuation. The tone is contemplative and uplifting, moving from earthly observations to spiritual reflections. Throughout the poem, Dickinson explores themes of resurrection, spiritual ascension, and the transcendence of earthly limitations, ultimately suggesting that death is not an end but a transition to a higher plane of existence. The poem’s movement is a gentle ascent, mirroring the spiritual journey it describes.

Earthly Joys and Spiritual Awakening

One prominent theme is the idea of resurrection and renewal. Dickinson uses the image of "The Crocus til she rises" as a metaphor for the soul's emergence from a state of dormancy, likening it to the "Vassal of the snow," a humble servant of winter, finally breaking free. The "lips at Hallelujah" are presented as having "Long years of practise bore," suggesting a dedicated preparation for a moment of spiritual awakening, culminating in the joy of "Bargemen" singing on the "shore," a scene of joyous arrival and newfound freedom. This theme of rebirth is central to understanding Dickinson's perspective on life and death.

Beyond Material Worth: Unveiling Immortality

The poem also explores the theme of spiritual value versus material worth. Dickinson contrasts the "Pearls," which are merely "the Diver's farthings" – hard-earned and finite – with the "Pinions," or wings, which are the "Seraph's wagon." This suggests that spiritual ascension is far more valuable and transformative than earthly treasures. The "Seraph" who was "Pedestrian once – as we" has been elevated to a higher state. This transition emphasizes the idea that humans, too, are capable of spiritual growth and transcendence. The poem subtly challenges the notion that material possessions hold true worth, steering the reader towards a deeper consideration of spiritual fulfillment.

Faith and the Unknown Beyond

Dickinson grapples with the theme of faith and the unknowable. Her "figures fail to tell me/ How far the Village lies," indicating a limitation in understanding the realm beyond earthly existence. She describes a spiritual realm where "peasants are the Angels/ Whose Cantons dot the skies," a beautiful image of a heavenly society. The lines "My Classics veil their faces/ My faith that Dark adores" underscore the limitations of reason and intellect in comprehending the divine. Dickinson emphasizes the importance of faith, which finds solace and revelation in the darkness and mystery surrounding death and the afterlife.

Night, Death, and the Canvas of Forever

Several symbols contribute to the poem's overall meaning. Night, rather than representing darkness and fear, is presented as "the morning's Canvas," implying that what appears as an ending is, in fact, a preparation for something new and beautiful. Death is not portrayed as a cessation but as a "rapt attention/ To Immortality," suggesting a heightened awareness of a greater, eternal existence. The image of "Night is the morning’s Canvas/ Larceny – legacy" is particularly striking. "Larceny" suggests something stolen, perhaps life on Earth, but it becomes a "legacy," an inheritance of eternal life, emphasizing that apparent loss leads to ultimate gain. Is this a paradoxical and challenging view of death, one that finds beauty in the transition?

A Song of Eternal Hope

In conclusion, "The Feet Of People Walking Home" is a poignant exploration of life, death, and the promise of resurrection. Dickinson uses vivid imagery and symbolic language to convey a sense of hope and eternal continuation. She suggests that earthly limitations and material possessions are ultimately insignificant compared to the potential for spiritual growth and the promise of immortality. The poem's ultimate message is one of quiet faith and unwavering belief in a life beyond the confines of mortal existence, a life that begins even as earthly life appears to end.