Poem Analysis - There Is A Finished Feeling

A Quiet Contemplation of Death

Emily Dickinson's "There Is A Finished Feeling" offers a serene yet profound meditation on death and its aftermath. The poem, composed of two stanzas, explores the transformative power of encountering mortality, suggesting that it provides clarity and insight into our existence. The tone is not mournful but rather contemplative, bordering on acceptance. There’s a sense of quiet observation as the poem progresses, hinting at the immense possibilities that death unlocks rather than focusing on loss.

Mortality as a Revealing Mirror

One of the poem's central themes is mortality. Dickinson doesn't shy away from confronting death directly, using the image of "Graves" as a starting point. Instead of focusing on the sorrow associated with death, she emphasizes the "finished feeling" it provides. This suggests a sense of completion and understanding that only death can bring. The phrase "Death's bold Exhibition" implies that death itself is a spectacle, a grand display that forces us to confront the reality of our own limited time and subsequently, to reassess what we are.

The Future’s Infinite Potential

Another crucial theme is the eternity that death implies. The line "A leisure of the Future" doesn't suggest inactivity but rather a vast expanse of time beyond our earthly comprehension. This "leisure" may refer to the soul's freedom from the constraints of earthly existence. The poem hints at the possibilities after death, suggesting something far greater than what we experience in life. This contrasts with the confined awareness we have during our life on Earth.

Inferring the Eternal Function

The theme of understanding is also woven throughout the poem. Death isn't seen as an end but as a catalyst for gaining knowledge. "Preciser what we are" implies death allows for a clearer self-perception, stripped of earthly illusions. Furthermore, "the Eternal function / Enabled to infer" means that death empowers us to understand the deeper, more profound meaning of life and existence. The poem suggests that through witnessing death, we become capable of grasping concepts of eternity and our place within a larger, cosmic order.

Symbolism of the Wilderness of Size

The image of "A Wilderness of Size" is particularly striking. It symbolizes the vast, unknown territory that lies beyond death. "Wilderness" evokes a sense of freedom and untamed potential. "Size" emphasizes the immeasurable scale of this realm. This image offers a contrasting perspective to the traditional somber view of death, instead presenting it as a passage into a limitless and awe-inspiring space. It raises the question: Is this wilderness a comforting expanse or a potentially overwhelming void?

Final Reflections on Acceptance

In conclusion, "There Is A Finished Feeling" presents a unique perspective on death. Dickinson transforms the traditionally somber subject into one of quiet contemplation and even a source of profound understanding. By exploring themes of mortality, eternity, and understanding, the poem suggests that death is not simply an ending but a transformative experience that can provide clarity and insight into our existence and the infinite possibilities that lie beyond. Ultimately, the poem encourages a shift in perspective, urging us to embrace the lessons that mortality can teach.