Poem Analysis - They Say That Time Assuages

Introduction: Defiance in the Face of Grief

Emily Dickinson's "They Say That 'Time Assuages,'" is a compact yet powerful rebuttal of a common platitude. The poem presents a speaker who directly contradicts the idea that time heals all wounds. The tone is initially argumentative, shifting to a more assertive and almost defiant stance as the poem progresses. There's a sense of personal experience informing this rejection, a feeling that the speaker knows better from their own suffering.

The Myth of Time's Healing Power

The central theme of the poem is the fallacy of time as a healer. Dickinson immediately sets up a contrast: "They say that 'time assuages,'– / Time never did assuage." This stark opposition immediately grabs the reader's attention and establishes the speaker's contrarian viewpoint. The poem argues that time does not diminish suffering but rather tests it, exposing the true nature of the pain. It suggests that genuine suffering leaves a lasting mark, transforming and strengthening the individual, rather than fading away. This is demonstrated by the line "An actual suffering strengthens, / As sinews do, with age," indicating resilience but not necessarily relief.

Suffering's Endurance: Strength Forged in Pain

Another key theme is the enduring nature of suffering. Dickinson uses the image of "sinews" to represent how suffering, rather than being erased by time, actually strengthens the individual. Sinews, which are tough and fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones, become stronger with use and stress. This metaphor suggests that suffering, like physical exertion, can build inner resilience. The poem does not deny the pain, but instead reframes it as a force that shapes and strengthens the sufferer. The use of the word "actual" emphasizes that this strengthening only occurs with genuine, deeply felt suffering.

The Bitter Truth: Absence of Malady

The poem subtly hints at the idea of denial or invalidation of genuine suffering. The final two lines introduce a somewhat cynical possibility: "If such it prove, it prove too / There was no malady." This suggests that if time does seem to heal, it's only because the initial suffering wasn't truly significant to begin with. The word "malady," typically associated with illness or disease, is used here to represent any deep-seated suffering or emotional pain. This cynical interpretation serves to further emphasize the speaker's belief that true suffering is not easily erased, and to question the glib dismissal of pain often offered by others.

A Final Stand: Challenging Conventional Wisdom

In conclusion, "They Say That 'Time Assuages,'" is a powerful and concise expression of Dickinson's perspective on suffering. The poem challenges the conventional wisdom that time heals all wounds, arguing instead that genuine suffering endures and shapes the individual. Through vivid imagery and a defiant tone, Dickinson suggests that time is not a remedy, but a test, revealing the true depth and lasting impact of pain. The poem ultimately leaves the reader with a profound understanding of the speaker's belief in the enduring nature of suffering and a questioning of the simplistic notion that time can always heal.