Poem Analysis - This Consciousness That Is Aware

Introduction: A Solitary Journey of Awareness

Emily Dickinson's "This Consciousness That Is Aware" is a profound meditation on the nature of individual awareness and the solitary journey through life and death. The poem's tone is initially declarative and observational, almost scientific in its detachment, before gradually shifting to a more introspective and somber mood as it delves into the inherent isolation of the self. Dickinson explores the power and limitations of consciousness, portraying it as an independent entity facing the fundamental experiences of existence. Ultimately, the poem suggests that our deepest understanding of life and death, our own identity, is something we must confront alone.

The Unavoidable Reality of Mortality

One of the central themes of the poem is mortality. Dickinson introduces this theme immediately by stating that the consciousness "aware / Of Neighbors and the Sun" will inevitably be "the one aware of Death." This juxtaposition establishes death not as a separate event, but as an intrinsic part of the same experience of being alive. The phrase "traversing the interval / Experience between" further emphasizes the finite nature of life as a passage between two unknown points. The poem suggests that while we may share experiences and relationships with others, our encounter with death, and arguably life itself, is fundamentally a solo undertaking for our consciousness.

Isolation: The Defining Feature of Existence

The theme of isolation permeates the poem, beginning in the first stanza and growing in intensity towards the end. The lines "Itself unto itself and none / Shall make discovery" suggest that the true nature of the self is inaccessible to others. The poem proposes that there are aspects of our experience, our consciousness, that remain uniquely our own. The final stanza solidifies this idea, describing the "Soul condemned to be / Attended by a single Hound / Its own identity." The "Hound" symbolizes our self-awareness, our constant companion throughout life, yet it also underscores the loneliness of the soul's journey, bound to its own perceptions and understanding.

Symbols of Self: The Hound and the Interval

Several symbols stand out in the poem. The "Hound," as mentioned previously, is a potent symbol for self-awareness and identity. It's a loyal, ever-present companion, suggesting that we are always accompanied by our understanding of ourselves, but it also reinforces the idea of solitude. The "interval" represents the lifespan, the experiential space between birth and death. It is both a physical and metaphorical space, emphasizing the finite and limited nature of our existence. The "Sun" mentioned in the first stanza may symbolize external reality, or the shared world, and the reference to "Neighbors" could represent our relationships. These symbols highlight the contrast between our individual inner world and the external reality we perceive.

Consciousness Unveiled: A Final Insight

In conclusion, "This Consciousness That Is Aware" is a powerful exploration of the human condition, focusing on the themes of mortality, isolation, and the enigmatic nature of consciousness. Dickinson uses evocative imagery and a thoughtful tone to convey the inherent solitude of the individual soul. The poem suggests that while we exist within a shared world, our deepest understanding of life, death, and ourselves is a solitary adventure. The strength and mystery of the consciousness, capable of both perceiving the world and contemplating its own end, becomes the central focus of the poem and Dickinson's exploration.