Poem Analysis - This Heart That Broke So Long

Introduction: A Gentle Farewell

Emily Dickinson's "This Heart That Broke So Long" is a poignant farewell, tinged with both sorrow and a quiet defiance. The poem speaks of enduring pain and unfulfilled hope, ultimately suggesting a peaceful release in death. The tone is initially somber and reflective, but shifts subtly towards a sense of protective finality, as if safeguarding the memory of lost tenderness. It's a compact meditation on suffering and the desire for rest.

Themes of Endurance and Loss

One central theme is endurance in the face of loss. The opening lines, "This heart that broke so long / These feet that never flagged / This faith that watched for star in vain," highlight a long history of suffering, perseverance, and ultimately, disappointment. The poem describes a spirit that has weathered considerable hardship, suggesting a life marked by unfulfilled aspirations. This theme is reinforced by the use of verbs in the past tense, implying that the period of struggle is now over.

The Sanctuary of Memory

Another prominent theme is the sanctuary of memory and tenderness. The second stanza shifts focus from the individual's suffering to the protection of something precious: "Tenderness builded there." This suggests that despite the pain and disillusionment, something gentle and loving was created, and the poem seeks to safeguard it from further intrusion. This creation of "Tenderness" is now in a place it can no longer be reached. The fact that not even a "schoolboy" can "rob the nest" further reinforces the absolute safety and privacy of this place. The location is in an unreachable place, out of time.

Imagery of Pursuit and Refuge

The poem employs vivid imagery to illustrate its themes. The image of the "Hound" and the "Hare" symbolizes the relentless pursuit of suffering and the desperate flight of the individual. The "Hare," representing the vulnerable and exhausted soul, has finally found refuge. The symbolism of the "nest" further emphasizes this idea of sanctuary. A nest, a place of creation and nurturing, suggests that even in the face of pain, something beautiful and precious was built. This contributes to the poem's overall message of finding peace and protection in death.

The Release into Peace

Finally, the theme of release into peace is interwoven throughout the poem. The opening command, "Give gently to the dead," suggests a respectful and tender handling of the deceased. It’s a plea for compassion and understanding, a recognition that the individual has suffered enough. The finality of death is presented not as an ending but as a release from pain, a safe haven where the "Hound" of suffering can no longer pursue and the "schoolboy" cannot intrude.

Concluding Thoughts: A Quiet Triumph

In conclusion, "This Heart That Broke So Long" is a powerful and moving poem about enduring hardship, cherishing tenderness, and finding solace in death. Dickinson uses potent imagery and a shift in tone to convey a sense of both sorrow and quiet triumph. It suggests that even after a life marked by pain and disappointment, there is a space for peace and the protection of what was most precious. The poem is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of tenderness, even in the face of mortality.