Emily Dickinson

Till Death Is Narrow Loving

poem 907

Till Death Is Narrow Loving - meaning Summary

Enduring Love Versus Loss

Dickinson explores contrasts in love and loss. A small, limited heart can sustain affection only until life ends, but when one suffers a devastating loss their life becomes defined by that absence. The bereaved may come to model themselves on the lost beloved, relinquishing personal pleasures and reshaping identity. The poem suggests love can narrow into devotion or expand into self-abnegation, transforming behavior and sense of self.

Read Complete Analyses

Till Death is narrow Loving The scantest Heart extant Will hold you till your privilege Of Finiteness be spent But He whose loss procures you Such Destitution that Your Life too abject for itself Thenceforward imitate Until Resemblance perfect Yourself, for His pursuit Delight of Nature abdicate Exhibit Love somewhat

default user
PoetryVerse just now

Feel free to be first to leave comment.

8/2200 - 0