Poem Analysis - Tis So Appalling It Exhilarates

Introduction: Embracing the Horrors of Existence

Emily Dickinson's "Tis So Appalling It Exhilarates" is a darkly paradoxical exploration of confronting profound fear and mortality. The poem journeys from initial dread to a strange sense of liberation, suggesting that facing the most terrifying aspects of existence can be surprisingly empowering. Its tone oscillates between chilling awe and a kind of grim acceptance, reflecting a complex emotional landscape. Dickinson uses stark imagery and unconventional phrasing to convey this unsettling yet ultimately freeing experience. The poem hints at a personal confrontation with something terrible, leading to a changed perspective on life and death.

The Allure of Horror: A Paradoxical Theme

A central theme in the poem is the paradoxical allure of horror. The opening lines, "‘Tis so appalling it exhilarates/So over Horror, it half Captivates," immediately establish this idea. Dickinson isn't simply describing fear; she's suggesting that an excess of it can be strangely compelling. This "exhilaration" comes from surpassing the expected reaction – paralysis – and instead finding a strange form of strength in the face of it. The image of the soul staring "after it, secure" implies a newfound invulnerability, a sense of being beyond the reach of further terrors. This is further reinforced by the line "A Sepulchre, fears frost, no more" which suggest that death, the ultimate horror, has lost its sting.

The Confrontation with Death: Finding Freedom

Mortality is another major theme that pervades the poem. The speaker confronts death directly, ultimately finding a peculiar freedom in acceptance. Lines like "Looking at Death, is Dying/Just let go the Breath" suggest a willingness to surrender to the inevitable. This isn't necessarily an embrace of death as desirable, but rather a recognition of its power and a decision to cease resistance. This idea connects to the earlier point of exhilaration through horror as the speaker finds that confronting death directly robs it of its power. “It sets the Fright at liberty / And Terror’s free” implies that the fear of death is more paralyzing than death itself.

The Power of Acceptance: Symbolism and Imagery

The poem employs powerful symbolism and imagery to convey its message. The "Ghost" represents an unknown fear or trauma that needs to be grappled with. The act of "grappling" with it, rather than simply scanning it from a distance, suggests that active engagement is the key to overcoming fear. The image of "The Truth, is Bald, and Cold" speaks to the harsh reality of mortality but also suggests its simple, unadorned nature can ultimately “hold” or support you. The contrast between those who "show them prayer" and "we, who know, / Stop hoping, now" highlights the difference between relying on external comfort and finding inner strength through acceptance of reality. It begs the question: is Dickinson suggesting that confronting reality is more authentic than seeking solace in faith?

A Gay, Ghastly, Holiday: Summary

In conclusion, "‘Tis So Appalling It Exhilarates" is a complex and unsettling exploration of fear, mortality, and the surprising liberation that can be found in confronting them directly. Dickinson uses vivid imagery, paradoxical phrasing, and a shifting tone to convey the idea that embracing the most terrifying aspects of existence can be a source of empowerment. The "Gay, Ghastly, Holiday!" at the poem's end is not a celebration of death itself, but of the freedom that comes from releasing the fear of it, suggesting a profound shift in perspective that transforms terror into a strangely liberating experience. The poem challenges us to consider whether true strength lies not in avoiding fear, but in confronting it head-on.