Poem Analysis - To Be Alive Is Power

Introduction: A Celebration of Being

Emily Dickinson's "To Be Alive is Power" is a concise yet potent affirmation of life's inherent strength and potential. The poem, brief as it is, brims with confidence and a sense of awe at the simple fact of existence. It moves from a declarative statement of power to an exploration of will and self-creation, ending with a surprising acceptance of the limitations that define us. The overall tone is one of empowerment, bordering on reverence, though the final stanza introduces a hint of reflective understanding.

The Power of Existence: A Foundational Theme

The primary theme of the poem is the inherent power of existence itself. The opening lines, "To be alive is Power / Existence in itself," establish this central idea immediately. Dickinson doesn't qualify this power or suggest that it requires any external validation. Instead, she declares that merely existing, without any further purpose or function, is "Omnipotence Enough." This suggests a profound respect for the very act of being, viewing it as a form of self-sufficient strength. The poem refrains from exploring the difficulties of life, focusing instead on the fundamental miracle of it.

Will and Self-Creation: Divine Potential

The second theme revolves around the power of will and self-creation. The lines "To be alive and Will! / 'Tis able as a God" elevate the act of conscious decision-making to a divine level. Dickinson suggests that the ability to exert one's will is akin to possessing godlike power. The phrase "The Maker of Ourselves" reinforces this idea, implying that we have the capacity to shape our own identities and destinies. This theme emphasizes individual agency and the potential for self-determination inherent in being alive.

Embracing Finitude: The Paradox of Power

A nuanced theme emerges in the final line, suggesting an acceptance of finitude as a defining characteristic of being. The phrase "Such being Finitude!" initially appears as a contradiction. However, it can be interpreted as an understanding that the very limitations of our existence are what define us. It is our finite nature that gives our choices meaning and urgency. The poem acknowledges that even with the power of will and self-creation, we are ultimately bound by our mortal condition. Perhaps it is in acknowledging these boundaries that we truly understand the immense power we do possess within them.

Symbolism: God and Omnipotence

The poem uses God as a recurring symbol to represent the highest form of power and agency. By comparing the power of will to that of a "God," Dickinson elevates human potential to almost divine status. The word "Omnipotence" further enhances this symbolism, implying that existence itself is a source of limitless power. However, the comparison is not necessarily a claim of literal divinity but rather a rhetorical device to emphasize the immense potential within each individual. The use of capitalized nouns such as "Power" and "Omnipotence" give them weight and underscore their significance.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Potential Within Boundaries

"To Be Alive is Power" is a brief but impactful poem that celebrates the inherent strength and potential within existence itself. Dickinson moves from declaring the power of mere being to exploring the divine potential of will and self-creation. The poem ultimately acknowledges the limitations of finitude, suggesting that it is precisely within these boundaries that our power finds its true meaning. The poem's significance lies in its concise affirmation of life's inherent value and the remarkable potential for self-determination that resides within each individual, even in the face of mortality.