Poem Analysis - To Die Takes Just A Little While

Introduction: A Gentle Approach to Mortality

Emily Dickinson's "To Die takes Just A Little While" presents a surprisingly gentle and almost detached perspective on death. The poem begins with an attempt to diminish the fear of dying, suggesting it's a gradual and painless process. However, a subtle shift occurs as the poem explores the impact of death on the living, revealing a deeper contemplation on loss, memory, and the human need to forget. The overall tone balances between acceptance and a quiet acknowledgment of grief.

Theme: Easing the Fear of Death

One primary theme is the attempt to ease the fear of death. The opening lines directly address this, claiming "To die takes just a little while / They say it doesn’t hurt." The simplicity and certainty of these statements aim to comfort and perhaps even normalize the experience of dying. This idea is reinforced by the image of death being "only fainter by degrees," suggesting a slow fading rather than a sudden, traumatic event. The finality of death is softened with the phrasing, "And then it's out of sight," making death seem like a disappearance rather than a harsh ending.

Theme: The Process of Grieving

Another significant theme is the process of grieving and the human tendency to forget. The second stanza introduces the outward signs of mourning: "A darker Ribbon for a Day / A Crape upon the Hat." These are fleeting, symbolic gestures of sorrow. The subsequent lines, "And then the pretty sunshine comes / And helps us to forget," highlight the transient nature of grief. The use of "pretty sunshine" is a stark contrast to the darker imagery of mourning, suggesting a natural inclination to move on from sorrow and embrace happier moments, possibly in an attempt to cope with loss. This isn't necessarily presented as a negative aspect, but rather as an inherent part of the human experience.

Theme: Love and Remembrance

The third theme revolves around love and the impact of absence. The deceased is described as "The absent mystic creature," a phrase that emphasizes both their otherworldliness and the mystery surrounding their absence. The lines, "That but for love of us / Had gone to sleep that soundest time / Without the weariness," suggest that the deceased person's connection to the living held them back from death, or perhaps added difficulty to their passing. It's a complex statement that highlights the enduring power of love and its effect on the individual's journey towards death. The poem suggests that love, though comforting, can make the process of death more complicated for both the dying and the bereaved.

Symbolism: Light and Dark

The poem employs contrasting symbols of light and dark. The "darker Ribbon" and "Crape upon the Hat" represent mourning and the somber atmosphere surrounding death. In opposition, the "pretty sunshine" symbolizes hope, healing, and the ability to move forward. This juxtaposition emphasizes the cyclical nature of grief, with periods of intense sadness eventually giving way to moments of joy and acceptance. The poem suggests that while darkness (sorrow) is inevitable after death, light (forgetfulness, perhaps healing) will inevitably return.

A Final Reflection

In conclusion, "To Die takes Just A Little While" offers a nuanced exploration of death, grief, and the human capacity to heal. While the poem initially attempts to minimize the fear of dying, it ultimately acknowledges the profound impact of loss on the living. The themes of easing fear, grieving, and love are woven together through vivid imagery and contrasting symbols. The poem reminds us that while death is a part of life, the love and memories we share with others endure, even as time and sunshine help us to forget some of the pain.