Poem Analysis - To Flee From Memory

An Introduction to Escaping the Self

Emily Dickinson's "To Flee From Memory" is a short, potent exploration of the human desire to escape the burden of memory. The poem envisions a world where physical flight could offer respite from mental anguish. Initially, the tone is speculative and almost fantastical, imagining the widespread adoption of such a means of escape. However, a darker, more anxious undercurrent surfaces as the poem progresses, revealing the potentially desperate nature of this yearning and the profound alienation it represents.

The Weight of Remembrance: Memory as a Burden

The central theme of the poem is the oppressive power of memory. Dickinson portrays memory not as a source of comfort or identity, but as something to be fleed from. The opening lines, "To flee from memory/ Had we the Wings," immediately establish this desire for escape. The conditional "Had we the Wings" suggests the impossibility of truly escaping the mind, highlighting the inescapable nature of one's own thoughts and experiences. This theme speaks to the human tendency to dwell on painful or unwanted memories, showcasing the internal struggles that define the human experience.

From Wonder to Warning: The Shifting Perspective

The poem uses imagery of flight and birds to explore the theme of escape. Initially, the image of people with wings evokes a sense of wonder. However, this quickly transforms into a more unsettling image. The "Birds with surprise" observing the "cowering Van/ Of men escaping" creates a stark contrast. The birds, symbols of freedom and naturalness, are surprised by the unnatural spectacle of humans desperately fleeing their own minds. This shift in perspective underscores the idea that such a desperate act of escape is not natural or liberating, but rather indicative of a profound suffering. The "cowering Van" suggests a hidden, shameful act, further emphasizing the negative connotations of fleeing one's memory.

Symbolism and the "Mind of Man"

The phrase "mind of man" is a powerful symbol. It is not merely the memory itself, but the entire complex of thoughts, emotions, and experiences that constitute a person's internal world from which the poem’s subjects are trying to run. The act of escaping from the "mind of man" suggests a deep alienation from oneself, a rejection of one's own identity and history. The use of "man" in general terms could be interpreted as a universal human condition, suggesting that this desire for escape is a common, albeit often hidden, impulse.

A Final Thought: The Paradox of Self-Escape

"To Flee From Memory" ultimately explores the paradox of trying to escape oneself. While the poem acknowledges the allure of escaping painful memories, it also suggests the impossibility and potential futility of such an endeavor. The act of fleeing the "mind of man" implies a disconnection from one's own humanity, a severing of the self from its very essence. The poem leaves the reader contemplating the nature of memory, its power over us, and the difficult truth that we cannot truly outrun our own minds. Is it possible to grow and change if one chooses to forget or erase elements of the past?