Poem Analysis - To Put This World Down Like A Bundle

Introduction: A Burden and a Path

Emily Dickinson's "To Put This World Down, Like A Bundle" is a poem about detachment and the profound difficulty of renouncing worldly attachments. The tone is initially somber, acknowledging the energy and potential agony required for such a task. It then shifts towards a reverent, almost mystical contemplation of sacrifice and the path blazed by Christ and his followers. The poem ultimately delves into the complexities of faith and the enduring legacy of Christ's crucifixion.

The Labor of Renunciation: Weighty Detachment

The central theme of the poem is renunciation of the world, presented as a weighty burden one must consciously set down. Dickinson uses the image of "a Bundle" to represent the accumulated cares and attachments that bind us to earthly existence. The act of "walking steady, away" signifies the deliberate and unwavering resolve required to sever these ties. The phrase "'Tis the Scarlet way" suggests a path marked by suffering and sacrifice, highlighting the arduous nature of spiritual detachment.

Faith and Sacrifice: The Enduring Legacy

Another prominent theme is faith and sacrifice, embodied in the figure of Christ. The poem draws a direct connection between the speaker's desire for renunciation and the sacrifice of "the Son of God." The phrase "Scarlet way" is likely a reference to the blood shed during the crucifixion, emphasizing the painful but ultimately transformative nature of this sacrifice. The mention of "his faint Confederates" suggests that others have followed in his footsteps, justifying the path of renunciation through their own acts of faith.

Imagery of Crucifixion and Renewal: A Paradoxical Bloom

Dickinson employs vivid and complex imagery to explore the paradoxical relationship between suffering and renewal. The "Flavors of that old Crucifixion" and "Filaments of Bloom" juxtapose the pain of Christ's sacrifice with the possibility of spiritual growth and rebirth. The inclusion of Pontius Pilate and Barabbas is particularly striking. "Pontius Pilate sowed" what is understood, historically and spiritually, as evil, however "Strong Clusters from Barabbas’ Tomb" suggest that even from the darkest of places, represented by Barabbas (who was spared Jesus's fate), something fruitful can emerge. This imagery challenges the reader to consider how death and suffering can paradoxically give rise to life and hope.

The Cup of Acceptance: Communion and Endorsement

The final stanza introduces the symbol of the cup, likely representing the communion cup and, more broadly, the acceptance of Christ's sacrifice. "Sacrament, Saints partook before us" connects the speaker to a long tradition of faith and devotion. The line "Patent, every drop" suggests that the meaning and significance of the sacrament are evident to all. However, the "Brand of the Gentile Drinker/Who indorsed the Cup" introduces a note of ambiguity. Is this endorsement genuine, or is it a reluctant acknowledgement of the power and significance of Christ's sacrifice? This ambiguity adds a layer of complexity to the poem, suggesting that even faith can be tinged with doubt and uncertainty.

Conclusion: A Complex Legacy of Faith

"To Put This World Down, Like A Bundle" is a powerful meditation on the difficulty and rewards of renouncing worldly attachments. Through vivid imagery and a somber tone, Dickinson explores the themes of renunciation, sacrifice, and faith. The poem’s complexities and ambiguities around acceptance of the symbolic cup point toward the enduring and multi-faceted legacy of Christ's sacrifice, asking us to consider the personal cost and ultimate meaning of following such a path.