Poem Analysis - Truth Is As Old As God

The Timeless Bond Between Truth and Divinity

Emily Dickinson's "Truth is As Old As God" is a concise exploration of the intertwined existence of truth and divinity. The poem presents truth not as a mere concept, but as an intrinsic and inseparable aspect of God, co-existing with Him from the beginning of time. The tone is initially assertive and confident, declaring their shared eternity. However, this assurance subtly shifts towards a more contemplative and even ominous mood as the poem progresses, hinting at the potential demise of both truth and God.

Dickinson's Theological Musings

While Dickinson’s personal religious beliefs remain a subject of scholarly debate, her poetry frequently engages with theological questions and challenges conventional religious thought. Born in the nineteenth century, a period marked by both fervent religious conviction and growing scientific inquiry, Dickinson's work often reflects the tension between faith and reason. "Truth is As Old As God" can be seen as part of this broader exploration, questioning the very foundations of belief and the fate of truth in a world that might eventually abandon its deity.

Themes of Eternity, Dependence, and Mortality

The poem revolves around the themes of eternity, dependence, and mortality. Dickinson posits that truth and God are "Co-Eternity," emphasizing their shared existence that stretches back infinitely into the past. However, the poem also highlights the dependence of truth on God. The image of truth perishing when God is "borne away" suggests that truth is not an independent entity, but rather intimately linked to the existence of the divine. This dependence introduces the unsettling theme of mortality, raising the question of whether truth can survive without its divine anchor. The abrupt ending underscores the precariousness of both truth and God, leaving the reader with a sense of unease.

Symbolism of God and His Universe

God, in this poem, functions as a symbol of absolute authority, ultimate reality, and perhaps, the source of all meaning. He's not merely a creator, but the very foundation upon which truth rests. The "Mansion of the Universe" symbolizes the totality of existence, the realm governed by God. The image of God being "borne away" from this mansion suggests a catastrophic event, a cosmic abandonment that leaves the universe devoid of its divine presence. The phrase "lifeless Deity" is especially striking, contrasting the vibrant, eternal God of the opening lines with a desolate, powerless figure, implying the potential for even the divine to be extinguished. Is Dickinson suggesting the universe and Truth can only be validated with God, or is she just saying if God ceased to exist, the idea of Truth would not matter?

A Somber Reflection on Existence

"Truth is As Old As God" is a profound meditation on the nature of truth and its relationship to the divine. It begins with an assertion of their shared eternity but concludes with a chilling possibility of their shared demise. Dickinson uses vivid imagery and stark language to explore themes of dependence and mortality, ultimately questioning the fate of truth in a world where the divine might be absent. The poem’s lasting impact lies in its ability to unsettle the reader, forcing them to contemplate the fragility of both truth and the foundations upon which it rests.