Poem Analysis - Twas Crisis All The Length Had Passed

Introduction: A Moment of Existential Limbo

Emily Dickinson's "‘Twas Crisis All the Length Had Passed" plunges the reader into the heart of a life-or-death moment, a critical turning point between existence and the unknown. The poem explores the intense struggle between the body and spirit during such a crisis, creating a feeling of suspense and uncertainty. The tone is initially heavy and suspenseful, filled with the dread of the unknown, before shifting slightly towards a sense of release as the soul finally departs. Throughout the poem, there's a quiet observation of the drama unfolding, creating a sense of detachment and awe. This small poem focuses on the profound moment of transition between life and death, observed with Dickinson's characteristic sharp, insightful eye.

Historical Context: Dickinson and Death

While no explicit historical event directly inspires this poem, Emily Dickinson's fascination with death and dying is well-documented. Living in a time when mortality rates were higher and death was a more commonplace occurrence, Dickinson often grappled with the mysteries of the afterlife and the experience of death itself. Her reclusive lifestyle and introspective nature further fueled her contemplation of these themes, which found expression in much of her poetry, including this piece. This poem reflects a larger cultural preoccupation with death in the 19th century and Dickinson’s highly individual engagement with these themes.

Theme 1: The Struggle for Control

A primary theme is the battle for control between the physical body and the spirit. The poem highlights this conflict through vivid imagery. The lines, "The Muscles grappled as with leads / That would not let the Will," depicts the body as a heavy, resisting force. The muscles are not described as working or fighting for life, but more as restraining the person's will. In contrast, "The Spirit shook the Adamant / But could not make it feel," illustrates the soul's attempt to break free from its physical constraints, but this force is being resisted by some kind of stone, some unfeeling object. This represents the intense internal struggle that occurs when life hangs in the balance. Dickinson suggests that death is not simply a passive surrender, but an active struggle between the body holding on and the soul seeking release.

Theme 2: The Inevitability of Death

The poem presents death as an unavoidable event. Despite the intense struggle described in the third stanza, the final stanza reveals the soul's eventual escape: "And simultaneously, a Soul / Escaped the House unseen." The use of the word "simultaneously" suggests that the battle and the soul's escape are linked, implying that the struggle itself is a necessary part of the dying process. The image of the soul escaping "unseen" adds to the sense of inevitability, suggesting that death is a quiet, almost unnoticed event that occurs regardless of the efforts to prevent it. The crisis, the debate, and the escape – all occur seemingly together, representing the immediacy of transition.

Theme 3: The Mystery of the Afterlife

The poem also touches upon the mystery of what lies beyond death. The phrase "warrant to report the Soul / The other side the Grave" suggests that the dying moment presents an opportunity to gain insight into the afterlife. This suggests the gravity of the moment of the crisis. However, the poem offers no concrete details about what this "other side" might be like, leaving the reader to ponder the unknown. The emphasis is not on describing the afterlife but on the moment of transition. This ambiguity reinforces the sense of mystery and encourages the reader to contemplate the nature of existence beyond the physical world. It is an open question left dangling after the end of the poem.

Symbolism: The "House" and its Escapee

The "House" in the final stanza is a potent symbol that likely represents the physical body. The soul's escape from the house suggests the departure of consciousness and spirit from the mortal form. This imagery is not unusual in Dickinson's works. The "House" implies that the body is merely a temporary dwelling for the soul, which ultimately transcends its physical limitations. This interpretation aligns with the poem's exploration of the conflict between the body and spirit and reinforces the idea that death is a release from physical constraints, from being grounded in the physical form.

Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Liminal

“‘Twas Crisis All the Length Had Passed” offers a brief but powerful glimpse into the liminal space between life and death. Through vivid imagery and a focus on the struggle between body and spirit, Dickinson explores the profound experience of dying. The poem doesn't offer answers about the afterlife, but instead emphasizes the mystery and inevitability of death. Ultimately, the poem invites readers to contemplate their own mortality and the nature of existence beyond the physical realm. The poem is a small, poignant exploration of a moment, a crisis, that is universally experienced, making it both personal and profound.