Poem Analysis - Uncertain Lease Develops Lustre

Introduction: Transience and Value

Emily Dickinson's "Uncertain Lease develops Lustre" is a concise meditation on the relationship between time, value, and mortality. The poem explores how the fleeting nature of life can paradoxically enhance our appreciation for it. Its tone is contemplative and somewhat philosophical, shifting from an initial observation about time to a broader reflection on the human condition and the dynamics of inheritance. The poem's brevity underscores its profound message about the preciousness of what we hold, especially when its possession is temporary.

Ephemeral Existence, Enhanced Appreciation

The poem's central theme revolves around the idea that transience amplifies value. The opening lines, "Uncertain lease develops lustre / On Time," suggest that the temporary nature of our existence ("Uncertain lease") is what gives it its brilliance ("lustre"). The word "lease" implies a borrowed or rented existence, emphasizing the lack of permanent ownership. This fleeting existence is further highlighted with "Uncertain Grasp," indicating that whatever we have is not secured. The fact that there is an "appreciation of Sum" indicates that we learn the total value of life, or whatever we are given, because of its transient nature.

Mortality and Inheritance: The Paradox of Value

Another key theme is the paradoxical relationship between mortality and value, especially within the context of inheritance. The line "The shorter Fate is oftener the chiefest" posits that what is destined to be brief is often considered the most important. This idea is then connected to the concept of inheritance: "Inheritors upon a tenure / Prize." Dickinson argues that those who inherit something with a limited lifespan ("tenure") will value it more highly. This notion suggests that the awareness of impending loss or limitation sharpens our appreciation. The idea of someone inheriting something suggests that they do not own or earn it themselves, but are given it without needing to work for it.

Symbols of Time, Light, and Possession

Several symbols enhance the poem's message. "Time" itself operates as a symbol of both opportunity and limitation. "Lustre" likely represents the beauty and significance we find in life, which is heightened by the awareness of its transience. The term "Uncertain Lease" serves as a strong image, suggesting a borrowed or rented existence. The inherent uncertainty implied is of the impermanence of our existence. This impermanence, or the "Uncertain Lease" of life, is not something that should be feared, but something that can lead to "lustre", which can be interpreted as joy, hope, or simply appreciation.

Conclusion: Embracing Impermanence

In conclusion, "Uncertain Lease develops Lustre" is a powerful meditation on the human condition. It suggests that our awareness of mortality and the fleeting nature of life is not a cause for despair but a catalyst for appreciation. By highlighting the paradox that transience enhances value, Dickinson encourages us to embrace the impermanence of our existence and to fully appreciate the "lustre" that it brings. The poem's significance lies in its ability to transform our perspective on time and loss, prompting us to cherish the present moment and the gifts we have been given.