Wait Till the Majesty of Death
poem 171
Wait Till the Majesty of Death - meaning Summary
Death's Unexpected Dignity
The poem argues that ordinary people’s current lowliness will be transformed by death into unnoticed majesty. Dickinson contrasts worldly ranks with the future dignity granted in the afterlife, where even a humble person becomes attended by angels and clothed in royal robes. The speaker condemns pride in social station, suggesting true honor is conferred by divine acceptance and that earthly hierarchies are overturned when mortality reveals equal worth.
Read Complete AnalysesWait till the Majesty of Death Invests so mean a brow! Almost a powdered Footman Might dare to touch it now! Wait till in Everlasting Robes That Democrat is dressed, Then prate about Preferment And Station, and the rest! Around this quiet Courtier Obsequious Angels wait! Full royal is his Retinue! Full purple is his state! A Lord, might dare to lift the Hat To such a Modest Clay Since that My Lord, the Lord of Lords Receives unblushingly!
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