Poem Analysis - We Don T Cry Tim And I

Emily Dickinson's "We don't cry Tim and I" is a poignant exploration of friendship, mortality, and the struggle to maintain composure in the face of overwhelming emotions. The poem, seemingly simple on the surface, delves into the complexities of shared experience and the fear of vulnerability. Its tone oscillates between stoicism and a desperate plea for comfort, revealing a hidden fragility beneath the facade of grandness. The poem slowly unravels to reveal the vulnerability behind the grand front. The ending showcases the pair's desire for a synchronized end.

A Bond Forged in Shared Experience

One of the central themes of the poem is the intense bond between the speaker and Tim. Their relationship is presented as a refuge from the world, a place where they can attempt to control their emotions. The opening lines, "We don’t cry Tim and I, / We are far too grand," establish a deliberate attempt to project strength. However, the subsequent lines, "But we bolt the door tight / To prevent a friend," suggest that this grandness is a defense mechanism against outside interference and potential exposure of their vulnerability. The phrase "Tim and I" is repeated throughout the poem, reinforcing their shared identity and the importance of their connection in navigating difficult emotions and the prospect of death.

The Mask of Grandness and Fear of Vulnerability

The theme of emotional repression and the fear of vulnerability is prominent. The speaker and Tim strive to maintain a facade of stoicism, but the poem betrays their struggle. The lines, "Then we hide our brave face / Deep in our hand," reveal the effort required to suppress their emotions. They hide not only from the world but also from themselves, burying their faces to avoid confronting their feelings. The repetition of "Not to cry Tim and I / We are far too grand" highlights the pressure they feel to uphold this image of emotional control, even though their actions suggest otherwise. The poem shows that true grandness lies in acknowledging and accepting one's emotions, rather than suppressing them.

Facing Mortality Together

The poem directly addresses the theme of mortality and the fear of death. The stanza beginning "We must die by and by / Clergymen say" introduces the inevitable reality of death. The speaker and Tim grapple with this prospect, seeking solace in each other's presence. Their concern is not just about dying but about dying alone, as emphasized by their plea, "Take us simultaneous Lord / I Tim and Me!" They desire a shared fate, a simultaneous death, suggesting a deep-seated fear of being left behind. Their naivete comes through as they suggest the notion of "arranging" it with God. This fear underscores the depth of their bond and the importance of their companionship in facing life's greatest uncertainty. The shared prayer and hymn reading is a shared comfort to alleviate the fear.

Symbolism of Sight and Blindness

The poem employs the symbolism of sight and blindness to represent knowledge and ignorance, awareness and denial. The lines, "We just shut our brown eye / To see to the end," suggest a deliberate choice to ignore the unpleasant realities of life and death. Shutting their eyes is a form of escapism, a way to avoid confronting their fears. However, the phrase "To see to the end" also implies that they are, in a sense, preparing themselves for the inevitable, even if they do so by looking away. The poem's mention of Tim seeing "cottages" from afar suggests a longing for comfort and happiness, but the fact that they are "so high!" implies that these things are unattainable. This could symbolize unattainable peace in death. The phrase "Always lost the way!" also alludes to the idea that they are struggling to find clarity and direction in life, particularly when facing the prospect of death.

Final Thoughts: Friendship in the Face of Inevitable End

In conclusion, "We don’t cry Tim and I" is a powerful exploration of friendship, emotional repression, and the fear of mortality. Through vivid imagery, recurring symbols, and a tone that oscillates between stoicism and vulnerability, Dickinson creates a portrait of two individuals grappling with life's most profound challenges. The poem’s significance lies in its honest portrayal of the human struggle to maintain composure in the face of overwhelming emotions and the comforting presence of friendship. Ultimately, the poem is a testament to the power of companionship in navigating the uncertainties and anxieties of life and death, revealing that true strength lies not in suppressing emotions but in sharing them with a trusted friend.