Poem Analysis - We Pray To Heaven

Introduction: Questioning the Familiar

Emily Dickinson’s "We Pray To Heaven" is a concise and thought-provoking exploration of humanity's relationship with the afterlife. The poem questions conventional understanding of heaven, moving from rote prayer and social ritual to a more profound and individual consideration of death and existence. The tone initially carries a sense of societal obligation and observation, shifting towards introspective curiosity and philosophical doubt as the poem progresses. It lacks definitive answers, fostering a sense of ambiguity and open-ended inquiry.

Theme: The Fluidity of Belief

One of the poem's main themes is the questioning of established religious beliefs. Dickinson begins by highlighting the performative aspect of faith – the "pray" and "prate" of heaven, the relating of death as a social event rather than a deeply personal experience. This immediately sets up a contrast between the outward expressions of faith and the inner uncertainties surrounding it. The lines "Is Heaven a Place a Sky a Tree?" directly challenge literal interpretations of the afterlife, moving towards a more abstract and individualized understanding. This theme resonates throughout the poem, questioning the concrete descriptions of heaven and instead hinting at something intangible and beyond earthly comprehension.

Theme: Redefining Location

Another significant theme is the redefinition of "location" and the limits of human understanding in relation to death. The phrase "Location's narrow way is for Ourselves" implies that our need to define and categorize places is a limitation of the living. When it comes to the dead, Dickinson suggests, "There's no Geography." This indicates that the concepts of space and location are irrelevant in the realm of the afterlife. The question "Where—Omnipresence fly?" furthers this theme, implying that if heaven is everywhere (omnipresent), then the search for its specific location is futile. This expands on the idea of heaven as not a place, but a state of being.

Theme: Individual Experience Over Societal Norm

The poem subtly promotes the idea of individual experience over societal norms, particularly in relation to grief and belief. The initial lines describe a detached, almost clinical observation of death, as the speaker documents the time and circumstances. However, this detached observation gives way to a more personal inquiry. The questions about heaven's nature and location suggest a deeper, more intimate struggle with understanding mortality. The poem subtly champions the individual's right to question and reinterpret these concepts, moving away from the prescribed rituals and accepted doctrines of the time. The poem elevates inner questioning to a more valid form of religious engagement than rote prayer.

Symbolism: The Elusive Nature of Heaven

The image of "Heaven" itself functions as a central symbol throughout the poem. It represents not only the literal afterlife but also the human desire to understand and define the unknown. The various descriptions offered – "Place a Sky a Tree" – are intentionally simplistic and ultimately unsatisfying. This highlights the elusive and intangible nature of heaven, suggesting that any concrete definition will inevitably fall short. The poem implies that heaven may be more of a state of mind or being than a literal physical location. The speaker's probing questions about heaven's existence and qualities serve as a metaphor for humanity's constant search for meaning and purpose in the face of mortality.

Conclusion: Embracing Uncertainty

In conclusion, "We Pray To Heaven" is a powerful exploration of faith, doubt, and the human condition. By questioning conventional understanding of the afterlife, Dickinson encourages readers to embrace the uncertainties surrounding death and to engage in a more personal and meaningful contemplation of existence. The poem's significance lies in its ability to articulate the human struggle with faith, and its suggestion that true understanding may lie not in definitive answers but in the ongoing process of questioning and reinterpreting our beliefs.