Poem Analysis - What If I Say I Shall Not Wait

A Defiant Yearning for Release

Emily Dickinson's "What If I Say I Shall Not Wait!" is a powerful exploration of mortality and the desire for liberation. The poem possesses a defiant tone, fueled by a longing for escape from earthly constraints. It navigates through images of pain, imprisonment, and ultimately, indifference towards worldly concerns, suggesting a soul ready to transcend physical existence. The mood shifts from questioning to assertive, culminating in a sense of detached freedom.

Breaking Free from Mortal Bonds

One of the central themes is the yearning for release from the limitations of the body and the earthly realm. Dickinson uses potent imagery to convey this desire. The "fleshly Gate" symbolizes the physical body as a barrier. The lines "What if I file this Mortal off/See where it hurt me That’s enough/And wade in Liberty!" suggests a painful but necessary detachment from the physical self, implying that earthly life is a source of suffering. The act of "filing this Mortal off" is a visceral image of breaking free and embracing "Liberty," portraying death not as an end, but as a gateway to freedom.

The Power of Indifference

Another crucial theme is the growing indifference to worldly matters. As the speaker contemplates her impending release, the concerns of earthly life begin to fade into insignificance. The lines "They cannot take me any more!/Dungeons can call and Guns implore/Unmeaning now to me" reveal a rejection of earthly power and control. The speaker has transcended the reach of earthly threats. This indifference extends to everyday life, as highlighted in the lines "As laughter was an hour ago/Or Laces or a Travelling Show/Or who died yesterday!" These mundane details are now devoid of meaning, underscoring the speaker's detachment and preparation for a higher state of being.

Symbols of Confinement and Liberation

The poem employs several recurring symbols, most notably the "fleshly Gate" and "Dungeons." The "fleshly Gate" represents the physical body, which confines the soul and prevents it from reaching its desired destination. "Dungeons" symbolize earthly restrictions, suffering, and control imposed by the world. In contrast, "Liberty" stands for spiritual freedom and the liberation achieved through death. The poem's imagery paints a picture of breaking away from earthly constraints and moving towards a realm of unbounded freedom. Could the "thee" mentioned in the poem be interpreted not just as a divine figure, but also as an embodiment of freedom itself?

A Transcendental Departure

In conclusion, "What If I Say I Shall Not Wait!" is a powerful poem about the soul's desire for liberation from earthly suffering. Through vivid imagery and a defiant tone, Dickinson explores themes of mortality, freedom, and indifference. The poem suggests that death is not an end, but a transcendence—a release from the limitations of the physical body and earthly concerns, leading to a state of ultimate liberty. The poem ultimately showcases the speaker's readiness to embrace the unknown and embark on a journey towards spiritual fulfillment.