Poem Analysis - Witchcraft Has Not A Pedigree

A Constant Companion: Introduction

Emily Dickinson's "Witchcraft Has Not A Pedigree" is a brief but potent exploration of a force that permeates human existence. The poem, though short, evokes a sense of inevitability and pervasiveness, suggesting that this "witchcraft" is not a rare or inherited trait but a fundamental aspect of life itself. The tone is somber and reflective, carrying a hint of acceptance, rather than fear, towards this mysterious force. The poem’s simplicity in language belies its profound and unsettling message about life and death.

Beyond Superstition: Witchcraft as an Ever-Present Force

Dickinson's use of the term "witchcraft" should not be taken literally as a reference to sorcery or magic. Rather, she employs it as a metaphor for an intangible, yet powerful, element present from birth to death. The phrase "Witchcraft has not a pedigree" immediately rejects any notion of it being exclusive or inherited. Instead, it is "early as our breath," signifying its presence from the very beginning of life. This establishes "witchcraft" not as something external, but as intrinsically linked to human existence, something we are born into and cannot escape.

The Inevitability of Mortality: Themes of Life and Death

The poem deeply engages with themes of mortality and the cyclical nature of life. The lines "And mourners meet it going out / The moment of our death" suggest that this "witchcraft" accompanies the dying, perhaps representing the mystery, the pain, or the transition into the unknown. "Mourners meet it" could also imply that witnessing death brings us face to face with this powerful, perhaps frightening, force. Thus, "witchcraft" is intimately tied to both the beginning and the end of our earthly journey, framing life as a process bookended by the presence of this enigmatic entity.

A Symbol of the Unknown: Interpreting Witchcraft's Meaning

The central symbol of the poem, "witchcraft," remains deliberately ambiguous, lending itself to various interpretations. It could symbolize the inherent suffering and unpredictability of life. Or it could represent the fear of the unknown, the anxiety that accompanies the awareness of our own mortality. Perhaps it even signifies the collective human experience of grappling with existential questions. The open-ended nature of the symbol encourages the reader to contemplate their own relationship with these fundamental aspects of existence. Is it a malevolent force, or simply a natural part of the life cycle?

Universal Truths: Conclusion

In conclusion, "Witchcraft Has Not A Pedigree" is a powerful meditation on the pervasive and inescapable nature of life’s darker elements. Dickinson masterfully uses the evocative image of "witchcraft" to represent a force that is intertwined with our very being, from our first breath to our last. The poem’s strength lies in its simplicity and ambiguity, allowing readers to project their own fears, anxieties, and understandings of mortality onto this central symbol. Ultimately, Dickinson reminds us that confronting the mysterious aspects of existence is an integral part of being human.