Poem Analysis - You Ll Find It When You Try To Die

Introduction: A Dance with Mortality

Emily Dickinson's "You'll Find It When You Try To Die" is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the perspective gained when facing mortality. The poem's tone is initially somber, almost instructional, but it gradually shifts towards a more reflective and even hopeful consideration of enduring affection. Dickinson uses the imagined moment of death as a lens through which to examine the enduring power of past relationships compared to more recent ones, ultimately suggesting a deeper, more authentic connection with memories than with present-day substitutes. The poem delicately treads the line between grief and acceptance, inviting the reader to contemplate the true weight of love and memory.

The Enduring Power of Lost Love

One of the central themes of the poem is the unfading nature of past love. Dickinson argues that it is "when you try to die" that you truly understand the depth of your affection for those who are gone. The lines "The former love distincter grows / And supersedes the fresh" clearly indicate that as death approaches, older, perhaps lost, loves become clearer and more powerful, overshadowing newer relationships. This suggests that time and distance, even death itself, cannot diminish the impact of these fundamental connections. The poem suggests that true love endures, solidifying its place in our hearts and minds in a way that more recent affections cannot.

Mortality as a Catalyst for Clarity

The poem uses the theme of mortality not as an ending, but as a crucial point of illumination. Dying, as presented in the poem, is not a fearful event but rather a moment of profound clarity. It's a moment when the distractions of the present fade, and what truly matters rises to the surface. The act of "trying to die" forces a reckoning with the past, allowing for a reevaluation of what truly holds value. It's in this confrontation with mortality that the speaker recognizes the enduring strength of "the former love," suggesting that death strips away superficialities and reveals the authentic depths of the human heart.

The Illusion of Replacements

Another significant theme revolves around the futility of trying to replace lost loved ones. The poem uses the image of "Marble names / With Moss" to represent the deceased, suggesting a permanent, yet somewhat neglected, presence. While "their places somewhat filled," those replacements never attain the same fullness or significance. "You chose the newer names," but they never fully erase the memory of the old. The "Toys / We bought to ease their place" are symbolic of the superficial attempts to fill the void left by the departed, emphasizing that material possessions and new relationships can offer temporary solace but ultimately fall short of replicating the deep connection of a cherished lost love. This underlines the irreplaceability of genuine affection.

Imagery of Fade and Brilliance

Dickinson uses compelling imagery to illustrate the poem's themes. The fading of the world as "this World sets further back" creates a sense of detachment and perspective, enabling the clarity of the "former love." The contrasting image of "tawdry Grace" applied to the present suggests a garish and superficial quality compared to the simple, profound beauty of the remembered past. The image of marble names slowly overtaken by moss paints a picture of history and memory, a permanent memorial slowly aging but still present. The overall effect is to highlight the lasting power of genuine affection in contrast to the transient nature of the material world and superficial relationships.

Conclusion: Enduring Legacy of Love

In conclusion, "You'll Find It When You Try To Die" is a deeply moving meditation on the enduring power of love and the perspective gained through contemplating mortality. Dickinson suggests that the true measure of our affection for others becomes clear only when faced with death. The poem emphasizes the irreplaceability of genuine connection and the futility of seeking solace in superficial substitutes. Ultimately, Dickinson's poem offers a profound insight: love, especially the love that has weathered the test of time and loss, transcends even death, leaving an indelible mark on the soul.