Poem Analysis - The Past

Initial Impression and Tone

The Past by Ralph Waldo Emerson presents a contemplative and somewhat somber reflection on the finality of the past. The poem's tone is resolute and introspective, with a sense of closure and acceptance. There is a shift in mood from the initial acceptance of death to a firm conviction that the past is immutable and secure. The language is formal and deliberate, emphasizing the irrevocable nature of what has already occurred.

Themes of Mortality and Finality

The poem explores the theme of mortality through the imagery of death and the past. The opening lines The debt is paid, The verdict said, The Furies laid, The plague is stayed, All fortunes made, suggest a resolution of life's struggles and the inevitability of death. The phrase Sweet is death forevermore reinforces the idea that death brings an end to all earthly troubles. The past is depicted as a secure and unchangeable entity, symbolized by the adamantine door bolted down forevermore. This imagery underscores the theme of finality, emphasizing that once something is done, it cannot be undone.

Themes of Security and Immutability

The theme of security is evident in the repeated use of words like secure, fast, and forevermore. The past is described as a place that is locked away, impervious to any external forces. The lines Not the gods can shake the Past and None can reenter there, No thief so politic, No Satan with a royal trick emphasize the immutability of the past. The past is portrayed as a fortress, unassailable and unchangeable, highlighting the idea that what has happened cannot be altered. This theme is further reinforced by the use of the word adamantine, which refers to an extremely hard and unbreakable substance, symbolizing the unyielding nature of the past.

Symbolism of the Door and the Past

The door serves as a powerful symbol in the poem, representing the boundary between the past and the present. The adamantine door bolted down forevermore signifies the finality and security of the past. The door is described as impervious to any attempts to reenter or alter what has already occurred. This symbolism underscores the poem's central message that the past is immutable and beyond human control. The door also symbolizes the closure and acceptance of death, suggesting that once the door is bolted, there is no turning back. The imagery of the door contributes to the overall mood of the poem, evoking a sense of finality and resolution.

Conclusion

The Past by Ralph Waldo Emerson is a poignant reflection on the themes of mortality, finality, and the immutability of the past. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, Emerson conveys the idea that the past is a secure and unchangeable entity, beyond the reach of human intervention. The poem's resolute tone and introspective mood underscore the acceptance of death and the finality of what has already occurred. The symbolism of the door and the past serves to reinforce the poem's central message, offering a profound insight into the nature of time and the human condition.