Poem Analysis - Teach Me I Am Forgotten By The Dead

Initial Impression and Tone

Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Teach Me I Am Forgotten By The Dead" presents a reflective and introspective tone, with a speaker who seems to be grappling with a sense of insignificance and a desire for moral rectitude. The poem begins with a sense of resignation and moves towards a determination to live a life free from ambition and harm. The speaker's mood shifts from a sense of being forgotten and insignificant to a resolve to live simply and ethically. The poem's form, with its straightforward language and lack of complex meter or rhyme, supports the direct and honest expression of these themes.

Themes of Mortality and Isolation

The poem explores the theme of mortality through the speaker's acknowledgment of being forgotten by the dead. The dead, in turn, are also forgotten, suggesting a cycle of oblivion that underscores the transient nature of life. This theme is reinforced by the speaker's desire to bury their ambition, symbolizing a rejection of worldly pursuits in the face of inevitable death. The theme of isolation is evident in the speaker's sense of being forgotten and their resolve to live independently of external influences. The speaker's determination to avoid harming others and to live within their means further emphasizes this isolation, as they seek to detach from societal norms and ambitions.

Ambition and Moral Rectitude

The theme of ambition is central to the poem, as the speaker expresses a desire to bury their ambition and live a life free from its corrupting influence. The speaker's resolve to avoid murder, theft, fornication, and ambition-driven actions suggests a strong moral compass. The speaker's rejection of ambition is tied to their desire for moral rectitude, as they seek to live a life that is simple, ethical, and free from harm to others. This theme is reinforced by the speaker's determination to live within their means and to avoid harming others, even if it means sacrificing personal gain.

Symbolism of Ambition and Duty

The poem employs vivid imagery and symbolism to convey its themes. The sun of Duty is a powerful symbol, representing the speaker's commitment to moral rectitude and their rejection of worldly ambitions. The sun, a source of light and life, is contrasted with the rushlight for petty ends, symbolizing the speaker's rejection of trivial pursuits. The handful of my present means is another significant image, representing the speaker's desire to live within their means and avoid the corrupting influence of ambition. The speaker's resolve to bury their ambition and live a simple, ethical life is reinforced by these symbols, which underscore the poem's themes of mortality, isolation, and moral rectitude.

Conclusion

In "Teach Me I Am Forgotten By The Dead," Emerson explores the themes of mortality, isolation, and moral rectitude through a speaker's introspective journey. The poem's vivid imagery and symbolism, such as the sun of Duty and the handful of present means, reinforce these themes and underscore the speaker's resolve to live a life free from ambition and harm. The poem's significance lies in its exploration of the human condition and the struggle for moral rectitude in the face of mortality and isolation. The speaker's journey serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life that is simple, ethical, and free from the corrupting influence of ambition.