Emily Dickinson's "712" portrays a serene encounter with Death, exploring life's stages through vivid imagery. The poem challenges conventional fears, embracing mortality with delicate symbolism and contemplative tone.
In Emily Dickinson's poem "712," the speaker encounters Death as a courteous and inevitable companion. The journey unfolds in a carriage, representing life's passage, where Death takes the initiative to stop for the speaker. The pace is unhurried, and time seems suspended, as the speaker relinquishes both work and leisure for Death's civility. The carriage passes scenes of childhood innocence and the ripened fields of life, eventually reaching the sunset of existence.
Dickinson employs vivid imagery, capturing the transient nature of life through the passing scenes. The schoolyard, with children at play, symbolizes the early stages of life, while the fields of gazing grain represent the productive and mature phases. The setting sun marks life's conclusion, transitioning to a realm beyond.
The speaker's attire, described as gossamer gown and tippet of tulle, suggests the delicate and ethereal nature of the afterlife. The encounter with Death becomes a serene and accepting experience, challenging the conventional fear associated with mortality.
In the context of revision strategies, one might explore the poem's symbolism and tone, examining how Dickinson crafts a contemplative perspective on mortality. Adjusting the pacing, refining imagery, and considering alternative word choices could enhance the poem's emotional impact.