Final answer:
Elegies are poems that express grief over death, and the approach to death depicted in poetry can vary dramatically based on the poet's life experiences and cultural context. The textual analysis of elegies, like those by Emily Dickinson, shows how the poet's handling of themes such as death and isolation avoids solemnity through language control and subtle humor.
Step-by-step explanation:
The exploration of death in poetry often reveals the poet’s personal philosophy and cultural background. In examining the opening lines of two poems about death, which are both elegies, we can infer that these works are intended to commemorate and mourn. The poems differ in their approach to death based on the poet’s experiences and the thematic elements they employ. For example, one poet might view death as a haunting and omnipresent force, as hinted by the reference to the poet who is perpetually reminded of death and a lost life. It contrasts with the perspective, where death is depicted as both omnipresent and potential, but not imminent or to be feared. This can be seen in Emily Dickinson's work, where the presence of death is acknowledged, but the tone does not succumb to despair or morbidity.
Analyze the language, imagery, and tone of poems can provide rich insight into their underlying messages about death. The mention of Dickinson’s elegies highlights her ability to infuse themes of mortality and desire within her work, while also engaging with the natural world and the divine. Interpretations of poetry must be grounded in the text itself, supported by evidence drawn from the artistic elements of the poem, such as imagery and metaphor, as well as its structure. The final interpretation may vary among readers, but valid interpretations are always anchored in the poem’s content. Death and isolation are significant themes in Dickinson’s poems, yet elements such as her masterful control of language and subtle humor keep these works from becoming too grim.