Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Emily Dickinson's "Bereavement In Their Death To Feel" delves into the mysterious bond between the living and the dead, particularly when one mourns for someone they have never physically met. The poem explores themes of death, the soul's immortality, and the inexplicable connections that bind humans to one another. Even in its brevity, the poem confronts the complex emotional experience of feeling bereft for those one has never known personally but feels spiritually connected to.

The first stanza begins with the notion of experiencing "Bereavement in their death" for "Whom We have never seen." Here, the "Vital Kinsmanship" suggests an essential relationship that transcends physical acquaintance. This kinship, a bond between souls, indicates the idea of an ethereal, even predestined, connection. This is no superficial connection but something that involves "Our Soul and theirs."

The second stanza contrasts the idea of strangers and "Immortal friends," suggesting that there are beings we are inherently bound to, beings who might die before we even get to know them. It is "news of this" that can "paralyze Ourselves." These lines underscore the arresting impact that such an abstract loss can have on us. Dickinson places death not as an end but as a lens through which such soulful connections are magnified, rendering us immobile with inexplicable grief.

The third stanza reflects on the role that these immortal friends play in our lives: "Who, vital only to Our Thought." They may not have a physical presence but occupy an invaluable place in our thoughts, their importance magnified in their dying. The final lines, "In dying - 'tis as if Our Souls / Absconded - suddenly -," illustrate the bewildering sensation that a part of our soul seems to vanish when these spiritual kindreds pass away. The word "Absconded" suggests an abrupt, almost illicit escape, emphasizing the emotional vacuum their departure creates.

The historical and cultural context may illuminate Dickinson's deep preoccupation with mortality and the soul. She lived during a time when spiritualism and the exploration of the soul's immortality were popular themes, reflected in the literature, religion, and even the scientific pursuits of her time. Her writing often seems to negotiate with the tension between earthly existence and spiritual transcendence.

The poem exhibits a unique structure and style, like much of Dickinson's work, adhering to her signature dashes and unconventional capitalizations, such as "Whom We have never seen" and "A Vital Kinsmanship import." These elements contribute to the emotive and thematic depth of the poem, allowing for multiple pauses and interpretative spaces.

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "Bereavement In Their Death To Feel" is a complex exploration of the human experience of mourning and the soul's mysterious connections. It suggests that bereavement can be a deeply spiritual experience, transcending the need for physical acquaintance. It asks us to confront the ineffable and accept it as an integral part of our mortal lives. This poem challenges us to acknowledge that there are emotional and spiritual landscapes within us that we may not fully understand but must navigate as part of our human experience.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...