Summary
Emily Dickinson's poem, written between 1860 and 1862, reflects her intricate contemplation of life and death. Published posthumously by her sister, the work hints at the poet's awareness of her mortality, underscored by an intriguing note she penned to her cousins as she neared the end. This poem captures Dickinson’s characteristic blend of introspection and existential curiosity, painting a vivid picture of a life teetering on the brink.
Context and Background
In adhering to the Johnson chronology, Dickinson’s poem emerges from a period of profound self-reflection. Her sister saw fit to include it among the select poems released after Emily’s passing. The title “Called Back” is attributed to a poignant note the poet left for her cousins, written just a day prior to her death: “Little cousins,—Called Back. Emily.” This phrase may have been inspired by a fleeting moment of hope, often experienced by those terminally ill, or perhaps it served to reassure her cousins. The note encapsulates both a sense of peace and a recognition of her departure.
Exploration of Death and Life
Dickinson frequently delves into themes surrounding death, often from a perspective that anticipates the event while living. Her works are typically stripped of overt Christian symbolism, yet they sometimes weave in other spiritual elements. In this poem, the imagery of the “Reporter” standing before the apocalyptic “Seal” suggests a moment of revelation. The speaker’s yearning to witness "the things... By Ear unheard,/ Unscrutinized by Eye—" aligns with a biblical reference from Saint Paul in 1 Corinthians 2.9, offering a parallel to the experiences of literary figures like Coleridge’s Ancient Mariner or Melville’s Ishmael from Moby Dick. These narrators, like Dickinson’s, have glimpsed death and returned to tell their tale.
The Struggle with Eternity
The opening lines of the poem exude a certain enlightened, humanistic tone: “Just lost, when I was saved!/ Just felt the world go by!” These lines suggest a paradoxical moment of loss and salvation. The repetition and the term "girt" in the third line imply a confrontation with "Eternity," casting it as both a formidable adversary and an inescapable reality. This struggle, marked by the paratactic structure of the first three lines, highlights the persistent pull of eternal forces on the speaker. Nevertheless, a "breath" described in line 4 provides the speaker with the strength to "feel" and "tell" of her experiences, suggesting that poetry itself empowers her return. The ambition to be a "pale Reporter," a poet who insightfully interprets universal truths, ultimately triumphs over the lure of death.
Beyond the Known Limits
The mythic cry of Hercules, "Plus ultra" (still further), resonates deeply with the poet’s aspirations. Dickinson seeks to push the boundaries of language beyond known limits, even at the risk of encountering destruction or crafting a work devoid of transcendental meaning. This pursuit of pushing language mirrors the transformative journey of a mythic hero, combining death and rebirth as part of a greater poetic evolution. In doing so, Dickinson transcends the realm of mere verse, showcasing her evolution into a consummate artist.
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