The Last Night That She Lived,

By Emily Elizabeth Dickinson

Elegy
    The last night that she lived,     It was a common night,     Except the dying; this to us     Made nature different.     We noticed smallest things, --     Things overlooked before,     By this great light upon our minds     Italicized, as 't were.     That others could exist     While she must finish quite,     A jealousy for her arose     So nearly infinite.     We waited while she passed;     It was a narrow time,     Too jostled were our souls to speak,     At length the notice came.     She mentioned, and forgot;     Then lightly as a reed     Bent to the water, shivered scarce,     Consented, and was dead.     And we, we placed the hair,     And drew the head erect;     And then an awful leisure was,     Our faith to regulate.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This is a poignant and evocative poem that explores the themes of death, grief, and the altered perception of reality in the face of loss. The tone of the poem is somber and reflective, painting a vivid picture of the last moments of a loved one's life with a profound sense of sorrow and quiet acceptance.

The poem's structure is linear, tracing the progression of the subject's death and the subsequent emotional upheaval of the surviving witnesses. It makes use of several standout literary devices, such as the metaphor of the great light italicizing overlooked details of life, symbolizing the heightened awareness and sensitivity brought about by impending death. The use of the word "jealousy" in the context of death introduces an interesting perspective, suggesting an intense yearning for the life the dying person is leaving behind. The description of death itself is gentle and understated, embodied in the simile of a reed bending to the water, highlighting the quiet resignation and finality of the act. The last lines encapsulate the aftermath of death, the "awful leisure" signifying the void left behind and the task of re-adjusting one's faith and understanding of life in the aftermath of loss.

Understanding Elegy

An elegy is a form of poetry that expresses sorrow or lamentation, often for someone who has died. This type of poetry serves as a tribute to the deceased, reflecting on their life and the grief left behind.

Elegies are deeply emotional and personal, exploring themes of loss, mourning, and remembrance. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Mournful Tone: Elegies are characterized by a tone of sadness and reflection, as the poet grapples with the pain of loss.
  • Tribute to the Deceased: The subject of an elegy is often someone who has passed away, with the poem serving as a memorial that honors their life and legacy.
  • Personal Reflection: Elegies often include personal reflections on the impact of the deceased on the poet's life, as well as broader musings on mortality and the human condition.
  • Structure and Form: While elegies can vary in form, they often follow a traditional structure that includes an expression of grief, praise for the deceased, and a sense of consolation or acceptance.

From ancient times to the present, elegies have provided a way for poets to navigate the complexities of grief and loss, offering solace and a means of preserving the memory of those who have passed.