"DUST IS THE ONLY SECRET" by Emily Dickinson delves into the enigmatic nature of death, portraying it as a mysterious and unexplored realm. The poem uses vivid imagery and contrast to convey the concept of death as an elusive and unknown figure. Through its depiction of death's characteristics and its impact on life, the poem contemplates the inevitability and finality of mortality.
"DUST IS THE ONLY SECRET"
Dust is the only Secret —
Death, the only One
You cannot find out all about
In his "native town."
Nobody know "his Father" —
Never was a Boy —
Hadn't any playmates,
Or "Early history"
Industrious! Laconic!
Punctual! Sedate!
Bold as a Brigand!
Stiller than a Fleet!
Builds, like a Bird, too!
Christ robs the Nest —
Robin after Robin
Smuggled to Rest!
Summary
"DUST IS THE ONLY SECRET" explores the enigmatic nature of death, portraying it as an elusive figure with characteristics that distinguish it from life. The poem highlights the mysteriousness of death and reflects on the inevitable reality of mortality. The imagery used in the poem emphasizes the contrast between life and death.
Critical Analysis
The poem begins with the assertion that "Dust is the only Secret," suggesting that death is a realm shrouded in mystery and the unknown. The word "Secret" implies that death holds concealed truths that cannot be fully comprehended.
The contrast between life and death is emphasized through the phrase "Death, the only One / You cannot find out all about." The poem suggests that while various aspects of life can be explored and understood, death remains beyond complete understanding.
The lines "Nobody know 'his Father'" and "Never was a Boy" convey the idea that death lacks the origins and development associated with life. Death is depicted as an entity that doesn't follow the conventional life cycle, which adds to its mysterious nature.
The poem describes death with contrasting characteristics, such as being "Industrious! Laconic!" and "Bold as a Brigand! / Stiller than a Fleet!" These paradoxical descriptions serve to highlight the complexity and unpredictability of death.
The imagery of death "Builds, like a Bird, too!" portrays death as constructing something, similar to how a bird builds a nest. The mention of "Christ robs the Nest" and "Robin after Robin / Smuggled to Rest!" suggests that death takes life away and brings it to a state of rest or repose.
Themes
- Mystery of Death: The central theme of the poem is the mysterious nature of death, depicted as a secret realm that defies full understanding and remains enigmatic to humans.
- Contrast: The poem uses contrasting imagery and characteristics to emphasize the distinction between life and death, highlighting the unique qualities of each realm.
- Mortality: The poem contemplates the inevitability of mortality and the finality of death, suggesting that death is an essential aspect of the human experience.
Attitudes/Feelings
- Curiosity: The poem conveys a sense of curiosity and intrigue regarding the mysteries of death, as well as a recognition of the limitations of human understanding.
- Wonder: The portrayal of death's characteristics and its impact on life evokes a sense of wonder and contemplation about the nature of existence and mortality.
Literary Devices
- Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery to describe death's characteristics, contrasting elements, and its impact on life.
- Paradox: The poem employs paradoxical descriptions to convey the complex and contradictory nature of death, adding depth to its portrayal.
Discussion Question
How does the poem's use of contrasting imagery and characteristics contribute to its depiction of death as an enigmatic figure? How does the portrayal of death's attributes and behaviors reflect the speaker's contemplation of mortality?