Emily Dickinson’s “Finch, What It Is to Burn” stands as a haunting meditation on mortality, loss, and the fleeting nature of existence. Through the vivid imagery of a bird caught in a house fire, Dickinson explores the anguish and terror of facing death’s relentless embrace.
The poem’s opening lines, “Finch, what it is to burn/ Is not to understand,” set the stage for a journey into the unknown. The finch, trapped and struggling, becomes a symbol of the human soul confronted with its own mortality. Dickinson’s language is both precise and evocative, capturing the intense pain and confusion that accompanies such an existential encounter.
As the poem progresses, Dickinson delves deeper into the transformative power of fire. She writes, “Consumed in crimson very swift/ The little Hands around—/ The Veins that through it run—/ The Feet that touch the ground—.” The imagery of the bird’s burning body becomes a metaphor for the destruction and transformation that accompany death. Dickinson suggests that through the agony of dying, the soul is purified and released.
The Physical Toll of Death
Dickinson meticulously describes the physical manifestations of death in “Finch, What It Is to Burn.” She writes, “The Martyr that plays with Fire/ Is callous—almost Cool/ Devoid of Tint, or Tune—/ Drifts-reckless in its Wreathing.”
The martyr’s indifference to pain reflects the numbing effect of death’s approach. Dickinson suggests that as the body succumbs to its inevitable end, the soul becomes detached from its physical form.
The poem’s final stanzas depict the bird’s escape from the burning house, a symbol of the soul’s liberation from the confines of mortality. Dickinson writes, “Now, if Indeed—the Bird/ Its Fire escape—[have] found/ It is departed—whether/ To Heavens, or Butts of Air—/ For Future and for Blazing—/ Not Consummated yet—/ Remained of its Degree—None can compel—.
The bird’s uncertain fate leaves a haunting ambiguity. Has it found release in heaven or is it doomed to an endless cycle of pain and torment? Dickinson’s conclusion echoes the poem’s central theme of the unknowability of death.
The Psychological Impact of Death
Dickinson explores the psychological impact of death in “Finch, What It Is to Burn.” She writes, “A Horror of Conviction/ A Rectitude of Pain—/ One little Bead had threaded/ Stood just the other side—.”
The “Rectitude of Pain” refers to the intense suffering that accompanies the realization of one’s own mortality. Dickinson suggests that this pain is both a necessary and transformative experience.
The image of the “little Bead” symbolizes the fragile thread that separates life from death. Dickinson implies that the difference between existence and nonexistence is as simple and as profound as a single bead on a string.
Religious and Spiritual Considerations
Dickinson’s poem grapples with religious and spiritual questions surrounding death. She writes, “With what internal evidence/ Among us it is told/ The Whims of Death—The Whim of God/ Involving one and all—.”
Dickinson questions the role of God in death’s capriciousness. She suggests that the randomness and unpredictability of death challenge our assumptions about divine justice.
The poem’s closing lines offer a glimpse of hope amidst the darkness. Dickinson writes, “So by my Limit—Past/ Where infinite is lost—/ Or Endless—is its Being—/ Must Nothing be the Cost—.”
Dickinson suggests that beyond the limits of our understanding, there may be a realm where death holds no sway. This possibility offers a glimmer of comfort in the face of mortality’s relentless inevitability.
Ethical Implications of Death
Dickinson’s poem raises ethical questions about our treatment of the dying. She writes, “For Men—and Birds—and other Fright—/ By Mortal Mastery/ Of Destiny—Are sold—.”
Dickinson criticizes those who wield power over the lives and deaths of others. She suggests that the true measure of humanity lies in our ability to treat the dying with compassion and dignity.
The poem’s final lines challenge us to confront our own mortality. Dickinson writes, “The folly rather—of the Bird/ If it were He or She—/ That never know the Ecstasy/ The Skeleton to be—.”
Dickinson suggests that it is a foolish thing to fear death. True ecstasy, she argues, comes from facing our mortality with courage and acceptance.
Historical and Cultural Context of the Poem
Emily Dickinson’s “Finch, What It Is to Burn” reflects the Victorian era’s preoccupation with death and mortality. During this time, death was a common occurrence, and people were often confronted with its brutality firsthand.
Dickinson’s poem also draws on the religious and spiritual beliefs of her time. The Victorians were deeply religious, and their understanding of death was shaped by Christian theology.
Dickinson’s unique perspective and poetic style make “Finch, What It Is to Burn” a timeless meditation on death’s universal themes.
FAQ
What is the main theme of “Finch, What It Is to Burn”?
The main theme of the poem is the exploration of death’s physical, psychological, religious, and ethical implications.
How does Dickinson use imagery in the poem?
Dickinson uses vivid imagery of a bird burning in a house fire to symbolize the experience of death.
What is the significance of the bird in the poem?
The bird represents the human soul, struggling to understand and cope with the inevitability of death.
How does the poem challenge traditional views of death?
The poem challenges the idea that death is always a negative experience, suggesting that it can also be a transformative and liberating one.
What does the poem say about the human condition?
The poem explores the universal human experience of mortality and the ways in which we grapple with our own finitude.
Conclusion
Emily Dickinson’s “Finch, What It Is to Burn” stands as a powerful and deeply moving exploration of death’s universal themes. Through its vivid imagery, nuanced language, and philosophical depth, the poem invites us to confront our own mortality with honesty, courage, and acceptance.