JAMB - Literature In English (1986 - No. 45)

The bustle in a house
The morning after death
Is solemnest of industries
Enacted upon earth-
The sweeping up the heart
And putting love away
We shall not want to use again
Until eternity.
The predominant mood of this poem is best captured by the words
misplaced anxiety
great relief
solemn resignation
morbid fear.

Explanation

The poem by Emily Dickinson describes the quiet and sorrowful activities that follow a death, emphasizing grief and acceptance.

  • "The bustle in a house / The morning after death" – This suggests the somber routine of dealing with loss.

  • "The sweeping up the heart / And putting love away" – This metaphorically represents coming to terms with the loss and setting aside emotions.

  • "We shall not want to use again / Until eternity" – This implies acceptance of grief until a reunion in the afterlife.

The mood is one of solemn resignation, meaning a quiet acceptance of grief.

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