I Heard a fly buzz – when I died

Summary

"I Heard a Fly Buzz – when I died" is a poem by Emily Dickinson that captures the moment of death from the perspective of the speaker, who is experiencing it. The poem describes the final moments of the speaker's life, focusing on the quiet and stillness in the room, interrupted by the unexpected presence of a fly.

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First Stanza:

The poem opens with the speaker hearing a fly buzz as she is dying. This small, mundane detail contrasts sharply with the gravity of the situation, highlighting the unexpected and trivial nature of the fly's presence.

Quote: "I heard a Fly buzz – when I died – The Stillness in the Room Was like the Stillness in the Air – Between the Heaves of Storm –"

The room is described as being very still, similar to the calmness one feels between the waves of a storm. This stillness creates a sense of anticipation and tension.

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Second Stanza:

The people in the room are described as being quiet and serious, waiting for the speaker to take her last breath. The atmosphere is heavy with expectation as everyone awaits the speaker's death and the arrival of the "King" (possibly a metaphor for God or death).

Quote: "The Eyes around – had wrung them dry – And Breaths were gathering firm For that last Onset – when the King Be witnessed – in the Room –"

The mourners have already shed their tears, and now they are holding their breath, preparing for the final moment when the speaker will pass away and meet the "King."

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Third Stanza:

The speaker reflects on the formalities of death, noting that she has already given away her worldly possessions and made arrangements for her passing. The presence of the fly continues to be a distraction from these solemn proceedings.

Quote: "I willed my Keepsakes – Signed away What portion of me be Assignable – and then it was There interposed a Fly –"

At this critical moment, the fly buzzes in and disrupts the expected solemnity of the scene. This interruption emphasizes the intrusion of the ordinary into the profound moment of death.

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Fourth Stanza:

As the fly buzzes, the speaker's vision begins to fail, symbolizing her final moments and the transition from life to death. The poem ends with the speaker's vision fading into darkness, signifying her passing.

Quote: "With Blue – uncertain – stumbling Buzz – Between the light – and me – And then the Windows failed – and then I could not see to see –"

The fly's "Blue – uncertain – stumbling Buzz" creates a sense of confusion and disruption at the moment of death. The "Windows" failing symbolizes the speaker's eyes closing and her vision fading, marking the end of her life.

In summary, "I heard a Fly buzz – when I died" captures the speaker's final moments, contrasting the solemnity of death with the trivial interruption of a fly's buzz. The poem highlights the mundane intrusions that can occur even during significant life events, reflecting on the unpredictability and ordinariness of death. Through this detailed observation, Dickinson explores the themes of mortality, the presence of the supernatural, and the disruption of expectations.

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Themes Analysis

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The Inevitability and Mundanity of Death

Quote: "I heard a Fly buzz – when I died –"

The poem opens with a mundane detail—the sound of a fly buzzing—at the moment of the speaker's death. This juxtaposition of the significant event of death with an ordinary occurrence underscores the theme that death, while profound, can also be accompanied by the trivial and every day. The presence of the fly highlights the inevitability of death as a natural part of life, often occurring amidst the commonplace.

Throughout the poem, the fly's persistent buzzing disrupts the expected solemnity and grandeur of death, emphasizing the mundane aspects that can intrude even at life's most critical moments. This theme is significant because it challenges the reader's expectations about death, presenting it as both an ordinary and inescapable part of existence.

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The Presence of the Supernatural

Quote: "For that last Onset – when the King Be witnessed – in the Room –"

The reference to the "King" introduces the theme of the supernatural or divine presence at the moment of death. The "King" likely represents death itself or a divine figure, such as God. This anticipation of encountering a higher power at the moment of death reflects the human desire for meaning and understanding in the face of mortality.

This theme is developed through the poem's depiction of the solemn and expectant atmosphere in the room, as the mourners await the speaker's passing and the arrival of the "King." The presence of the fly, however, disrupts this expectation, adding a layer of unpredictability and questioning the significance of the anticipated supernatural encounter. This theme is significant as it explores the tension between human expectations of a grand, meaningful death and the often trivial reality.

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The Disruption of Expectations

Quote: "With Blue – uncertain – stumbling Buzz – Between the light – and me –"

The fly's "Blue – uncertain – stumbling Buzz" at the moment of death represents the disruption of expectations. Instead of a serene or profound transition, the speaker's final moments are marked by the irritating and trivial presence of a fly. This theme underscores the unpredictability of death and how it can defy human expectations and rituals.

The development of this theme throughout the poem emphasizes that death does not always come as a grand or significant event. The fly's interruption serves as a reminder that death can be accompanied by mundane and unforeseen occurrences, challenging the reader to reconsider their perceptions of what a "proper" death should be. This theme is significant because it reflects the often chaotic and unplanned nature of life and death, highlighting the gap between expectation and reality.

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Imagery Analysis

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The Stillness of the Room

Quote: "The Stillness in the Room Was like the Stillness in the Air – Between the Heaves of Storm –"

This image captures the tense and expectant atmosphere in the room where the speaker is dying. The "Stillness in the Room" is compared to the calm "Between the Heaves of Storm," suggesting a moment of quiet anticipation before an impending event. This stillness creates a sense of solemnity and suspense, emphasizing the significance of the moment as the speaker approaches death.

The significance of this imagery lies in its ability to convey the quiet and heavy atmosphere that surrounds the deathbed, heightening the reader's sense of anticipation and the gravity of the situation.

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The Fly's Buzzing

Quote: "I heard a Fly buzz – when I died –"

The recurring image of the fly buzzing disrupts the expected solemnity of the deathbed scene. The fly's buzz serves as a stark, almost annoying reminder of the mundane aspects of life that persist even in moments of profound significance. This imagery highlights the contrast between the dignity of death and the trivial, often intrusive realities of life.

This image is significant because it underscores the theme of the mundane intruding upon the profound, suggesting that even in death, one cannot escape the ordinary and trivial aspects of life.

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The Speaker's Vision Fading

Quote: "And then the Windows failed – and then I could not see to see –"

The imagery of the "Windows" failing and the speaker losing her vision symbolizes the transition from life to death. This visual metaphor suggests the closing of the eyes or the soul's departure from the body, emphasizing the finality and mystery of death. The phrase "I could not see to see" further conveys the complete cessation of sensory perception and consciousness.

This imagery is significant because it powerfully illustrates the moment of death as a gradual dimming and ultimate extinguishing of life, reinforcing the poem's exploration of mortality and the unknown aspects of dying.

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The Presence of the Mourners

Quote: "The Eyes around – had wrung them dry – And Breaths were gathering firm"

The image of the mourners' eyes, which have "wrung them dry" of tears, and their "Breaths were gathering firm" creates a picture of a room filled with silent, tense anticipation. The mourners are depicted as having already cried and are now holding their breath, waiting for the speaker's final moments.

This imagery is significant because it underscores the emotional intensity and communal aspect of the deathbed scene. It highlights the shared human experience of mourning and the collective anticipation of the speaker's passing.

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The Fly's Movement

Quote: "With Blue – uncertain – stumbling Buzz – Between the light – and me –"

The description of the fly's "Blue – uncertain – stumbling Buzz" creates a vivid auditory and visual image of the fly's erratic movement. The fly's presence in "Between the Light – and Me" suggests its position as a barrier or distraction at the critical moment of the speaker's death.

This imagery is significant because it emphasizes the theme of disruption and the intrusion of the ordinary into the profound. The fly's erratic behavior contrasts with the expected solemnity of the moment, highlighting the unpredictability and triviality that can accompany death.

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Style Analysis

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Use of Dashes

Quote: "I heard a Fly buzz – when I died –"

Dickinson's characteristic use of dashes creates pauses and emphasizes the disjointed and fragmented nature of the speaker's thoughts as she approaches death. The dashes interrupt the flow of the poem, mirroring the interruptions in the speaker's experience and reflecting the uncertainty and hesitation inherent in the moment of dying.

This stylistic choice contributes to the overall meaning by emphasizing the fragmented nature of consciousness at the moment of death. It enhances the emotional impact by creating a sense of disruption and unease, aligning with the themes of unpredictability and the mundane intruding upon the profound.

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Quatrains and Meter

Quote: "The Stillness in the Room Was like the Stillness in the Air – Between the Heaves of Storm –"

The poem is structured in quatrains, or four-line stanzas, with an ABCB rhyme scheme. This traditional structure contrasts with the unsettling content of the poem, creating a tension between form and theme. The regular meter and rhyme provide a rhythmic quality that lulls the reader into a sense of calm, which is then disrupted by the poem's imagery and themes.

This stylistic element contributes to the overall meaning by creating a false sense of security and order, which is then undermined by the poem's depiction of death. It enhances the emotional impact by making the disruptions (such as the fly's buzzing) more jarring and significant.

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Simile

Quote: "The Stillness in the Room Was like the Stillness in the Air – Between the Heaves of Storm –"

The use of simile compares the stillness in the room to the calm between storms, highlighting the tension and anticipation of the moment before death. This comparison emphasizes the fragile peace that is easily disrupted, mirroring the speaker's impending death and the intrusion of the fly.

This stylistic device contributes to the overall meaning by creating a vivid image of the atmosphere in the room, enhancing the reader's understanding of the emotional landscape. It adds to the emotional impact by evoking a sense of impending turmoil and the fragile nature of the moment.

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Imagery

Quote: "With Blue – uncertain – stumbling Buzz – Between the light – and me –"

Dickinson uses vivid imagery to create a sensory experience for the reader. The description of the fly's "Blue – uncertain – stumbling Buzz" provides a clear visual and auditory image, making the reader feel the disruption caused by the fly. This imagery captures the trivial yet intrusive nature of the fly, contrasting with the solemnity of the moment of death.

This stylistic element contributes to the overall meaning by highlighting the contrast between the expected dignified silence of death and the mundane reality of life. It enhances the emotional impact by making the moment of death more relatable and tangible, showing how even profound moments can be interrupted by the ordinary.

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Personification

Quote: "The Eyes around – had wrung them dry – And Breaths were gathering firm"

Dickinson uses personification on the eyes and breaths of the mourners, giving them active roles in the scene. The eyes have "wrung them dry," and the breaths are "gathering firm," creating a sense of collective anticipation and emotional tension in the room. This personification makes the physical responses of the mourners more vivid and immediate.

This stylistic choice contributes to the overall meaning by emphasizing the communal aspect of the deathbed scene and the shared human experience of mourning. It enhances the emotional impact by making the reactions of the mourners more palpable and relatable, drawing the reader into the scene.

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Language Analysis

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Word Choice

Quote: "With Blue – uncertain – stumbling Buzz –"

Dickinson's choice of words like "Blue," "uncertain," and "stumbling" to describe the fly's buzz creates a vivid and somewhat disorienting image. The word "Blue" might evoke a sense of coldness or detachment, while "uncertain" and "stumbling" suggest an erratic and unpredictable movement. This language captures the intrusive and unsettling nature of the fly's presence at such a significant moment.

This specific word choice contributes to the overall meaning by emphasizing the randomness and triviality that can intrude upon profound moments like death. It enhances the emotional impact by making the reader feel the dissonance and disturbance caused by the fly, highlighting the unpredictability of death.

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Symbolism

Quote: "For that last Onset – when the King Be witnessed – in the Room –"

The term "King" is a symbolic representation of death or a divine figure, possibly God. The use of this symbolism adds a layer of spiritual or supernatural significance to the moment of death. The anticipation of the "King" suggests a final judgment or encounter with a higher power.

This symbolism contributes to the overall meaning by reflecting the human desire for a significant and meaningful encounter at the moment of death. It enhances the emotional impact by adding depth to the scene, portraying death not just as an end, but as a potential meeting with a divine presence.

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Repetition

Quote: "And then the Windows failed – and then"

The repetition of "and then" emphasizes the sequential and inevitable progression towards death. The phrase creates a rhythmic cadence that mirrors the unstoppable passage of time leading to the final moment. It also reinforces the sense of a series of events unfolding in a predetermined order.

This repetition contributes to the overall meaning by underscoring the inevitability and finality of death. It enhances the emotional impact by building a sense of momentum and inevitability, drawing the reader into the final moments of the speaker's life.

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Visual Imagery

Quote: "And then the Windows failed – and then I could not see to see –"

The imagery of "Windows" failing and the speaker losing the ability to see symbolizes the transition from life to death. The "Windows" can be interpreted as the eyes, and their failure signifies the closing of the eyes in death. This visual metaphor captures the finality and mystery of the moment.

This use of visual imagery contributes to the overall meaning by vividly portraying the physical aspect of dying, the cessation of sensory perception, and the ultimate passage into death. It enhances the emotional impact by providing a clear and poignant image of the speaker's final moments, emphasizing the transition from life to the unknown.

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Summary of Key Elements

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Key Theme:

The mundanity and inevitability of death, highlight how ordinary events can intrude upon significant moments.

Quote: "I heard a Fly buzz – when I died –"

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Key Image:

The fly buzzing, which disrupts the expected solemnity of the deathbed scene, represents the intrusion of the trivial into profound moments.

Quote: "With Blue – uncertain – stumbling Buzz –"

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Key Stylistic Device:

Use of dashes to create pauses and reflect the disjointed nature of the speaker's thoughts at the moment of death.

Quote: "I heard a Fly buzz – when I died –"

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Key Language Device:

The symbolism of the "King" representing death or a divine figure, adds a layer of spiritual significance to the moment of dying.

Quote: "For that last Onset – when the King / Be witnessed – in the Room –"

This summary captures the essential elements of the poem, providing students with a quick and effective review tool before an exam.

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Key Direct Quotes

1. "I heard a Fly buzz – when I died –"
2. "The Stillness in the Room / Was like the Stillness in the Air – / Between the Heaves of Storm –"
3. "The Eyes around – had wrung them dry – / And Breaths were gathering firm"
4. "For that last Onset – when the King / Be witnessed – in the Room –"
5. "I willed my Keepsakes – Signed away / What portion of me be / Assignable – and then it was / There interposed a Fly –"
6. "With Blue – uncertain – stumbling Buzz – / Between the light – and me –"
7. "And then the Windows failed – and then / I could not see to see –"

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Summary Table

Category	Details	Supporting Quotes
Themes	Mundanity and Inevitability of Death: Highlights how ordinary events can intrude upon significant moments.	"I heard a Fly buzz – when I died –"
	Presence of the Supernatural: Anticipation of encountering a higher power at the moment of death.	"For that last Onset – when the King / Be witnessed – in the Room –"
	Disruption of Expectations: The fly disrupts the expected solemnity of death.	"With Blue – uncertain – stumbling Buzz – / Between the light – and me –"
Images	Stillness of the Room: Creates a sense of tension and anticipation.	"The Stillness in the Room / Was like the Stillness in the Air – / Between the Heaves of Storm –"
	Fly's Buzzing: Represents the intrusion of the trivial into profound moments.	"I heard a Fly buzz – when I died –"
	Vision Fading: Symbolises the transition from life to death.	"And then the Windows failed – and then / I could not see to see –"
Stylistic Devices	Use of Dashes: Creates pauses and reflects the disjointed nature of the speaker's thoughts.	"I heard a Fly buzz – when I died –"
	Quatrains and Meter: Provides a rhythmic and organised structure.	"The Stillness in the Room / Was like the Stillness in the Air –"
	Simile: Compares the stillness in the room to the calm between storms, highlighting tension.	"The Stillness in the Room / Was like the Stillness in the Air – / Between the Heaves of Storm –"
	Imagery: Vividly captures sensory experiences, such as the fly's buzz.	"With Blue – uncertain – stumbling Buzz – / Between the light – and me –"
Language Devices	Word Choice: Conveys the unsettling and trivial nature of the fly's presence.	"With Blue – uncertain – stumbling Buzz –"
	Symbolism: The "King" symbolises death or a divine figure.	"For that last Onset – when the King / Be witnessed – in the Room –"
	Repetition: Emphasises the sequential and inevitable progression towards death.	"And then the Windows failed – and then"
	Visual Imagery: Illustrates the transition from life to death through the failure of vision.	"And then the Windows failed – and then / I could not see to see –"