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I Heard A Fly Buzz When I Died Literary Devices

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From I heard a Fly Buzz-When I Died-, Emily Dickinson uses symbolism and irony to present her abandonment in religious beliefs. The usage of symbolism is meant to show the lack of value that the author places on theological beliefs. Dickenson first uses symbolism of the window to present her views on religion. As the narrator dies they see that “the windows failed”, showing the reality of their death. The windows symbolize Dickenson’s faith and beliefs in religion. Because the narrator struggles “to see”, Dickinson conveys that she has abandoned her trust in religion. The symbol of the fly reinforces this idea by signifying how how little importance Dickinson has for her faith. In the poem, the fly is described as “uncertain” and “stumbling”. Both of these words can be used to describe Dickinson’s faith. In addition to this, a fly is usually thought of as a creature that is …show more content…

In the poem, the narrator prepares themselves for “the last onset-when the King be witnessed”, however comes to realize the reality of death. The narrator’s unfulfilled expectations of religion and afterlife are a result of their inability to accept reality. Dickinson uses this example of situational irony to present her belief that one cannot depend on religion for hope. This view is supported by the friends and family that surround the narrator on their deathbed. From the detail of “the eyes around - had wrung them dry” it can be inferred that they share the same theological expectations and use religion as a form of hope. The difference between the narrator and the other people in the room is that the narrator realizes the reality of death. The other people in the room must live in ignorance, believing that the narrator has passed into the afterlife. Dickinson adds this element to show that she is not satisfied with false hope and requires a more feasible sense of

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