Analysis of Heaven has different signs to me

Heaven has different signs to me tells of different natural signs that represent Heaven. The first and second stanzas compare noon to Heaven or the “place” and also humanize the sunrise as an eye that opens to watch over the world. The second and third stanzas together tell how the sun spotlights the birds as they fly in the typical “V” shape. Dickinson compares the end of the day to the rapture where all men return home. This poem describes different signs of our everyday lives that represent Heaven and the final days of the earth. It also presents the idea that the natural beauty of Earth is used by God to prepare humans for what could be expected in Heaven.  

analysis

Heaven is not what I can reach represents the poet’s goal to go heaven after death. However, the tone tells shows the reader that this goal cannot be reached. Heaven, to the writer, is like an “apple” that hangs too high for her to reach. In the second stanza it is made evident that the poet no longer seeks paradise in Heaven; for she knows the closest she will come to a mansion and rivers of “milk and honey” is her own home with a beautiful yard. Here is where she finds peace and happiness, her own Heaven. Into the third stanza the poet describes a sunset of purples which could represent royalty; but then goes on to compare God to a “conjurer”.

This poem definitely shows Emily Dickinson’s view of God and after-life. Dickinson makes it clear she doesn’t find herself worthy of Heaven. Also the negative connotation of conjurer could be showing the reader that Dickinson might not want to go to Heaven. She also gives the sense that she will never reach Heaven, and that is her reason for being so negative towards after-life.

Going to Heaven!

I don't know when,

Pray do not ask me how,--
Indeed, I'm too astonished

To think of answering you!
Going to heaven!--

How dim it sounds!

And yet it will be done

As sure as flocks go home at night

Unto the shepherd's arm!



Perhaps you're going too!

Who knows?
If you should get there first,

Save just a little place for me

Close to the two I lost!

The smallest "robe" will fit me,

And just a bit of "crown";

For you know we do not mind our dress

When we are going home.



I'm glad I don't believe it,
For it would stop my breath,

And I'd like to look a little more

At such a curious earth!

I am glad they did believe it
Whom I have never found

Since the mighty autumn afternoon

I left them in the ground.

Analysis:

The tone in this work leaves the reader wondering if the author is writing directly about a religious heaven or if she is referring to death in general. As we know the author seems conflicted about her beliefs versus what was acceptable during this time period. One could question the author's sincerity of some of the statements that are made such as, "Going to Heaven!-- How dim it sounds!" this lines seems contradictory when compared to statements made in the second stanza, which shows Dickinson's quick transition from a pessimistic view of heaven (or death) to an optimistic view due to loved ones that have passed.

The first and third stanzas give the allusion that Dickinson is not necessarily devoted to the religious views that are depicted in these stanzas, whereas the second stanza almost tricks the reader to believe that Dickinson is optimistic of a life after death. Dickinson, unknowingly, uses imagery by switching views of heaven instantaneously, for example "Save just a little place for me Close to the two I lost!" this shows a belief in heaven, this belief quickly changes with, "I'm glad I don't believe it, For it would stop my breath." The instant change of her opinion shows her bipolar tendency that appears in many of her other works as well. "Going to Heaven" to me, shows how unreliable Dickinson's works can be due to her bipolar tendencies, she cannot be relied upon for a clear opinion and can easily confuse many readers in the process of them reading her poems. 

"Heaven" is what I cannot reach!

"Heaven"—is what I cannot reach!
The Apple on the Tree—
Provided it do hopeless—hang—
That—"Heaven" is—to Me!

The Color, on the Cruising Cloud—
The interdicted Land—
Behind the Hill—the House behind—
There—Paradise—is found!

Her teasing Purples—Afternoons—
The credulous—decoy—
Enamored—of the Conjuror—
That spurned us—Yesterday!

"Heaven" has different Signs--to me

"Heaven" has different Signs—to me—
Sometimes, I think that Noon
Is but a symbol of the Place—
And when again, at Dawn,

A mighty look runs round the World
And settles in the Hills—
An Awe if it should be like that
Upon the Ignorance steals—

The Orchard, when the Sun is on—
The Triumph of the Birds
When they together Victory make—
Some Carnivals of Clouds—

The Rapture of a finished day—
Returning to the West—
All these—remind us of the place
That Men call "paradise"—

Itself be fairer—we suppose—
But how Ourself, shall be
Adorned, for a Superior Grace—
Not yet, our eyes can see—