Going to Heaven!: Structure & Language Techniques

Notice how Dickinson’s use of the dash creates pauses and disruptions, reflecting uncertain thoughts.
The quatrain structure typical of hymns conveys a religious tone, important in understanding the poem’s theme.
Dickinson often employs slant rhyme, which represents an off-kilter version of traditional rhymes - reflecting the way she dealt with themes unconventional for her time.
The use of exclamation marks directly addresses the reader, creating an urgency and intimacy in her reflections on mortality and the afterlife.
Pay attention to the first-person narration, which creates an intimate and personal tone. This allows Dickinson to interrogate existential and spiritual anxieties intimately.
Analyze the ambiguous use of pronouns like ‘We’ and ‘I’, which provide room for different interpretations.
Consider how the poem’s ambiguous syntax and unconventional punctuation reflects Dickinson’s unusual perspective and her refusal to conform to established poetic styles.
Notice how imagery and metaphor are used to convey complex ideas about heaven and mortality.
Pay attention to the juxtapositions in the poem, such as the profound spiritual theme presented within a seemingly casual conversation. This highlights the tension and contradiction in Dickinson’s thoughts on mortality and the afterlife.
Analyze the use of paradoxes like ‘Eternity’s sudden Guest’ to represent the incomprehensibility and surprise of death and the afterlife.
Consider her use of capitalization for emphasis on key words in her poems, which is a hallmark of Dickinson’s style.
Dickinson uses abstract language to describe heaven and death, contributing to the enigmatic and metaphysical quality of the poem.
Look at how nature imagery is often used as a means to explore profound spiritual and existential themes.
Attention should be given to the narrative shifts throughout the poem, which reflect an internal dialogue or journey.
The poem uses enjambment, which can be interpreted as mirroring the continuous nature of an individual’s spiritual journey.
The rhythmic patterns in Dickinson’s poems often mimic those found in church hymns. This can both create a sense of familiarity for the reader while also allowing Dickinson to subtly question religious norms and beliefs.