I heard a Fly buzz- when I died: Poet & Context

Emily Dickinson’s Life and Context

Born in 1830 into a prominent Amherst, Massachusetts family.
Despite her relative seclusion, she was well-educated and read widely.
Theological concerns and questions regarding mortality and immortality frequently appear in her poems.
Died in 1886, with her work only gaining prominence posthumously.

This poem contemplates the border between life and death, a common theme in Dickinson’s work.
The off-putting image of an ordinary fly in such a profound moment shows Dickinson’s ability to challenge typical romanticised depictions of death.
The fly also represents the mundane yet sharp intrusion of the natural world into human experience.

Mortality and the afterlife: The speaker discusses their own death and the moment of transition.
The nature of consciousness and existence: The speaker is fully aware of their surroundings and condition, posing questions about what exactly happens when one dies.
The individual versus the natural world: The pesky, common fly intrudes on this grave moment, implying the relentless and unforgiving progression of the natural world.

Use of dashes: The abrupt and frequent use of dashes generate a sense of unease, disconnection, and interruption.
First person narrative: Creates an intimate, personal atmosphere and gives a real-time experience of the speaker’s death.
Symbolism of the fly: Represents death, decay and insignificance.
Juxtaposition and Irony: The association of an ordinary and unattractive fly with death breaks away from traditional, romanticised portrayals.

Opening line - “I heard a Fly buzz — when I died”: The seemingly casual tone belies the gravity of the situation.
Last stanza - This stanza demonstrates full encapsulation of the death experience, also showing the intrusion of the mundane into even our most profound moments.