This World is not Conclusion: Themes & Linking Poems

The overarching theme is the mystery of the afterlife.
Religious stability versus spiritual restlessness is argued throughout.
Man’s incapacity to fully understand faith is underlined by ‘discerns’, ‘an ignorance’, and ‘plank in reason’.
Considers the ineffable nature of faith: beyond speech and thought.
Similar to ‘I heard a Fly buzz’, where Dickinson also reflects on human assumptions about the afterlife.
Links to ‘Because I could not stop for Death’ where Dickinson gives a character to death.

This World is not Conclusion: Structure & Language Techniques

Irregular capitalisation: philosophical and theological concepts are given emphasis.
Use of dashes provides rhythmic disruption, reflecting the restless questioning of the speaker.
Alliteration (‘plank in reason’) also denotes disruption.
Metaphors give shape to nebulous concepts: faith is a pierless bridge.