Notes: I heard a Fly buzz- when I died Flashcards
Introduce the poem
This poem recreates the drama of a death bed scene from the view of a dying person who’s consciousness seems to have survived death and therefore can comment on the experience.
What does the ‘buzz’ do to the atmosphere?
The buzz intercepts the silence, it amplifies the stillness in the room.
What is ‘fly’ a symbol of/represent?
Fly is a symbol of decay of death, it is an unsettling choice.
The fly is the poet’s ingenious way of showing that life and death are not as neat as people like to imagine. Ceremony can be false and oppressive.
Is the speaker aware of what is happening?
The dying speaker is aware of what’s happening, everyone is motionless and death is imminent.
“The Eyes around-had wrung them dry-“
the weeping is done
“And Breaths were gathering firm-“
There is a solemnity, quiet dignity as those present wait for the moment of death.
What is meant by ‘God’?
God coming to collect the body
“I willed my Keepsakes-signed away”
She has her affairs in order
“With Blue-uncertain stumbling Buzz-
Between the light-and me-“
This occurs with the fly intercepting the light and the dying day.
The uncertain stumbling of the fly included on a controlled atmosphere.
Explain the ending lines of this poem:
“And then the Windows failed-and then
I could not see to see-“
The darkness of death descends suggested by the fading light.
The final dash calls on us to consider the moment of beyond death.
