"Houses"—so the Wise Men tell me—
"Mansions"! Mansions must be warm!
Mansions cannot let the tears in,
Mansions must exclude the storm!
"Many Mansions," by "his Father,"
I don't know him; snugly built!
Could the Children find the way there—
Some, would even trudge tonight!
houses are for shelter, protection, but it is not just houses she proposes but mansions. warm, a haven. the next stanza slides into that thought - houses as haven then places in heaven. strong, cozy abodes. Many mansions, in quotes: these are concepts alien to the narrator/poet as are his Father, right - biblical passages referring to heaven; she takes pains to emphasize this. yet inspite of this estrangement, she thinks Children, souls, would want to go there, quickly - tonight! The trip is to an uncertain place, something she does not really believe in on a certain level.
Many Mansions, by his Father, I don't know him; snugly built! Could the Children find the way there— Some, would even trudge tonight BEAUTIFUL PIECE
I have always loved her short and precise poems.They make you think about everyday things and some of the big issues we might not want to address.
Emily is speaking of heavenly mansions. It reflects her questions regarding her religious views.
Mansions cannot let the tears in, Mansions must exclude the storm! Mansions though larger than houses may not render peace. Thanks poet for the poem.
These houses and mansions are dwelling place and only peace can make it a better living place.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Another fascinating puzzle. The first four lines describe what a mansion is. Line 5 is a reference to a Biblical passage; in my Father's house there are many mansions Line 6a I do not know him Is she saying that she is not a christian? A very bold statement for someone in Victorian America. Lines 7&8 Could the Children find the way there— Some, would even trudge tonight! If we really believe in heaven we should commit suicide? How very odd a thought for sweet Emily