Sleep Is Supposed to Be, Emily Dickinson: Summary & Analysis
Table of Contents
In "Sleep Is Supposed to Be," Emily Dickinson engages with themes of sleep, dawn, and the passage of time. The poem explores the shifting perspectives and interpretations of sleep and morning, weaving together imagery of sleep as a shutting eye and morning as a breaking day. Through evocative language and metaphors, Dickinson delves into the nuanced ways in which individuals perceive and anticipate these concepts. Sleep Is Supposed to Be
Sleep is supposed to be,
By souls of sanity,
The shutting of the eye.
Sleep is the station grand
Down which on either hand
The hosts of witness stand !
Morn is supposed to be,
By people of degree,
The breaking of the day.
Morning has not occurred !
That shall aurora be
East of eternity ;
One with the banner gay,
One in the red array, —
That is the break of day.
Summary "Sleep Is Supposed to Be" by Emily Dickinson contemplates the concepts of sleep and dawn. The poem explores the differing interpretations and expectations associated …