“Before She Died” by Karen Chase: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Before She Died” by Karen Chase

“Before She Died” by Karen Chase, first appeared in 1988 as part of her poetry collection, Kazimierz Square, captures the nuances of loss and anticipatory grief, exploring the delicate boundaries between life and death with a deep sensitivity. The poem’s main themes revolve around the inevitability of mortality, the lingering presence of those we love, and the silent preparation for loss. Chase’s careful, reflective approach to the subject matter, combined with her evocative language, has resonated with readers, allowing them to confront and contemplate their own experiences with loss and remembrance. The poem’s popularity can be attributed to its universal themes and its ability to communicate the emotional complexities of grief in a way that is both personal and accessible, leaving readers with a sense of shared humanity and understanding.

Text: “Before She Died” by Karen Chase

When I look at the sky now, I look at it for you.
As if with enough attention, I could take it in for you.

With all the leaves gone almost from
the trees, I did not walk briskly through the field.

Late today with my dog Wool, I lay down in the upper field,
he panting and aged, me looking at the blue. Leaning

on him, I wondered how finite these lustered days seem
to you, A stand of hemlock across the lake catches

my eye. It will take a long time to know how it is
for you. Like a dog’s lifetime — long — multiplied by sevens.

Annotations: “Before She Died” by Karen Chase

Line	Annotation
“When I look at the sky now, I look at it for you.”	The speaker expresses a shift in perspective after a loved one’s death, now viewing the world with a sense of shared experience, as if to observe on behalf of the deceased.
“As if with enough attention, I could take it in for you.”	This line suggests a desire to hold onto and share moments with the departed, reflecting the idea of memorializing everyday beauty as a tribute.
“With all the leaves gone almost from the trees,”	The seasonal imagery of leaves falling symbolizes the passage of time and possibly death, as trees shed leaves in winter, much like a cycle of endings and beginnings.
“I did not walk briskly through the field.”	The slower pace signifies a contemplative, perhaps sorrowful mood. The speaker’s actions are now subdued, as if weighed down by grief and reflection.
“Late today with my dog Wool, I lay down in the upper field,”	The setting of “late today” indicates a time close to evening or autumn of the day, symbolizing nearing the end of a cycle, possibly mirroring the end of a life. The dog’s presence adds companionship and shared solace.
“he panting and aged, me looking at the blue.”	The dog’s aging reflects the theme of mortality. The speaker’s focus on the sky’s “blue” suggests a longing gaze toward the heavens or an attempt to find solace in the vastness above.
“Leaning on him, I wondered how finite these lustered days seem to you,”	This intimate line portrays the speaker’s reflection on the finite nature of life. “Lustered days” indicates beauty and brightness, hinting that even beautiful moments feel transient when viewed through grief.
“A stand of hemlock across the lake catches my eye.”	Hemlock, often associated with death (as in the poison), hints at mortality. The tree’s enduring presence contrasts with human fragility, suggesting nature’s resilience versus personal loss.
“It will take a long time to know how it is for you.”	This line expresses uncertainty and a deep curiosity about the afterlife or the loved one’s experience post-death. The speaker acknowledges the difficulty in truly understanding this.
“Like a dog’s lifetime — long — multiplied by sevens.”	The comparison to a dog’s life, typically shorter and intensified by the “multiplied by sevens,” emphasizes the immeasurable gap in understanding death, extending the speaker’s sense of prolonged grief and loss.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Before She Died” by Karen Chase

Device	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	” Like a dog’s lifetime — long — multiplied by sevens.”	The repetition of the “l” sound emphasizes the slowing of time, drawing attention to the reflective moment and the speaker’s somber mood.
Ambiguity	“It will take a long time to know how it is for you.”	The line’s ambiguity about “how it is” suggests questions about the afterlife and the loved one’s experience, reflecting the mystery surrounding death.
Assonance	“As if with enough attention, I could take it in for you.”	The repeated “i” sounds create a soft, introspective tone, drawing the reader into the personal and intimate nature of the speaker’s reflections.
Caesura	“he panting and aged, me looking at the blue.”	The pause created by the comma slows down the line, mirroring the calm and reflective pause in the speaker’s day, inviting the reader to linger in the moment.
Consonance	“With all the leaves gone almost from the trees”	The repetition of the “l” and “t” sounds creates a gentle, natural rhythm, evoking a sense of harmony with nature and the passage of time.
Double Entendre	“a dog’s lifetime — long — multiplied by sevens.”	“Multiplied by sevens” refers both to the common belief that dogs age faster and to the enduring nature of grief, which feels prolonged and infinite.
Enjambment	“With all the leaves gone almost from / the trees”	The line break emphasizes the gradual passage of time, with the split reflecting the slow and natural process of trees shedding their leaves, symbolizing loss.
Imagery	“I lay down in the upper field, he panting and aged”	Vivid sensory images create a strong sense of place and companionship, evoking the bond between the speaker and her dog while adding emotional depth.
Irony	“Like a dog’s lifetime — long — multiplied by sevens.”	There is irony in comparing something finite to an extreme of finiteness, emphasizing how short a lifetime feels, particularly when reflecting on mortality.
Juxtaposition	“he panting and aged, me looking at the blue.”	The contrast between the aged, weary dog and the boundless blue sky highlights the interplay between mortality and the infinite, a central theme in the poem.
Metaphor	“I look at the sky now, I look at it for you.”	The sky becomes a metaphor for a place where the speaker connects with the deceased, suggesting a sense of connection beyond the physical world.
Mood	Entire poem	The mood is somber, reflective, and contemplative, developed through soft imagery, slow pacing, and the speaker’s introspective tone as they grapple with loss and memory.
Personification	“finite these lustered days seem to you”	The days are given a sense of life and brilliance, reflecting how precious and fleeting they feel when contemplating the end of life.
Repetition	“I look at it for you.” / “I could take it in for you.”	The repetition of “for you” emphasizes the act of looking on behalf of the deceased, underscoring the speaker’s desire to stay connected.
Rhetorical Question	“I wondered how finite these lustered days seem to you”	The speaker’s questioning reflects her struggle to understand her loved one’s perspective on life’s transience, bringing readers into the reflection process.
Simile	“Like a dog’s lifetime — long — multiplied by sevens.”	The simile compares the unknown duration of grief to a dog’s life, multiplied, conveying the length of time grief can feel and its intensity.
Symbolism	“all the leaves gone almost from the trees”	The leaves symbolize life and its cycles, with the falling leaves representing death and the inevitable passage of time.
Syntax Variation	“he panting and aged, me looking at the blue.”	The unusual structure of the line shifts focus from the dog’s age to the speaker’s gaze at the sky, allowing both the dog’s mortality and the speaker’s contemplation to coexist.
Tone	Entire poem	The tone is intimate, introspective, and tender, allowing readers to feel the speaker’s quiet grief and dedication to preserving her loved one’s memory.
Visual Imagery	“A stand of hemlock across the lake catches my eye.”	The specific image of hemlock (a tree associated with death) introduces a visual that symbolizes mortality, connecting nature’s cycles with the theme of human life and death.

Themes: “Before She Died” by Karen Chase

1. Grief and Remembrance: The poem centers on the theme of grief as the speaker grapples with the absence of a loved one. Through the line, “When I look at the sky now, I look at it for you,” Chase conveys how the speaker now experiences the world with a sense of duty to remember, as if seeing and feeling things on behalf of the deceased. This act of remembrance transforms the mundane, like looking at the sky, into a poignant tribute, indicating how memories linger in everyday moments and places. The speaker’s connection to the departed reshapes her experiences, grounding grief in shared, albeit silent, moments of observation.
2. The Passage of Time: Chase subtly weaves the passage of time as an underlying theme, using seasonal and life cycle imagery. Lines like “With all the leaves gone almost from the trees” illustrate the seasonal shift toward winter, symbolizing the natural progression toward the end of life. This seasonal reference reflects both the physical loss of a loved one and the internal transformation of the speaker, who feels time stretching and warping under the weight of grief. By emphasizing slow moments and a contemplative tone, Chase portrays time as both a reminder of life’s fragility and an element that influences our perception of loss.
3. Mortality and the Cycles of Nature: Mortality is intertwined with nature in this poem, suggesting that death is a natural, if still painful, part of life. The image of a “stand of hemlock across the lake” serves as a symbol of mortality, as hemlock is often associated with poison and death. The speaker’s reflection on “finite…lustered days” hints at the fleeting nature of life, evoking a sense of appreciation for each day while acknowledging its inevitable end. By drawing on these natural cycles, Chase uses nature as a parallel to human life and death, reminding readers that mortality is woven into the fabric of existence.
4. Connection Beyond Death: A sense of continued connection with the deceased pervades the poem, with the speaker’s actions often framed as being “for you,” the departed loved one. This notion is further developed in lines like “It will take a long time to know how it is for you,” where the speaker admits to an enduring curiosity and connection with the loved one’s experience in death. The speaker’s willingness to look at the sky, “as if with enough attention, I could take it in for you,” suggests a spiritual bond that transcends physical separation. This connection illustrates how memory and love continue to shape the speaker’s world, offering a bridge between life and death.

Literary Theories and “Before She Died” by Karen Chase

Literary Theory	Application to “Before She Died”	References from the Poem
Psychoanalytic Theory	Psychoanalytic theory, especially Freud’s ideas on mourning and melancholia, can be used to examine how the speaker internalizes the loss and grief associated with a loved one’s death. The speaker’s repetitive actions, such as looking at the sky “for you,” signify an attachment to the deceased that manifests as a subconscious way of maintaining a connection with them. This theory explores how grief can influence one’s actions, emotions, and perceptions, revealing the depth of the speaker’s attachment and the emotional transformation following the loss.	“When I look at the sky now, I look at it for you” reflects how the speaker projects their memories and feelings onto the external world as a means to process the loss. “As if with enough attention, I could take it in for you,” further indicates an attempt to internalize the loved one’s presence.
Ecocriticism	Ecocriticism, which examines the relationship between humans and nature, is relevant as the poem intricately links nature with themes of mortality and remembrance. The cyclical imagery, such as “all the leaves gone almost from the trees,” suggests that nature mirrors human experiences of loss and renewal. Through ecocriticism, we can interpret the natural elements in the poem as symbolic representations of the human life cycle, reflecting a shared existence and transience between humans and the natural world.	The line “A stand of hemlock across the lake catches my eye” reflects nature’s ever-present reminder of mortality, while “he panting and aged, me looking at the blue” depicts a moment of communion with nature, suggesting an alignment between human emotions and natural cycles.
Existentialism	Existentialism, which explores themes of life, death, and individual meaning, is prominent in the speaker’s contemplation of mortality and the search for meaning after the loss. The speaker reflects on the finite nature of time, grappling with existential questions about life and what it means to be connected beyond death. The contemplation of “finite…lustered days” suggests an existential awareness, where the speaker confronts the temporary nature of existence and the desire to find purpose within it, even in the face of loss.	“It will take a long time to know how it is for you” reflects the existential uncertainty surrounding the afterlife and the human search for meaning in death. “Like a dog’s lifetime — long — multiplied by sevens” conveys an awareness of time’s limits, adding an existential depth to the speaker’s reflection on mortality.

Critical Questions about “Before She Died” by Karen Chase

• How does the speaker’s perspective on the natural world change in light of loss?
• In “Before She Died,” the speaker’s perception of nature is filtered through the lens of grief, transforming everyday scenes into moments of deep reflection. For instance, the line “When I look at the sky now, I look at it for you” reflects how the speaker sees nature not just for herself but also on behalf of the loved one who has passed. This shift implies that the natural world has become a medium for connection with the deceased, where the speaker finds solace and continuity in shared experiences. The observation of “a stand of hemlock across the lake” and the “finite…lustered days” further underscores how nature mirrors mortality, creating a reflective space where the speaker contemplates the temporal beauty of life.
• What role does time play in the speaker’s grieving process?
• Time in the poem is portrayed as both a healer and an intensifier of grief, reflecting how the speaker perceives it as both slow and expansive. The comparison of time to “a dog’s lifetime — long — multiplied by sevens” underscores the stretched feeling of grief, as if mourning expands and elongates one’s experience of time. Additionally, the phrase “finite…lustered days” suggests a heightened awareness of time’s limits, as each day is filled with the preciousness of fleeting life. This interplay of time emphasizes that grieving is an ongoing, gradual process, with time sometimes feeling infinite in its extension of sorrow and longing for understanding.
• In what ways does Chase use the speaker’s dog as a symbol in the poem?
• The dog in “Before She Died” serves as a symbol of companionship, loyalty, and the continuity of life amidst loss. The dog, “panting and aged,” mirrors the speaker’s journey through grief, as both are bound by mortality and the passage of time. By leaning on the dog and sharing a quiet moment in the field, the speaker finds comfort and stability in this loyal companion, reflecting a mutual, unspoken understanding of life’s fragility. The dog’s presence also serves as a contrast to the absence of the loved one, highlighting both the companionship that endures and the void left by the deceased.
• How does the poem explore the concept of connection beyond physical presence?
• Chase delves into the idea of a connection that transcends physical presence, as the speaker attempts to bridge the gap between life and death through memory and observation. Lines like “As if with enough attention, I could take it in for you” reveal the speaker’s desire to keep the deceased close by experiencing the world as though for both of them. This desire indicates a belief in a spiritual or emotional connection that persists beyond death, as the speaker continues to reflect on the loved one’s experiences and “how it is for you” in the afterlife. This ongoing sense of connection serves as a testament to the enduring bonds of love and memory, suggesting that while death ends physical presence, emotional connections remain resilient.

Literary Works Similar to “Before She Died” by Karen Chase

1. “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas
   Similar in its exploration of mortality and the human response to death, this poem shares a sense of grappling with loss and the desire to maintain connection.
2. “Funeral Blues” by W.H. Auden
   Auden’s poem captures the weight of grief and the altered perception of the world after losing a loved one, mirroring Chase’s reflective tone.
3. “One Art” by Elizabeth Bishop
   This poem examines the inevitability of loss and the emotional difficulty of letting go, paralleling the themes of mourning and acceptance in Chase’s work.
4. “Because I could not stop for Death” by Emily Dickinson
   Dickinson’s portrayal of death as a journey and the lingering sense of connection beyond life is akin to the contemplative approach to mortality in Chase’s poem.
5. “In Blackwater Woods” by Mary Oliver
   Oliver’s meditation on nature, loss, and the acceptance of life’s impermanence resonates with the themes of nature and mortality that are central in “Before She Died.”

Representative Quotations of “Before She Died” by Karen Chase

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“When I look at the sky now, I look at it for you.”	The speaker views the sky as if seeing it on behalf of the deceased, showing a profound shift in perception after loss.	Psychoanalytic Theory: This line reflects the speaker’s internalized grief, as she projects her emotions and experiences onto the world, creating a connection with the departed.
“As if with enough attention, I could take it in for you.”	The speaker hopes to preserve moments for the loved one, emphasizing her attempt to keep them alive through memory.	Existentialism: This reflects the human desire to find meaning in existence and loss, suggesting that the act of observation is a way to give continued presence to the deceased.
“With all the leaves gone almost from the trees”	The seasonal imagery evokes a time of transition and endings, symbolizing both natural and personal cycles of life.	Ecocriticism: This line uses nature to symbolize mortality and the inevitability of death, suggesting that the natural world mirrors the speaker’s own experience of loss.
“I did not walk briskly through the field.”	The speaker’s slowed pace reflects a more contemplative, grief-stricken state, contrasting with her previous actions.	Psychoanalytic Theory: Grief has slowed the speaker’s actions, revealing how loss impacts physical and mental energy, creating a shift in her connection to familiar routines.
“Late today with my dog Wool, I lay down in the upper field”	The speaker finds solace with her dog in a familiar place, suggesting a shared moment of quiet reflection.	Human-Animal Studies: The dog represents a grounding connection and companionship, showing how animals offer comfort and stability during periods of human emotional turmoil.
“he panting and aged, me looking at the blue.”	The speaker’s aging dog is a symbol of mortality, reflecting the natural progression of life and her own introspection.	Ecocriticism: Nature, including animals, reflects the theme of life’s transience, illustrating how all beings are bound by time, reinforcing the speaker’s reflections on mortality.
“I wondered how finite these lustered days seem to you.”	The speaker contemplates how precious life might have felt to the deceased, questioning perspectives on life’s fleeting beauty.	Existentialism: The phrase explores the concept of life’s brevity and beauty, suggesting that awareness of mortality heightens appreciation for fleeting moments.
“A stand of hemlock across the lake catches my eye.”	Hemlock, a tree associated with death, captures the speaker’s attention, symbolizing mortality in nature’s setting.	Symbolism: Hemlock serves as a visual representation of death, emphasizing the theme of mortality through natural elements that remind the speaker of life’s inevitable end.
“It will take a long time to know how it is for you.”	The speaker acknowledges the prolonged uncertainty of understanding the deceased’s experience in death.	Phenomenology: This line reflects the limitations of human perception and understanding, suggesting that death is ultimately unknowable and beyond the reach of the living.
“Like a dog’s lifetime — long — multiplied by sevens.”	The comparison highlights the concept of prolonged grief, emphasizing how loss seems to stretch time.	Psychoanalytic Theory: This emphasizes the speaker’s emotional state, where time feels extended due to the enduring impact of grief, a common experience in mourning.

Suggested Readings: “Before She Died” by Karen Chase

1. Chase, Karen. “The Modern Family and the Ancient Image in ‘Romola.'” Dickens Studies Annual, vol. 14, 1985, pp. 303–26. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44371535. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.
2. Chase, Karen. “The Kindness of Consanguinity: Family History in ‘Henry Esmond.'” Modern Language Studies, vol. 16, no. 3, 1986, pp. 213–26. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3194901. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.
3. Chase, Karen. Land of stone: Breaking silence through poetry. Wayne State University Press, 2007.