The poem written by Emily Dickinson is largely concerned with discussing the subject of pain. Instead of examining the causes of suffering themselves, it occupies itself with understanding the feeling itself at a deeper level, connecting it with the static numbness of the after-pain. Dickinson attempts to describe the innermost depths of a person who experienced tremendous suffering.
Disregarding the potential causes behind such trauma, and being wholly uninterested in them, she instead focuses on the feelings and experiences of people that had to overcome pain. As described in the poem, “The Nerves sit ceremonious, like Tombs”, which is a metaphor used to highlight the unusual and unnerving stillness of grief or trauma (Dickinson, n.d.). After moments of agony, an almost mechanical feeling of forced immobilization comes, rendering the person unable to effectively process their feelings or come back to their usual routine. This piece chooses to engage with suffering as a subject in and of itself, one worthy of further study and understanding. The author compares the feeling of being unable to do anything to objects like quartz, or stone. It appears that a mix of fascination and deep sadness radiates from the narrative’s portrayal. While it lacks a degree of social commentary or critique that can often make poems more relatable, it instead evokes a more philosophically-inclined discussion.
Compared to Dickinson’s piece, Blake chooses to interact with suffering on a fundamentally different level. In particular, he uses suffering as a shorthand for injustice and social woes, allowing the reader to understand the negative effects of such things as poverty (“London,” n.d.). In the piece, the author primarily draws attention to the people who have to suffer daily, are disallowed to possess the dignity of a safe or well-paying job, are socially ostracized, and lack authority. Instead of careful and thoughtful exploration, Blake’s piece is a direct condemnation of suffering and its effects on the populace. The poem is aptly named “London”, drawing attention to the particular plights of regular people in big developing cities. While many considered the shift toward more centralized living as a positive, some did not have the luxury of a choice or an opinion.
London showcases the brutal cruelty of the raw world and the pains of its people. A stark difference comes from the lack of interest Blake has in examining the tragedy or details of suffering itself. Instead, suffering is more of a conduit, something that should be remedied and seriously discussed.
References
Dickinson, E. (n.d.). After great pain, a formal feeling comes. Poetry Foundation.
London. (n.d.). poets.org | Academy of American Poets.