The tone of Emily Dickinson’s poem ‘I felt a Funeral, in my Brain’ is complex and evolves throughout the piece. Initially, the tone can be described as somber and reflective, as the speaker describes a sense of loss and confusion. The imagery of a funeral suggests a deep sense of mourning and mental distress, which sets a grave atmosphere from the outset.
As the poem progresses, the tone shifts towards a more chaotic feeling. The mention of the ‘beaten drums’ and ‘mourners’ creates a sense of overwhelming noise and disorientation. This shift illustrates the speaker’s escalating psychological disarray. The experience of the funeral becomes not just an external event but a profound internal struggle.
Ultimately, the tone culminates in a stark realization of isolation and helplessness. The repetition of certain phrases emphasizes the emotional weight and the finality of the speaker’s experience. By the conclusion of the poem, the tone melds despair with a hint of resignation, capturing the tumultuous journey of the speaker’s descent into madness.