Dickinson's Sabbath: Bell Vs. Song Meaning Explained

"And instead of tolling the Bell, for Church, Our little Sexton - sings."

Delving into Emily Dickinson's concise yet profound poem, "Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church," we encounter a fascinating juxtaposition between traditional religious practices and a more personal, intimate form of worship. The lines you've highlighted, "And instead of tolling the Bell, for Church, / Our little Sexton - sings," encapsulate this contrast beautifully. To understand why Dickinson opposes "tolling the Bell" with "sings," we need to unpack the symbolic weight each phrase carries within the context of the poem and her broader worldview. The "tolling of the Bell" traditionally signifies a call to communal worship, a summons to gather within the physical confines of a church. It represents structured, formal religion, with its prescribed rituals and adherence to established doctrines. The bell's sound is public, imposing, and authoritative, dictating the time and place for religious observance. In contrast, the "sings" of the "little Sexton" embody a more individualistic and heartfelt expression of faith. This isn't a grand, orchestrated hymn sung by a choir, but a simple, personal melody arising from the Sexton's own spirit. The Sexton, often a caretaker of the church, is here reimagined as a source of authentic spiritual expression, replacing the formal call to worship with a spontaneous act of devotion. Dickinson's opposition, therefore, stems from her preference for the latter. She favors a direct, unmediated connection with the divine over the rigid structures of organized religion. The poem as a whole champions the idea that Sabbath can be observed anywhere, anytime, through personal communion with nature and the self. The "tolling Bell" represents the external pressure to conform to religious norms, while the "sings" symbolize the internal freedom to express faith in one's own way. Dickinson, known for her unconventional views on religion and her reclusive lifestyle, likely found the formality and perceived hypocrisy of organized religion stifling. Her poetry often explores themes of nature, spirituality, and the self, suggesting a deeply personal and unconventional relationship with the divine. In this context, the opposition between the bell and the song becomes a powerful statement about the individual's right to define their own spiritual path, free from the constraints of societal expectations. It's a celebration of authenticity and a quiet rebellion against the perceived artificiality of traditional religious practices. The contrast highlights Dickinson's belief that true faith resides not in external rituals, but in the internal experience of the soul. It's about finding Sabbath within oneself, rather than seeking it in a designated place or time. So, Dickinson's opposition is rooted in her preference for genuine, personal spirituality over the rigid formalities of institutionalized religion. The "tolling Bell" represents the external, imposed structure, while the "sings" represent the internal, authentic expression of faith. The poem celebrates the freedom to find Sabbath in one's own way, through personal communion with the divine.

Deeper Analysis of "Tolling the Bell"

To further understand Dickinson's aversion to "tolling the Bell," let's consider the historical and social context of the poem. During the 19th century, when Dickinson was writing, organized religion held a prominent place in American society. Church attendance was a social expectation, and religious doctrines often dictated moral and ethical norms. However, beneath the surface of this seemingly unified religious landscape, there were undercurrents of skepticism and a growing desire for more personal and authentic spiritual experiences. Dickinson, with her independent spirit and keen intellect, was likely influenced by these undercurrents. The "tolling of the Bell" can be seen as a symbol of this dominant religious establishment, with its emphasis on conformity and adherence to prescribed rituals. The bell's sound is a command, a summons to gather and participate in a collective act of worship. It represents the power of the church to dictate religious practice and to define what constitutes acceptable faith. For someone like Dickinson, who valued individual thought and experience, this kind of external control would have been deeply unsettling. She likely saw the "tolling Bell" as a symbol of spiritual constraint, a barrier to the kind of direct, unmediated connection with the divine that she sought. Moreover, the act of "tolling" itself can be interpreted as a mechanical, repetitive action, devoid of genuine feeling. It's a routine, a tradition performed out of obligation rather than heartfelt devotion. This sense of routine and obligation may have been particularly distasteful to Dickinson, who prized authenticity and spontaneity in all aspects of life. In contrast to the bell's impersonal call, the "sings" of the "little Sexton" represent a more organic and personal expression of faith. The Sexton's song arises from within, a spontaneous outpouring of devotion that is not dictated by external rules or expectations. It's a moment of genuine connection with the divine, unburdened by the weight of tradition or social pressure. Therefore, Dickinson's opposition to the "tolling Bell" is not simply a rejection of organized religion, but a deeper critique of the forces that can stifle individual expression and prevent authentic spiritual experience. It's a call for a more personal and meaningful relationship with the divine, one that is rooted in individual thought, feeling, and experience. The "tolling Bell" represents the external pressures to conform, while the "sings" represent the internal freedom to express one's faith in one's own way. It's a celebration of the individual spirit and a testament to the power of personal conviction. Dickinson's lines are a powerful statement about the importance of finding one's own path to the divine, free from the constraints of societal expectations and the dictates of organized religion. It's a message that resonates even today, as individuals continue to grapple with questions of faith, spirituality, and the search for meaning in a complex world.

The Significance of "Sings"

The phrase "Our little Sexton - sings" is deceptively simple, yet it carries a wealth of meaning within the context of Dickinson's poem. The use of the word "little" to describe the Sexton is particularly significant. It suggests humility, modesty, and a lack of pretension. This is not a grand, imposing figure like a bishop or a priest, but a simple caretaker of the church, someone who might be overlooked or underestimated. Yet, it is this "little Sexton" who becomes the voice of authentic faith, replacing the formal call to worship with a spontaneous song. The act of "singing" itself is also laden with symbolism. Singing is often associated with joy, celebration, and emotional expression. It's a way of conveying feelings and ideas that words alone cannot capture. In this context, the Sexton's song represents a heartfelt expression of devotion, a direct and unmediated connection with the divine. It's a personal offering, a spontaneous outpouring of faith that arises from within. Unlike the "tolling Bell," which is a mechanical, impersonal sound, the Sexton's song is a living, breathing expression of the human spirit. It's a testament to the power of individual experience and the ability to find meaning and connection in unexpected places. Moreover, the fact that the Sexton "sings" instead of performing a more traditional religious act is also significant. It suggests a rejection of formality and a preference for authenticity. The Sexton is not reciting prayers or leading hymns, but creating their own unique expression of faith. This aligns with Dickinson's broader critique of organized religion, which she often saw as stifling and artificial. The Sexton's song is a reminder that true faith is not about following prescribed rituals or adhering to established doctrines, but about finding one's own way to connect with the divine. It's about expressing one's own unique understanding of faith, in a way that is genuine and meaningful to the individual. In essence, the phrase "Our little Sexton - sings" is a powerful affirmation of the individual spirit and the importance of finding one's own path to the divine. It's a celebration of authenticity, humility, and the power of personal expression. The Sexton's song is a beacon of hope, a reminder that true faith resides not in external rituals, but in the internal experience of the soul. It's a message that resonates deeply with Dickinson's own unconventional views on religion and her unwavering belief in the power of the individual spirit. So, the "little Sexton" represents the unassuming source of genuine spiritual expression, and the "sings" embodies the heartfelt, unmediated connection with the divine that Dickinson valued above all else. The phrase as a whole encapsulates her belief in the power of individual faith and the importance of finding one's own path to spiritual fulfillment.