“The Bustle in the House” The bustle in a house 1) Bustle: noise The morning after death Is solemnest of industries 2) Industries: a time period (times) Enacted upon earth,-- The sweeping up the heart, And putting love away We shall not want to use again Until eternity. “The Bustle in the House,” a poem that seems to reflect Dickinson’s obsession with Death and the feelings associated with he passing of loved ones. “the Bustle” …showed first 75 words of 145 total…

…showed last 75 words of 145 total…of loved ones. “the Bustle” Seems to refer to the mindless activity that is typical when relatives gather to mourn “the mourning after.” By referring to this activity as [the] “Solemnest of industries,” the poet seems to suggest that there is no greater homage paid than this respectful offer to help on in troubled times. The second stanza implies that we may not feel he degree of love until we meet in the next world.