By reclining on the deathbed, the speaker is taking part in the rite of leaving mortality behind. Even though the audience members are convinced that the speaker is alive, the presence of a fly causes them to reevaluate their priorities and worldviews. The closing scene paints a picture of humanity’s long-standing beliefs and customs towards death because it includes references to both religion and family. Although the loss of a loved one is something to be mourned, the presence of a fly demonstrates that other people continue living their lives despite the loss. I Heard a Fly Buzz-When I Died Summary

The major theme of the poem surrounds the concept of death which is still a mystery to mankind. The poem serves as a journey from life to death. The larger question of whether an afterlife exists or not is underpinned by the actual moment of passing the threshold of life. The poem takes an ironic spin to it as it is being narrated from the perspective of someone who is already dead, yet is unable to tell what death actually feels like. Dickinson tries to imagine her take on death and appears less emotional as she adds a fly to the poem. This fly arrives as the speaker is taking its final breath and interrupts the seriousness of the situation. The mystery behind death is cut short by the sheer. The poem also adds another theme which is the idea of ritual and the meaning behind it. The ritual of people living mortality behind and the speaker is participating in this ritual by lying in the deathbed. Though people surrounding the speaker are convinced of life, the intrusion of a fly leads them to question the priorities and beliefs of human existence. The final scene presents a picture of mankind’s long established idea and traditions surrounding death as religion and family are all presented here. The loss of a dear one is worth mourning but it doesn’t stop others going on with their lives as shown by the inclusion of a fly.  I Heard a Fly Buzz-When I Died Summary