'Emily Dickinson' by Linda Pastan
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We think of hidden in a white dress
among the folded linens and sachets
of well-kept cupboards, or just out of sight
sending jellies and notes with no address
to all the wondering Amherst neighbors.
Eccentric as New England weather
the stiff wind of her mind, stinging or gentle,
blew two half imagined lovers off.
Yet legend won't explain the sheer sanity
of vision, the serious mischief
of language, the economy of pain.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
Emily Dickinson is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated American poets of all time. Her works have stood the test of time and continue to inspire readers to this day. Linda Pastan's poem, "Emily Dickinson," is a brilliant piece of literature that offers a unique perspective on the life and works of Emily Dickinson. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the themes and motifs of the poem, explore its literary devices, and examine its significance in the context of literary canon.
Themes and Motifs
The main theme of "Emily Dickinson" is the idea of artistic isolation. Throughout the poem, Pastan portrays Dickinson as a solitary figure, who is misunderstood by society and her contemporaries. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for this theme:
"She lies in state at Amherst
in her white dress,
with the line of her verse
folded across her chest."
These lines suggest that Dickinson is not just physically isolated, but also emotionally and creatively isolated. Pastan goes on to describe Dickinson's life and works, portraying her as a recluse who was ahead of her time:
"She was a woman who wrote
in white, on scraps of paper,
impressions of the world
no one had seen before."
The motif of nature is also prominent in the poem. Dickinson was known for her love of nature and often used it as a source of inspiration in her works. Pastan references this in the lines:
"She conjured up the blue
depths of the sky,
the birds, the bees,
and the spices of the earth."
The use of nature in the poem serves to highlight Dickinson's unique perspective on the world around her and her ability to find beauty in even the simplest of things.
Literary Devices
"Emily Dickinson" is a beautifully crafted poem, filled with literary devices that enhance its overall impact. One of the most notable devices is the use of imagery. Throughout the poem, Pastan uses vivid and descriptive imagery to paint a picture of Dickinson's life and works. For example, the lines:
"Her words were like flies
trapped in a jar,
they buzzed and they rattled
inside her brain."
Here, Pastan uses the image of flies trapped in a jar to convey the idea that Dickinson's words and thoughts were trapped inside her, unable to escape. This image is both powerful and poignant, highlighting the frustration and isolation that Dickinson must have felt during her lifetime.
Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. Pastan repeats certain phrases and words throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and emphasis. For example, the repetition of "white" in the opening lines of the poem serves to highlight the idea of purity and innocence associated with Dickinson:
"She lies in state at Amherst
in her white dress,
with the line of her verse
folded across her chest."
The repetition of "white" throughout the poem also serves to reinforce the idea that Dickinson was a visionary, who saw the world in a different light than her contemporaries.
Significance in Literary Canon
"Emily Dickinson" is a significant work of literature that offers a unique perspective on the life and works of one of America's greatest poets. Pastan's poem serves as a tribute to Dickinson's legacy, while also shedding light on the isolation and struggles that she faced during her lifetime. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of artistic expression and the need to recognize and appreciate the works of those who were ahead of their time.
Furthermore, "Emily Dickinson" is significant in the context of literary canon, as it offers a feminist perspective on a female poet who was often overlooked during her lifetime. Pastan's portrayal of Dickinson as a visionary and a recluse serves to challenge traditional gender roles and expectations, while also highlighting the power of artistic expression.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Emily Dickinson" is a brilliant work of literature that offers a unique perspective on the life and works of Emily Dickinson. Through its use of themes, motifs, and literary devices, the poem explores the idea of artistic isolation, while also serving as a tribute to Dickinson's legacy. The poem is significant in the context of literary canon, as it challenges traditional gender roles and expectations, and serves to highlight the power of artistic expression. Overall, "Emily Dickinson" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that deserves a place among the great works of American literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and profound themes. Linda Pastan's poem "Poetry Emily Dickinson" is a tribute to the great poet, and it captures the essence of her work in a beautiful and insightful way.
The poem starts with the line "I read Emily Dickinson today," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is excited and eager to delve into the world of Emily Dickinson's poetry, and this enthusiasm is contagious. The use of the present tense also suggests that the speaker is actively engaged with Dickinson's work, and that it is still relevant and meaningful today.
The next few lines describe the speaker's experience of reading Dickinson's poetry. They are "startling, like a cold shower on a hot day," which suggests that the poems are refreshing and invigorating. The use of the simile also highlights the contrast between the familiar and the unexpected, which is a hallmark of Dickinson's work. The speaker is surprised and delighted by the poems, and this is conveyed through the vivid imagery.
The poem then goes on to describe some of the key themes and motifs in Dickinson's poetry. The speaker notes that "death is a frequent visitor," which is certainly true of Dickinson's work. Death is a recurring theme in her poetry, and it is often portrayed as a mysterious and enigmatic figure. The speaker also notes that "nature is a constant companion," which is another hallmark of Dickinson's work. Nature is often used as a metaphor for the human experience, and it is portrayed as both beautiful and terrifying.
The next few lines of the poem describe the speaker's emotional response to Dickinson's poetry. They are "haunting, like a melody you can't forget," which suggests that the poems have a lasting impact on the reader. The use of the simile also highlights the musicality of Dickinson's work, which is often noted by critics. The speaker is moved by the poems, and they linger in their mind long after they have finished reading.
The poem then goes on to describe the speaker's admiration for Dickinson as a poet. They note that she "defied the conventions of her time," which is certainly true. Dickinson's poetry was unconventional and challenging, and it often went against the norms of Victorian society. The speaker also notes that Dickinson "found beauty in the ordinary," which is another key aspect of her work. Dickinson's poetry often celebrates the mundane and the everyday, and it finds beauty in the smallest details of life.
The final lines of the poem are particularly powerful. The speaker notes that "her words are a gift," which suggests that Dickinson's poetry is something to be treasured and appreciated. The use of the word "gift" also suggests that the poems are valuable and meaningful, and that they have the power to enrich our lives. The poem ends with the line "I am grateful for her," which is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest poets in American literature.
Overall, Linda Pastan's poem "Poetry Emily Dickinson" is a beautiful and insightful tribute to the great poet. It captures the essence of Dickinson's work in a way that is both engaging and profound, and it reminds us of the enduring power of her poetry. The poem is a testament to the fact that Dickinson's work is still relevant and meaningful today, and that it continues to inspire and move readers around the world.
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