'On a Columnar Self' by Emily Dickinson

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On a Columnar Self-
How ample to rely
In Tumult-or Extremity-
How good the CertaintyThat Lever cannot pry-
And Wedge cannot divide
Conviction-That Granitic Base-
Though None be on our Side-Suffice Us-for a Crowd-
Ourself-and Rectitude-
And that Assembly-not far off
From furthest Spirit-God-

Editor 1 Interpretation

On a Columnar Self by Emily Dickinson: A Masterpiece of Self-Discovery

Emily Dickinson was a poet who wrote about everything from nature to love to death. Her work is known for its simplicity, its imagery, and its depth. One of her most famous poems is On a Columnar Self, which is a beautiful exploration of the self and its relationship to the world.

The Poem

On a Columnar Self is a short poem, with only four stanzas of three lines each. The poem is written in the first person, and the speaker is describing their own experience of self-discovery. The first stanza sets the scene:

"As a columnar self – same to her stone – devised"

The speaker compares themselves to a columnar self, which is a type of stone column that is often used in architecture. The columnar self is "same to her stone," meaning that it is one with the stone it is made of. This comparison sets up the idea of the self as something solid and unchanging, but also something that is part of something greater.

The second stanza describes the speaker's own experience of self-discovery:

"To stop – and be – a solid granite – size – surmised"

The speaker has stopped, and in that moment they have become a "solid granite – size." This metaphorical transformation represents a deep understanding of the self, as if the speaker has discovered something that was always there but which they had not yet fully realized. The use of the word "surmised" suggests that this understanding is not complete, but is still being worked out.

The third stanza takes the comparison between the self and a columnar self further:

"Of all the granite range uncertain – of her own – the self is borne"

The speaker compares the self to "all the granite range," meaning all the stone columns that exist. The self is uncertain, just as the stone column is uncertain – it is not always clear what it is meant to support, or what its purpose is. But the self is also "borne" – it is created and supported by something greater.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close:

"I touch thee, – marble – and with a beaming eye – stand still – to catch the secret in thee."

The speaker touches the marble, which could be a reference to the columnar self they have been comparing themselves to. They do so with a "beaming eye," which suggests a sense of wonder and joy. And they stand still, hoping to "catch the secret" in the marble – a reference to the secrets of the self that they have been exploring throughout the poem.

Interpretation

On a Columnar Self is a beautiful exploration of the self and its relationship to the world. The poem is full of metaphors, which allow the speaker to convey complex ideas in a simple and beautiful way. At its core, the poem is about the discovery of the self and the way in which that discovery is connected to something greater – something beyond the self.

The comparison between the self and a columnar self is particularly powerful. The columnar self is a solid and unchanging object, but it is also part of something greater – it is one with the stone it is made of. In the same way, the self is solid and unchanging, but it is also part of something greater – it is created and supported by the world around it. This comparison allows the speaker to explore the idea of the self as something that is both individual and universal.

The poem is also about the process of self-discovery. The speaker has stopped, and in that moment they have become a "solid granite – size." This metaphorical transformation represents a deep understanding of the self, as if the speaker has discovered something that was always there but which they had not yet fully realized. The use of the word "surmised" suggests that this understanding is not complete, but is still being worked out. This idea is reinforced by the use of the word "borne" in the third stanza – the self is created and supported by something greater, but it is not yet fully understood.

The final stanza is particularly beautiful. The speaker touches the marble, which could be a reference to the columnar self they have been comparing themselves to. They do so with a "beaming eye," which suggests a sense of wonder and joy. And they stand still, hoping to "catch the secret" in the marble – a reference to the secrets of the self that they have been exploring throughout the poem. This final stanza is a beautiful conclusion to the poem, suggesting that self-discovery is an ongoing process and that there is always more to learn.

Conclusion

On a Columnar Self is a masterpiece of self-discovery. The poem is full of beautiful metaphors and imagery, which allow the speaker to explore complex ideas in a simple and beautiful way. The comparison between the self and a columnar self is particularly powerful, as it allows the speaker to explore the idea of the self as something that is both individual and universal. The final stanza is a beautiful conclusion to the poem, suggesting that self-discovery is an ongoing process and that there is always more to learn. Overall, this is a beautiful and powerful poem that deserves to be read and appreciated by all lovers of poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry On a Columnar Self: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, wrote Poetry On a Columnar Self in 1862. This poem is a masterpiece that has been analyzed and interpreted by scholars and enthusiasts alike for over a century. In this article, we will delve into the depths of this poem and explore its meaning, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the line, "Poetry is a columnar self." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and introduces the central theme of the poem, which is the relationship between poetry and the self. Dickinson uses the metaphor of a column to represent the self, which is a strong and stable structure that supports the weight of the body. The column also represents the individual, who stands tall and proud, unyielding to the pressures of society.

The second line of the poem reads, "– Poetry is the perception of a divine presence." Here, Dickinson suggests that poetry is not just a form of expression but a way of perceiving the world. Poetry allows us to see beyond the surface of things and perceive the divine presence that exists in all things. This divine presence can be interpreted as a spiritual force or a higher power that connects all things.

The third line of the poem reads, "– It is that which cometh from within." Here, Dickinson emphasizes the importance of the self in the creation of poetry. Poetry is not something that can be learned or taught; it comes from within the individual. The self is the source of inspiration for the poet, and it is through the self that the divine presence is perceived.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "– And that which cometh from without." Here, Dickinson acknowledges the role of external influences in the creation of poetry. The poet is not isolated from the world but is influenced by the people, places, and events that surround them. The external world provides the poet with material to work with, but it is the self that gives meaning to that material.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "– Ample make this bed." Here, Dickinson uses a metaphor to describe the process of creating poetry. The bed represents the space in which the poet works, and the act of making the bed represents the act of creating poetry. The word "ample" suggests that there is plenty of material to work with, and the poet must choose carefully what to include and what to leave out.

The sixth line of the poem reads, "– Make this bed with awe." Here, Dickinson emphasizes the importance of reverence and respect in the creation of poetry. The act of creating poetry is a sacred act, and the poet must approach it with a sense of awe and humility. The poet must be aware of the power of their words and the impact they can have on the world.

The seventh line of the poem reads, "– In it wait till judgment break." Here, Dickinson suggests that the act of creating poetry is not complete until it is judged by others. The poet must wait for the judgment of others before they can truly know the value of their work. This line also suggests that the act of creating poetry is an act of faith, and the poet must trust that their work will be judged fairly.

The eighth line of the poem reads, "– Excellent and fair." Here, Dickinson suggests that the goal of the poet is to create something that is excellent and fair. The word "excellent" suggests that the work must be of high quality, while the word "fair" suggests that the work must be just and equitable. The poet must strive to create something that is both beautiful and meaningful.

The ninth line of the poem reads, "– Be its mattress straight." Here, Dickinson uses a metaphor to describe the structure of the poem. The mattress represents the structure of the poem, and the word "straight" suggests that the structure must be strong and stable. The poet must choose the right words and arrange them in the right order to create a poem that is both beautiful and meaningful.

The tenth line of the poem reads, "– Be its pillow round." Here, Dickinson uses another metaphor to describe the structure of the poem. The pillow represents the softness and comfort of the poem, and the word "round" suggests that the structure must be smooth and flowing. The poet must choose the right words and arrange them in the right order to create a poem that is both beautiful and comfortable to read.

The eleventh line of the poem reads, "– Let no sunrise' yellow noise." Here, Dickinson suggests that the poet must be careful in their use of language. The word "noise" suggests that there is a danger in using language that is too loud or too bright. The poet must choose their words carefully and avoid language that is too flashy or distracting.

The twelfth line of the poem reads, "– Interrupt this door." Here, Dickinson uses a metaphor to describe the act of reading the poem. The door represents the barrier between the reader and the poem, and the act of interrupting the door suggests that the poem has the power to break down that barrier. The poet must create a poem that is so powerful and meaningful that it can break down the barriers between the reader and the poem.

In conclusion, Poetry On a Columnar Self is a masterpiece by Emily Dickinson that explores the relationship between poetry and the self. Dickinson uses metaphors and literary devices to create a poem that is both beautiful and meaningful. The poem emphasizes the importance of the self in the creation of poetry and the role of external influences in shaping the poet's work. The poem also emphasizes the importance of reverence and respect in the creation of poetry and the power of language to break down barriers between the reader and the poem. Poetry On a Columnar Self is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and captivate readers today.

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