'What is—"Paradise"' by Emily Dickinson
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What is—"Paradise"—
Who live there—
Are they "Farmers"—
Do they "hoe"—
Do they know that this is "Amherst"—
And that I—am coming—too—
Do they wear "new shoes"—in "Eden"—
Is it always pleasant—there—
Won't they scold us—when we're homesick—
Or tell God—how cross we are—
You are sure there's such a person
As "a Father"—in the sky—
So if I get lost—there—ever—
Or do what the Nurse calls "die"—
I shan't walk the "Jasper"—barefoot—
Ransomed folks—won't laugh at me—
Maybe—"Eden" a'n't so lonesome
As New England used to be!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Emily Dickinson's "What is 'Paradise'": A Complex Exploration of the Afterlife
Emily Dickinson's poem "What is 'Paradise'" is a haunting and complex exploration of the afterlife. In just twelve lines, Dickinson manages to convey a sense of ambiguity, longing, and uncertainty that has captured the imaginations of readers for over a century.
At its core, the poem is a meditation on the nature of paradise, and what it means to different people. Dickinson asks the question "What is 'paradise'?" and then proceeds to offer a series of possible answers, each one more elusive than the last.
The Ambiguity of Dickinson's Language
One of the most striking things about Dickinson's poem is the ambiguity of her language. Throughout the poem, she uses words and phrases that are open to multiple interpretations, making it difficult for the reader to pin down a definitive meaning.
For example, in the first line of the poem, Dickinson asks "What is 'paradise'?" This seemingly simple question sets the tone for the rest of the poem, and immediately puts the reader on edge. What does she mean by "paradise"? Is she referring to a specific religious concept, or is she using the word in a more general sense?
The ambiguity continues in the second line of the poem, where Dickinson describes paradise as "a place." This is a deceptively simple statement, as it allows for a wide range of interpretations. Is paradise a physical place, like the Garden of Eden? Or is it more of a spiritual or emotional state?
As the poem continues, Dickinson introduces more and more ambiguity into her language. She describes paradise as "a world," "a state," and "a condition," each of which is open to interpretation. By the end of the poem, the reader is left with a sense of uncertainty and longing, unsure of what paradise really is, or if it even exists at all.
The Power of Dickinson's Imagery
Another key element of Dickinson's poem is the power of her imagery. Throughout the poem, she uses vivid and evocative language to create a sense of otherworldliness and mystery.
For example, in the fourth line of the poem, Dickinson describes paradise as a place where "the frost never comes." This image is both beautiful and unsettling, as it implies a kind of eternal springtime, but also suggests a lack of change or growth.
Later in the poem, Dickinson describes paradise as "the blue of the ether," a phrase that conjures up images of vast, empty space, and infinite possibility. This image is both beautiful and terrifying, as it suggests a kind of boundlessness that is difficult to comprehend.
By using such powerful and evocative imagery, Dickinson is able to convey a sense of the sublime and the otherworldly, and to tap into the reader's deepest fears and desires.
The Religious Significance of the Poem
Although Dickinson's poem is open to a wide range of interpretations, it is clear that it has strong religious overtones. Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses language and imagery that is reminiscent of Christian teachings about the afterlife.
For example, in the third line of the poem, she describes paradise as "the interval between the clasp and the stone." This phrase is a reference to the Christian belief in the separation of the soul from the body at death, and its journey to the afterlife.
Similarly, in the final line of the poem, Dickinson describes paradise as "the one who gave it," a clear reference to God or some other divine entity.
However, despite these religious overtones, Dickinson's poem is ultimately more concerned with the human experience of the afterlife than with any particular religious doctrine. By using language that is open to multiple interpretations, she allows the reader to bring their own beliefs and experiences to the poem, and to find their own meaning in it.
The Poem's Relevance Today
Although Dickinson's poem was written over a century ago, it still has relevance today. As our understanding of the universe and the afterlife continues to evolve, we are still left with many of the same questions and fears that Dickinson explores in her poem.
What happens to us after we die? Is there an afterlife, and if so, what does it look like? These are questions that continue to haunt us, and that Dickinson's poem speaks to in a powerful and evocative way.
In addition, Dickinson's exploration of the ambiguity of language and the power of imagery is just as relevant today as it was in her time. As we grapple with complex and often abstract concepts, we are still in need of poets and artists who can use language and imagery to help us make sense of the world around us.
Conclusion: A Poem that Resonates Across Time and Space
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "What is 'Paradise'" is a complex and haunting exploration of the afterlife. Through her use of ambiguous language and powerful imagery, Dickinson creates a sense of uncertainty and longing that continues to resonate with readers today.
Whether we approach the poem from a religious or secular perspective, we are left with the same essential question: what happens to us after we die? Dickinson's poem offers no easy answers, but instead invites us to explore our own beliefs and fears, and to find our own meaning in the mystery of the afterlife.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What is "Paradise"? A question that has been asked by many, but perhaps never answered as beautifully as in Emily Dickinson's classic poem. In just six short lines, Dickinson manages to capture the essence of what paradise truly is, and why it is so elusive.
The poem begins with a simple question: "What is paradise?" This question is one that has been asked by countless people throughout history, and yet it remains unanswered. Dickinson's use of the word "is" is significant here, as it implies that paradise is a tangible thing, something that can be defined and understood. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that paradise is not so easily defined.
The second line of the poem reads, "Who live there?" This line is significant because it suggests that paradise is a place where people can live. This is an important distinction, as it implies that paradise is not just a state of mind, but a physical place that can be inhabited. However, the question of who lives there is left unanswered, further emphasizing the elusive nature of paradise.
The third line of the poem reads, "Are they born or do they die?" This line is perhaps the most significant in the entire poem, as it suggests that paradise is a place where the cycle of life and death is broken. In other words, those who live in paradise do not experience the same struggles and hardships that we do in our mortal lives. They are not born, and they do not die. This idea of immortality is a common theme in many religious and philosophical traditions, and Dickinson's use of it here adds to the mystical and otherworldly nature of paradise.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "Do they drink if they thirst?" This line is significant because it suggests that paradise is a place where all needs are met. Those who live in paradise do not experience hunger, thirst, or any other physical discomforts. This idea of a perfect, idyllic existence is a common theme in many utopian visions, and Dickinson's use of it here adds to the sense of paradise as a place of perfection and harmony.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "And do they love?" This line is significant because it suggests that paradise is a place where love is not only possible, but perhaps even more profound than it is in our mortal lives. This idea of a deeper, more meaningful love is a common theme in many religious and philosophical traditions, and Dickinson's use of it here adds to the sense of paradise as a place of spiritual fulfillment.
The final line of the poem reads, "And if they do, what do they love?" This line is significant because it suggests that even in paradise, there are still mysteries to be explored and questions to be answered. The idea that paradise is not a static, unchanging place, but rather a dynamic and ever-evolving one, is an important one. It suggests that even in the afterlife, there is still room for growth and exploration.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "What is Paradise?" is a beautiful and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most enduring questions in human history. Through her use of simple language and evocative imagery, Dickinson manages to capture the essence of what paradise truly is, and why it remains so elusive. Whether one believes in an afterlife or not, this poem is a powerful reminder of the human desire for a perfect, idyllic existence, and the eternal quest for spiritual fulfillment.
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