'Tell as a Marksman—were forgotten' by Emily Dickinson


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1152

Tell as a Marksman—were forgotten
Tell—this Day endures
Ruddy as that coeval Apple
The Tradition bears—

Fresh as Mankind that humble story
Though a statelier Tale
Grown in the Repetition hoary
Scarcely would prevail—

Tell had a son—The ones that knew it
Need not linger here—
Those who did not to Human Nature
Will subscribe a Tear—

Tell would not bare his Head
In Presence
Of the Ducal Hat—
Threatened for that with Death—by Gessler—
Tyranny bethought

Make of his only Boy a Target
That surpasses Death—
Stolid to Love's supreme entreaty
Not forsook of Faith—

Mercy of the Almighty begging—
Tell his Arrow sent—
God it is said replies in Person
When the cry is meant—

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

Tell as a Marksman—were forgotten

by Emily Dickinson

Introduction

Emily Dickinson is one of the most popular and enigmatic poets in the history of English literature. Her poetry is characterized by its brevity, unconventional punctuation, and use of slant rhyme. In this essay, I will be analyzing and interpreting one of her most famous works, "Tell as a Marksman—were forgotten."

Overview

"Tell as a Marksman—were forgotten" is a short, four-line poem that seems to be about the power of words. The speaker of the poem seems to be suggesting that words can be as powerful as a marksman's bullet, and that they have the ability to hit their target with deadly accuracy. The poem is open to interpretation, and there are many different ways to approach it.

Analysis

The first line of the poem, "Tell as a Marksman—were forgotten," is a simile that compares telling something to the act of shooting a gun. The use of the word "marksman" suggests that the speaker is talking about a skilled shooter who is able to hit their target with precision. The line also includes the word "forgotten," which adds an element of mystery to the poem.

The second line of the poem, "Tell—all the Calvary," suggests that the speaker is talking about a military setting. The use of the word "calvary" suggests that the soldiers are on horseback, which was a common mode of transportation for soldiers in the 19th century. The line also suggests that the speaker is urging someone to "tell" something to the soldiers, but it is not clear what they are supposed to be telling them.

The third line of the poem, "Nay—more—than Armistice," adds to the military theme of the poem. The word "Armistice" refers to a temporary cessation of hostilities between warring parties. The line suggests that whatever the speaker is urging someone to tell the soldiers is more important than a temporary peace between enemies.

The final line of the poem, "Forgets—the Round—the teller—and the told," is the most enigmatic line in the poem. The line suggests that whatever the speaker is urging someone to tell the soldiers will be forgotten by everyone involved. The use of the word "Round" suggests that the speaker is talking about a battle or skirmish, and that whatever is being told to the soldiers is somehow related to this.

Interpretation

The poem is open to interpretation, and there are many different ways to approach it. One interpretation is that the poem is about the power of words in a military setting. The use of the word "calvary" suggests that the soldiers are on horseback, which was a common mode of transportation for soldiers in the 19th century. The poem suggests that whatever the speaker is urging someone to tell the soldiers is more important than a temporary peace between enemies.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is about the power of words in general. The use of the word "marksman" suggests that the speaker is talking about a skilled shooter who is able to hit their target with precision. The poem suggests that words can be as powerful as a marksman's bullet, and that they have the ability to hit their target with deadly accuracy.

Overall, "Tell as a Marksman—were forgotten" is a short, enigmatic poem that is open to interpretation. The poem seems to be about the power of words in a military or general setting, and suggests that words can be as powerful as a marksman's bullet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "Tell as a Marksman—were forgotten" is a short, but powerful poem that is open to interpretation. The poem suggests that words can be just as deadly as a marksman's bullet, and that they have the power to hit their target with deadly accuracy. The poem is enigmatic and open to interpretation, and it is a testament to Emily Dickinson's skill as a poet.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her poem "Tell as a Marksman—were forgotten" is a classic example of her unique style and poetic genius. In this poem, Dickinson explores the theme of memory and its fleeting nature, using vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to convey her message.

The poem begins with the line "Tell as a Marksman—were forgotten," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "marksman" suggests a skilled shooter, someone who is precise and accurate in their aim. However, the fact that this marksman has been forgotten implies that even the most skilled and talented individuals can be forgotten over time.

Dickinson goes on to describe the marksman's skill in detail, using language that is both beautiful and haunting. She writes, "His arrows—vied with every shaft / The cunning of the skies." This line suggests that the marksman's arrows were so precise and powerful that they could compete with the very forces of nature.

However, despite his incredible skill, the marksman is forgotten. Dickinson writes, "The whole forgotten sky / Of yesterday, the whole / Election led away." This line suggests that even the most impressive accomplishments can be forgotten over time, and that memory is a fickle and unreliable thing.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses vivid imagery to convey her message. She writes, "The sun, the moon, the stars / The kingly face of day / Begotten were forgotten / For their forgetful play." This line suggests that even the most powerful and awe-inspiring elements of nature can be forgotten over time, and that memory is a fragile and fleeting thing.

In the final stanza of the poem, Dickinson brings her message home with a powerful metaphor. She writes, "The memory of the past / Is like a forest bird / That flutters, then is still." This metaphor suggests that memory is like a bird that can be easily frightened away, and that it is difficult to hold onto memories for any length of time.

Overall, "Tell as a Marksman—were forgotten" is a powerful and haunting poem that explores the theme of memory and its fleeting nature. Through her use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Emily Dickinson conveys a message that is both beautiful and tragic. The poem serves as a reminder that even the most impressive accomplishments can be forgotten over time, and that memory is a fragile and unreliable thing.

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