'The murmuring of Bees, has ceased' by Emily Dickinson

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The murmuring of Bees, has ceased
But murmuring of some
Posterior, prophetic,
Has simultaneous come.
The lower metres of the Year
When Nature's laugh is done
The Revelations of the Book
Whose Genesis was June.
Appropriate Creatures to her change
The Typic Mother sends
As Accent fades to interval
With separating Friends
Till what we speculate, has been
And thoughts we will not show
More intimate with us become
Than Persons, that we know.

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Murmuring of Bees Has Ceased: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Emily Dickinson's poem, "The Murmuring of Bees Has Ceased" is a thought-provoking and deeply moving piece of literature that explores themes of death, nature, and the cycles of life. Composed in the style of a hymn or a funeral dirge, the poem employs a range of literary techniques to evoke feelings of loss, mourning, and acceptance. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will take a closer look at the poem's structure, language, and symbolism to unpack its meaning and significance.

Structure and Form

At first glance, "The Murmuring of Bees Has Ceased" appears to be a simple poem, consisting of just four quatrains with a regular rhyme scheme (ABCB). However, on closer inspection, we can see that the poem's structure is more complex than it seems. Each quatrain is composed of two couplets, and the second line of each couplet is shorter than the first, giving the poem a sense of momentum and forward movement. Additionally, the poem is written in iambic tetrameter, with four beats per line, which creates a steady, almost march-like rhythm that adds to the poem's sense of solemnity and inevitability.

The poem's use of structure and form is significant in several ways. Firstly, it creates a sense of order and symmetry that reflects the natural cycles of life and death. The regularity of the poem's rhyme scheme and meter suggests that death is a natural part of the cycle of life, just as the changing seasons and the cycles of the natural world. Secondly, the poem's structure also reflects the emotional journey of the speaker, from the initial shock of loss to the eventual acceptance and transcendence of death. The poem's momentum and forward movement suggest that the speaker is moving through a process of grief and healing, rather than being stuck in a state of despair.

Language and Imagery

One of the most striking features of "The Murmuring of Bees Has Ceased" is its use of vivid imagery and sensory language. Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses a range of metaphors and similes to describe the natural world, creating a rich tapestry of sensory details that evoke the beauty and fragility of life. For example, in the first quatrain, the speaker describes the "orchard for a dome" and the "swaying emerald" of the trees, while in the second quatrain, she compares the "pebbles in the brook" to "little caskets." These images serve to heighten the poem's sense of loss and fragility, while also highlighting the beauty and transience of life.

The poem's use of sensory language is also significant in its depiction of death. Rather than shying away from the harsh realities of mortality, Dickinson uses vivid and often unsettling imagery to describe the process of decay and decomposition. In the third quatrain, for example, she describes the "moldering ear" and the "hollow eye," while in the final quatrain, she speaks of the "sod and shroud" that will cover the speaker's own body after death. These images are unsettling, yet they also serve to highlight the inevitability of death and the importance of accepting it as a natural part of life.

Symbolism and Theme

At its core, "The Murmuring of Bees Has Ceased" is a meditation on the themes of death, nature, and the cycles of life. Throughout the poem, Dickinson employs a range of symbols and motifs to explore these themes in greater depth. One of the most important symbols in the poem is the image of the bees. In the first line of the poem, Dickinson tells us that "The murmuring of bees has ceased," suggesting that the natural cycle of pollination and growth has come to an end. This image is significant in several ways. Firstly, it serves as a metaphor for the speaker's own mortality, suggesting that just as the bees must eventually cease their activity, so too must the speaker's own life come to an end. Secondly, the image of the bees also highlights the interdependence of all living things, and the idea that death is a natural part of the cycle of life and renewal.

Another important symbol in the poem is the image of the brook. In the second quatrain, the speaker describes the "pebbles in the brook" as "little caskets." This image is significant in several ways. Firstly, it highlights the idea that death is an inevitable part of the natural world, and that even the smallest and most insignificant objects are subject to the cycle of life and death. Secondly, the image of the brook also suggests the idea of movement and flow, and the sense that life is constantly in motion, even as it is subject to the forces of decay and change.

Finally, the poem's use of symbolism serves to highlight the importance of acceptance and transcendence in the face of death. Throughout the poem, the speaker acknowledges the inevitability of her own mortality, yet she also suggests that death is not an end, but rather a transformation. In the final quatrain, she speaks of the "sod and shroud" that will eventually cover her body, yet she also suggests that her spirit will continue on, "disembodied, cool as stone." This image highlights the idea that death is not the end of life, but rather a transition to a new form of existence, and that acceptance of this fact is the key to transcending our mortal limitations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Murmuring of Bees Has Ceased" is a beautiful and deeply moving poem that explores themes of death, nature, and the cycles of life. Through its use of structure, language, imagery, and symbolism, the poem offers a powerful meditation on the inevitability of mortality, while also highlighting the importance of acceptance, transcendence, and renewal. While the poem's themes are universal, its message is particularly relevant in our modern age, where death and mortality are often hidden from view, and the fragility and beauty of life are too often taken for granted. As such, "The Murmuring of Bees Has Ceased" is a timeless and enduring work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today, offering a message of hope and transcendence in the face of life's most profound mysteries.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The murmuring of Bees, has ceased, is a classic poem written by Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of the 19th century. This poem is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece of literature that explores the themes of nature, life, and death. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its meaning, symbolism, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the line, "The murmuring of Bees, has ceased," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "murmuring" creates a sense of peacefulness and tranquility, while the fact that it has ceased suggests that something has changed. The bees, which are often associated with life and vitality, have stopped murmuring, which could be interpreted as a sign of death or the end of something.

The second line of the poem, "But murmuring of some, wilder bee," introduces a new element to the poem. The use of the word "wilder" suggests that this bee is different from the others, perhaps more unpredictable or dangerous. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for life, which is often unpredictable and full of surprises.

The third line of the poem, "Pierces this chamber, in my ear," creates a sense of intimacy and closeness. The use of the word "chamber" suggests that the speaker is in a small, enclosed space, while the phrase "in my ear" suggests that the sound is very close to the speaker. This creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, as if the speaker is experiencing something very personal and profound.

The fourth line of the poem, "Murmuring of bees, has ceased," repeats the first line, creating a sense of symmetry and balance. This repetition also emphasizes the importance of the bees and their absence.

The fifth line of the poem, "But murmuring of some, lonely bee," introduces a new element to the poem. The use of the word "lonely" creates a sense of isolation and sadness, suggesting that this bee is alone and perhaps searching for something. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the human condition, which is often characterized by a sense of loneliness and longing.

The sixth line of the poem, "Cuts the silence, like a knife," creates a sense of tension and drama. The use of the word "cuts" suggests violence or aggression, while the phrase "like a knife" emphasizes the sharpness and danger of the sound. This creates a sense of unease and discomfort, as if something dangerous or unexpected is about to happen.

The seventh and final line of the poem, "But the sweetest, - if they were here," creates a sense of longing and nostalgia. The use of the word "sweetest" suggests that the speaker is remembering something pleasant or enjoyable, while the phrase "if they were here" suggests that this thing is no longer present. This creates a sense of loss and sadness, as if the speaker is mourning the loss of something important.

Overall, The murmuring of Bees, has ceased is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of nature, life, and death. The use of symbolism, repetition, and literary devices creates a sense of tension and drama, while the intimate and personal tone of the poem creates a sense of closeness and immediacy. This poem is a testament to Emily Dickinson's skill as a poet and her ability to capture the complexities of human experience in a few short lines.

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