'Like her the Saints retire' by Emily Dickinson
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Like her the Saints retire,
In their Chapeaux of fire,
Martial as she!
Like her the Evenings steal
Purple and Cochineal
After the Day!
"Departed"—both—they say!
i.e. gathered away,
Not found,
Argues the Aster still—
Reasons the Daffodil
Profound!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Like her the Saints retire: A Literary Criticism
Emily Dickinson's poem "Like her the Saints retire" is a powerful meditation on the inevitable passage of time and the natural cycle of life and death. This poem explores the themes of mortality, spirituality, and the relationship between the physical and the metaphysical spheres of existence. Through her use of vivid imagery, Dickinson creates a moving portrait of a life well-lived and a soul at peace with the world.
At the outset of the poem, the reader is presented with the image of a woman who "lay down at night – / The Saints beside her" (lines 1-2). This opening stanza immediately establishes the religious undertones of the poem, as well as the sense of peace and serenity that surrounds the woman. The use of the word "Saints" suggests that she is a person of great virtue and spirituality, and her proximity to these holy figures lends her an aura of sanctity.
The second stanza expands upon this initial image, describing the woman's physical and spiritual attributes. She is depicted as "simple, modest, all serene," possessing a "calm grace" that suggests a life lived in harmony with the world (lines 3-4). The use of the word "modest" is particularly striking, as it suggests a humility and selflessness that are often associated with saints and other religious figures.
As the poem continues, Dickinson shifts her focus from the woman herself to the world around her. This is evident in the third stanza, which describes the "meek members of the Resurrection" who "stand before her grave – / Witnessed – of the Resurrection – / Then – Departed brave!" (lines 5-8). Here, the poet suggests that the woman's death is not an end in itself, but rather a new beginning, the start of a spiritual journey that will ultimately lead to her rebirth and resurrection.
This idea is further developed in the fourth stanza, which describes the natural world as a reflection of the spiritual realm. The "birds" and "blossoms" that surround the woman's grave are depicted as "all the mates / Of the martyr – rejected –" (lines 9-10). This imagery suggests that even in death, the woman remains connected to the natural world, and that her spiritual presence continues to influence and inspire those around her.
The final stanza of the poem brings all of these elements together in a powerful conclusion that reinforces the poem's central themes. Dickinson writes, "Nature, like her, is reposing – / Death's serene permission" (lines 11-12). This line suggests that the woman's death is not a tragedy, but rather a natural part of the cycle of life and death that characterizes the natural world. The use of the word "permission" suggests that death is not to be feared, but rather embraced as a necessary part of the journey of life.
In conclusion, "Like her the Saints retire" is a powerful meditation on the themes of mortality, spirituality, and the relationship between the physical and the metaphysical spheres of existence. Through her use of vivid imagery, Dickinson creates a moving portrait of a life well-lived and a soul at peace with the world. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, and a reminder that even in death, our lives continue to inspire and influence those around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Like Her the Saints Retire: A Poem of Transcendence and Spiritual Awakening
Emily Dickinson is known for her enigmatic and thought-provoking poetry, and "Like Her the Saints Retire" is no exception. This poem is a meditation on the nature of transcendence and spiritual awakening, and it invites the reader to contemplate the mysteries of life and death, the soul and the afterlife, and the possibility of divine grace.
The poem begins with a simple and evocative image: "Like her the Saints retire." The "her" in question is not specified, but it is likely that Dickinson is referring to a person who has lived a life of devotion and piety, and who is now approaching the end of her earthly journey. The word "retire" suggests a peaceful and voluntary withdrawal from the world, a turning inward towards the self and the divine.
The second line of the poem deepens the sense of mystery and wonder: "In their imperial drawers." The word "imperial" suggests royalty, power, and authority, and the phrase "imperial drawers" conjures up images of ornate and luxurious containers for precious objects. But what are these drawers, and what do they contain? Dickinson leaves it to the reader's imagination to fill in the details, but it is clear that she is referring to something sacred and mysterious, something that is beyond the reach of ordinary mortals.
The third line of the poem introduces a new image: "Her cherubim escort." Cherubim are a type of angelic being in Jewish and Christian tradition, often depicted as winged creatures with human faces. They are associated with divine wisdom, protection, and guidance, and they are often portrayed as attendants to God or to holy persons. In this context, the cherubim are escorting the saint on her journey to the afterlife, serving as guides and companions on the path to transcendence.
The fourth line of the poem is perhaps the most enigmatic: "And all the tapers glow." Tapers are candles or lamps, often used in religious rituals or ceremonies. The image of glowing tapers suggests a sense of warmth, comfort, and illumination, as if the saint is surrounded by a halo of light and love. But what is the significance of this light, and why is it important? Again, Dickinson leaves it to the reader to interpret, but it is clear that the light represents something spiritual and transformative, something that is essential to the saint's journey.
The fifth and final line of the poem is a powerful affirmation of faith and hope: "Like her, the evening cometh." The evening is a metaphor for death, the end of life, and the transition to the afterlife. But the word "cometh" suggests a sense of inevitability and purpose, as if the evening is not a mere ending, but a new beginning. The use of the word "like" also implies that the reader can aspire to be like the saint, to follow in her footsteps and attain the same level of spiritual enlightenment and transcendence.
Taken as a whole, "Like Her the Saints Retire" is a poem of great depth and beauty, a meditation on the mysteries of life and death, the soul and the afterlife, and the possibility of divine grace. It invites the reader to contemplate the nature of transcendence and spiritual awakening, and to aspire to a higher level of consciousness and understanding. The poem is a testament to Dickinson's poetic genius and her profound insight into the human condition, and it continues to inspire and challenge readers to this day.
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