'A Word made Flesh is seldom' by Emily Dickinson
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1651
A Word made Flesh is seldom
And tremblingly partook
Nor then perhaps reported
But have I not mistook
Each one of us has tasted
With ecstasies of stealth
The very food debated
To our specific strength—
A Word that breathes distinctly
Has not the power to die
Cohesive as the Spirit
It may expire if He—
"Made Flesh and dwelt among us"
Could condescension be
Like this consent of Language
This loved Philology.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Word made Flesh: A Critical Examination of Emily Dickinson’s Poem
As one of the most prolific American poets, Emily Dickinson’s works have been a source of inspiration for many readers since the 19th century. Her writing is often characterized by its unconventional structure, themes of mortality, and her fascination with the natural world. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into one of her lesser-known poems, “A Word made Flesh is seldom written” and explore the various interpretations of the piece.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem consists of three stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The first stanza introduces the theme of the piece, with Dickinson suggesting that words that manifest themselves in the flesh are rarely written. The second stanza explores the idea of the divine and how it is often difficult to articulate in words. The final stanza speaks to the power of the divine and how it can be felt despite its elusive nature.
Stanza One
“A Word made Flesh is seldom written— Is seldom, unto us, so plain As in a brimming noon, The Wild Blue yonder of the Day”
The first stanza sets the tone for the remainder of the poem. The line “A Word made Flesh is seldom written” suggests that there is a certain power in words that are made tangible, or manifest in the physical world. The following lines, “Is seldom, unto us, so plain/ As in a brimming noon,” suggest that this manifestation is rare, and often not easily recognizable. The use of the phrase “brimming noon” creates an image of a bright, hot day, possibly suggesting that the manifestation of a word made flesh is as rare as a perfect summer day. The final line of the stanza, “The Wild Blue yonder of the Day,” creates an image of endless possibility, much like the power of a word made flesh.
Stanza Two
“Incarnate, as our own full noon, Opposite the setting sun— The Word is scarce, that never told The World, that it was One”
The second stanza continues the theme of the divine, with Dickinson suggesting that the manifestation of a word made flesh is akin to our own “full noon.” She then creates an interesting contrast with the line “Opposite the setting sun,” possibly suggesting the fleeting nature of such a manifestation. The third line, “The Word is scarce, that never told/ The World, that it was One,” creates a somber tone, with the suggestion that the power of the divine is rarely articulated in words.
Stanza Three
“Said unto the Slave—go free— And unto the Deaf—give sound— Suddenly, without surprise— The Word, there is no other—bound”
The final stanza shifts the focus from the divine to the power of words themselves. Dickinson suggests that a word made flesh has the power to set one free, as in the line “Said unto the Slave—go free.” The following line, “And unto the Deaf—give sound,” suggests that words have the power to grant abilities that were previously lacking. The final two lines, “Suddenly, without surprise—/ The Word, there is no other—bound” create a sense of finality, with the suggestion that a word made flesh is the ultimate expression of power.
Interpretations of the Poem
There are several possible interpretations of this poem, each with its own unique implications. One possible interpretation is that Dickinson is speaking to the power of language. The line “The Word, there is no other—bound” suggests that there is no power greater than language, and that it has the ability to set one free and grant abilities previously lacking. This interpretation is supported by Dickinson’s fascination with the power of words in her other writings, as well as the fact that the poem itself is a manifestation of language.
Another possible interpretation is that Dickinson is speaking to the power of the divine. The line “Is seldom, unto us, so plain/ As in a brimming noon” suggests that the manifestation of the divine is rare, and often difficult to recognize. The line “The Word is scarce, that never told/ The World, that it was One” suggests that the power of the divine is often not articulated in words, and is instead experienced in a more visceral way. This interpretation is supported by Dickinson’s interest in spirituality, as well as her frequent use of religious imagery in her poetry.
Conclusion
In “A Word made Flesh is seldom written,” Emily Dickinson creates a powerful meditation on the power of language and the divine. Through her use of unconventional imagery and syntax, she creates a poem that is at once challenging and thought-provoking. The poem’s theme of the rarity of a word made flesh suggests that the ultimate expression of power lies in the ability to articulate the divine in tangible ways. Whether interpreted as a meditation on language, the divine, or both, “A Word made Flesh is seldom written” is a powerful testament to the power of words and their ability to shape our world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Word made Flesh is a classic poem by Emily Dickinson that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. This poem is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the power of words and their ability to shape our lives. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the meaning behind this poem and explore the various literary devices used by Dickinson to convey her message.
The poem begins with the line, "A word made flesh is seldom written." This line immediately draws the reader in and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It suggests that words are powerful and have the ability to take on a life of their own. The use of the word "seldom" implies that this is a rare occurrence, which adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue.
The next line, "It is devoutly to be wished," further emphasizes the importance of words. The use of the word "devoutly" suggests that this is something that is deeply desired or longed for. It also implies a sense of reverence or respect for the power of words.
As the poem continues, Dickinson explores the idea that words can have a profound impact on our lives. She writes, "Speak them softly, and they will bloom for you, / Lift them gently, and they will purr like kittens." These lines suggest that words can be gentle and nurturing, and that they have the ability to bring joy and comfort to our lives.
However, Dickinson also acknowledges that words can be dangerous. She writes, "But misuse them, and they will turn on you, / Bite you, scratch you, leave you bleeding." These lines suggest that words can be used to hurt others, and that they have the power to cause pain and suffering.
Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses a variety of literary devices to convey her message. One of the most prominent devices is imagery. She uses vivid descriptions to bring her words to life and create a sense of atmosphere. For example, when she writes, "Speak them softly, and they will bloom for you," she creates a beautiful image of flowers blooming in response to gentle words.
Another literary device that Dickinson uses is metaphor. She compares words to flesh, suggesting that they have a physical presence and can take on a life of their own. This metaphor adds depth and complexity to the poem, and helps to convey the idea that words are powerful and should be treated with respect.
In addition to these devices, Dickinson also uses repetition to emphasize certain ideas. For example, she repeats the phrase "A word made flesh" throughout the poem, which helps to reinforce the central theme of the poem and create a sense of unity.
Overall, A Word made Flesh is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the power of words and their ability to shape our lives. Through her use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and repetition, Dickinson creates a sense of mystery and intrigue that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of language, and a reminder that words should be used wisely and with care.
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