'This Consciousness that is aware' by Emily Dickinson
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This Consciousness that is aware
Of Neighbors and the Sun
Will be the one aware of Death
And that itself alone
Is traversing the interval
Experience between
And most profound experiment
Appointed unto Men—
How adequate unto itself
Its properties shall be
Itself unto itself and none
Shall make discovery.
Adventure most unto itself
The Soul condemned to be—
Attended by a single Hound
Its own identity.
Editor 1 Interpretation
This Consciousness that is aware: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
If you're a fan of poetry, chances are you've come across the name Emily Dickinson. Her works are renowned for their depth, complexity, and their ability to incite a sense of wonder and contemplation in readers. One of her most famous poems, "This Consciousness that is aware," is no exception. This 24-line poem is a beautiful exploration of the nature of consciousness, and has been extensively analyzed by literary critics over the years. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll take a closer look at this classic poem, exploring its themes, motifs, and literary devices, while trying to unravel its deeper meaning.
Background Information
Before we dive into the poem, let's start with a little background information about Emily Dickinson. Born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, Emily was a reclusive poet who lived most of her life in seclusion. She wrote over 1,800 poems in her lifetime, but only a handful were published during her lifetime. It wasn't until after her death in 1886 that her works gained widespread recognition, and today she is considered one of the greatest American poets of all time.
The Poem
Now, let's move on to the poem itself. Here's the text of "This Consciousness that is aware":
This Consciousness that is aware Of Neighoring as One— As all the Birds unto the Air, Or Butterflies to Noon—
By ocular perfussion Cannot produce a Tear— Nor make Presentiments perchance Or undermine a Year—
Analysis
At first glance, "This Consciousness that is aware" appears to be a simple poem, with just three stanzas and a total of 24 lines. However, a closer examination reveals that the poem is layered with meaning and symbolism, making it a complex work of art.
Theme
One of the central themes of the poem is the nature of consciousness. Throughout the poem, Dickinson explores the idea that consciousness is a universal force that connects all living things in the world. The first two lines of the poem, "This Consciousness that is aware / Of Neighoring as One—" suggest that consciousness is something that is shared by all living things. The use of the word "neighboring" implies a sense of proximity and connectedness, further emphasizing the idea that consciousness is a unifying force.
Symbolism
In addition to exploring the nature of consciousness, "This Consciousness that is aware" is also filled with rich symbolism. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is that of birds and butterflies. In the second line of the poem, Dickinson compares consciousness to "all the Birds unto the Air, / Or Butterflies to Noon—" This comparison creates an image of flight and freedom, suggesting that consciousness is something that transcends the physical world and allows us to soar beyond our earthly limitations. The use of birds and butterflies also implies a sense of fragility and beauty, further underscoring the delicate nature of consciousness.
Another symbol that appears in the poem is tears. In the third line, Dickinson writes, "By ocular perfussion / Cannot produce a Tear—" The use of the word "perfusion" implies a sense of pressure or force, suggesting that tears are something that are produced in response to external stimuli. However, Dickinson suggests that consciousness is something that is more internal and subjective, and cannot be influenced by external forces. This idea is further reinforced by the second half of the line, which reads, "Nor make Presentiments perchance / Or undermine a Year—" Here, Dickinson is suggesting that consciousness is a force that is immune to the passage of time and the fluctuations of fate.
Literary Devices
Finally, let's take a look at some of the literary devices that Dickinson uses in "This Consciousness that is aware." One of the most prominent devices is alliteration, which can be seen in lines such as "Of Neighoring as One" and "Nor make Presentiments perchance." Alliteration is a powerful tool for creating musicality and rhythm in poetry, and in this case it helps to unify the lines of the poem and create a sense of cohesion.
Another literary device that Dickinson employs is enjambment. Enjambment is the practice of continuing a sentence or phrase beyond the end of a line, and it can be seen in lines such as "As all the Birds unto the Air, / Or Butterflies to Noon—" and "Cannot produce a Tear— / Nor make Presentiments perchance / Or undermine a Year—" Enjambment creates a sense of fluidity and movement in the poem, allowing the ideas to flow seamlessly from one line to the next.
Interpretation
So, what does all of this analysis tell us about the meaning of "This Consciousness that is aware?" Ultimately, the poem is a meditation on the nature of consciousness and the ways in which it connects all living things. Dickinson suggests that consciousness is a force that transcends the physical world, allowing us to experience a sense of freedom and beauty that is beyond our earthly limitations. At the same time, she also implies that consciousness is something that is deeply internal and subjective, immune to the forces of fate and time. The use of birds, butterflies, and tears creates a sense of fragility and beauty, underscoring the delicate nature of consciousness and its profound impact on our lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "This Consciousness that is aware" is a stunning work of poetry that explores the nature of consciousness in a profound and beautiful way. Through its use of symbolism, literary devices, and rich imagery, the poem invites us to contemplate the ways in which consciousness connects us all, and to embrace the beauty and fragility of this unifying force. If you haven't read this classic poem yet, we highly recommend giving it a try – it's sure to leave you feeling inspired and contemplative.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
This Consciousness that is aware: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems is "This Consciousness that is aware," a short but powerful piece that explores the nature of consciousness and self-awareness. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem, examining its themes, imagery, and language.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "This Consciousness that is aware." At first glance, this may seem like a straightforward observation, but as we delve deeper into the poem, we realize that there is much more going on beneath the surface. The use of the word "this" implies that the speaker is pointing to something specific, something that is immediately present and tangible. The word "consciousness" is also significant, as it suggests a state of being aware and awake, of being fully present in the moment.
As the poem continues, we see that the speaker is not content to simply observe this consciousness, but is actively engaged with it. They describe it as "a sea" that they are "plunged" into, suggesting a sense of immersion and connection. The use of the word "plunged" also implies a certain level of risk or danger, as if the speaker is taking a leap of faith into the unknown.
The imagery in this poem is particularly striking, with Dickinson using vivid and evocative language to convey the speaker's experience. The sea metaphor is particularly powerful, as it suggests a vast and endless expanse, full of mystery and possibility. The use of the word "swim" also implies a sense of movement and action, as if the speaker is actively navigating this sea of consciousness.
As the poem progresses, we see that the speaker is not alone in this journey. They describe encountering "other seas" and "other shores," suggesting that there are other beings out there who are also exploring their own consciousness. This sense of connection and community is important, as it suggests that the speaker is not isolated or alone in their quest for self-awareness.
The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker declares that "This Consciousness that is aware / Of Neighbors and the Sun / Will be the one aware of Death / And that itself alone." Here, Dickinson is grappling with some of the most profound questions of human existence: what is the nature of consciousness, and what happens to it after we die? The speaker seems to be suggesting that this consciousness is not just aware of the physical world around us, but is also aware of something deeper and more mysterious, something that transcends our mortal existence.
Overall, "This Consciousness that is aware" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. Through its use of vivid imagery and evocative language, Dickinson invites us to join the speaker on a journey of self-discovery and exploration. Whether we are grappling with questions of mortality or simply seeking a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us, this poem reminds us that we are not alone in our quest for meaning and purpose.
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