'This is the place they hoped before' by Emily Dickinson
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This is the place they hoped before,
Where I am hoping now.
The seed of disappointment grew
Within a capsule gay,
Too distant to arrest the feet
That walk this plank of balm—
Before them lies escapeless sea—
The way is closed they came.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
"This is the place they hoped before" by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson's poem "This is the place they hoped before" is a compact but powerful meditation on the human longing for a better world, and the way that longing can be both inspiring and ultimately elusive. In just a few short lines, Dickinson captures a sense of wistful yearning that many of us can relate to, while also subtly hinting at the limits of our ability to create the utopia we desire.
Overview of the Poem
The poem begins with the title phrase, "This is the place they hoped before," which immediately sets up the idea of a longed-for destination that has finally been reached. The use of the word "they" is intriguing, as it implies that the hoped-for place is not just the poet's own personal dream, but something that has been shared by a larger group. The use of the past tense ("hoped before") also suggests that this is a goal that has been sought after for some time, perhaps even generations.
The next line, "Where proffered meadows of surprise" further reinforces the sense of discovery and delight in having reached this place. The word "proffered" suggests that the meadows are offering themselves up to be explored and enjoyed, while the word "surprise" implies that there is something unexpected and wonderful about them. The fact that the meadows are described as plural also suggests that this is a vast and varied landscape, full of possibility.
The third line, "Induce the airy to arise," is more enigmatic, but seems to suggest that the meadows have a power to lift the spirits and awaken a sense of wonder in those who explore them. The use of the word "airy" is particularly interesting, as it suggests a sense of lightness and freedom, as well as perhaps a connection to the natural world.
The final line, "And stand for trance, before the eyes," is the most elusive of all, but seems to suggest that the meadows have a transformative power to transport the viewer into a state of heightened awareness or even ecstasy. The use of the word "trance" implies a kind of hypnotic state, while the phrase "before the eyes" suggests that this experience is primarily visual, and perhaps even spiritual in nature.
Themes and Interpretation
At its core, "This is the place they hoped before" is a poem about the human desire for a better world, and the way that longing can both inspire us and ultimately disappoint us. The use of the plural "they" in the first line is particularly interesting, as it suggests that this is not just the poet's own personal dream, but a collective aspiration that has been passed down through generations. This could be interpreted in a number of ways - perhaps the "they" refers to a particular group of people with a shared vision, or perhaps it suggests a more universal human longing for a better future.
The image of the meadows themselves is also rich with symbolism. Meadows are often associated with freedom, abundance, and natural beauty, and in this poem they are presented as a kind of paradise, full of surprises and transformative power. The fact that the meadows are plural also suggests that this is a vast and varied landscape, full of possibility. The use of the word "proffered" implies that this paradise is offering itself up to be explored and enjoyed, while the word "surprise" suggests that there is something unexpected and wonderful about it.
However, the poem also hints at the limitations of human longing and our ability to create the utopia we desire. The use of the past tense in the first line ("This is the place they hoped before") suggests that this is a goal that has been sought after for some time, perhaps even generations, and yet it is only now being reached. This could imply a sense of disappointment or frustration that it has taken so long to achieve this dream, or it could suggest that the dream itself has been tempered or modified over time.
The line "Induce the airy to arise" is also intriguing, as it suggests that the meadows have a power to lift the spirits and awaken a sense of wonder in those who explore them. However, it is not entirely clear who or what the "airy" is meant to represent - it could be interpreted as the human spirit or imagination, or as a more elemental force like the wind or the sky. Either way, the use of the word "induce" suggests that it is not something that can be forced, but something that arises naturally in response to the beauty and power of the meadows.
The final line, "And stand for trance, before the eyes," is perhaps the most enigmatic of all, but seems to suggest that the meadows have a transformative power to transport the viewer into a state of heightened awareness or even ecstasy. The use of the word "trance" implies a kind of hypnotic state, while the phrase "before the eyes" suggests that this experience is primarily visual, and perhaps even spiritual in nature. Taken together, these lines seem to suggest that the meadows represent a kind of transcendent ideal, a place where human longing can be fulfilled and our spirits lifted.
Conclusion
In just four short lines, Emily Dickinson's "This is the place they hoped before" captures a sense of human longing for a better world, and the way that longing can both inspire us and ultimately disappoint us. Through the image of the meadows, Dickinson suggests a kind of paradise, full of surprises and transformative power, but also hints at the limitations of human longing and our ability to create the utopia we desire. Ultimately, the poem leaves us with a sense of wistful yearning, and a recognition that the ideal we seek may always be just beyond our reach.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
This is the place they hoped before - a classic poem by Emily Dickinson that captures the essence of hope and longing. As one of the most celebrated poets of all time, Dickinson's works have been studied and analyzed by scholars and enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this poem, exploring its themes, structure, and language.
Firstly, let's take a look at the title of the poem - "This is the place they hoped before." The title itself is intriguing, as it raises questions about who "they" are and what place they hoped for. The use of the word "before" suggests that there was a previous hope or expectation that has now been fulfilled. This sets the tone for the poem, hinting at a sense of satisfaction or contentment.
Moving on to the structure of the poem, we can see that it consists of three stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, with the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyming. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance, which is fitting for a poem about finding a place of contentment.
Now, let's dive into the language and imagery used in the poem. The first stanza begins with the line "This is the place," which immediately establishes a sense of location and grounding. The use of the word "place" is significant, as it suggests a physical space but also implies a sense of belonging and comfort. The second line, "they hoped before," reinforces the idea that there was a previous expectation or longing that has now been fulfilled.
The third line of the first stanza, "Where phantoms formed for certainty," is where the imagery of the poem begins to take shape. The use of the word "phantoms" suggests something that is not real or tangible, while "certainty" implies a desire for something concrete and reliable. This contrast creates a sense of tension, as if the speaker is searching for something that is elusive or difficult to grasp.
The final line of the first stanza, "And gods distinguished for their grace," introduces the idea of divinity or higher powers. The use of the word "gods" suggests a sense of reverence or awe, while "grace" implies a sense of benevolence or favor. This line adds a layer of complexity to the poem, suggesting that the place the speaker has found is not just a physical location, but also a spiritual or emotional state.
Moving on to the second stanza, we see a continuation of the imagery of the first. The opening line, "Myself acquainted with the sun," suggests a sense of familiarity and intimacy with nature. The use of the word "acquainted" implies a relationship that has been built over time, while "sun" suggests warmth and light.
The second line of the second stanza, "And with all the children flown," introduces the idea of family or community. The use of the word "flown" suggests a sense of departure or separation, which creates a sense of longing or nostalgia. This line also implies that the speaker has found a place where they feel connected to others, even if they are not physically present.
The third line of the second stanza, "To be distinguished by the sun," reinforces the idea of the speaker's connection to nature. The use of the word "distinguished" suggests a sense of recognition or importance, while "sun" implies a sense of warmth and light. This line also adds to the idea of the speaker being in a place of contentment, as if they have found a sense of purpose or meaning.
The final line of the second stanza, "The stars jocund to the moon," introduces the idea of celestial bodies. The use of the word "jocund" suggests a sense of playfulness or joy, while "moon" implies a sense of mystery or wonder. This line adds to the overall sense of awe and reverence that is present throughout the poem.
Finally, we come to the third stanza, which brings the poem to a close. The opening line, "New feet within my garden go," suggests a sense of growth or renewal. The use of the word "new" implies a sense of freshness or vitality, while "garden" suggests a sense of nurturing or cultivation.
The second line of the third stanza, "New fingers stir the sod," reinforces the idea of growth and renewal. The use of the word "stir" suggests a sense of movement or activity, while "sod" implies a sense of earthiness or groundedness.
The third line of the third stanza, "A troubadour upon the elm," introduces the idea of music or poetry. The use of the word "troubadour" suggests a sense of creativity or expression, while "elm" implies a sense of stability or strength. This line adds to the overall sense of contentment and fulfillment that is present throughout the poem.
The final line of the third stanza, "Betrays the solitude," brings the poem to a close. The use of the word "betrays" suggests a sense of revealing or exposing, while "solitude" implies a sense of isolation or loneliness. This line adds a layer of complexity to the poem, suggesting that even in a place of contentment, there is still a sense of vulnerability or uncertainty.
In conclusion, "This is the place they hoped before" is a classic poem by Emily Dickinson that captures the essence of hope and longing. Through its use of imagery, language, and structure, the poem creates a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world, while also exploring the complexities of human emotion and experience. As one of Dickinson's most celebrated works, this poem continues to inspire and captivate readers today.
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