'Under the Light, yet under' by Emily Dickinson

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Under the Light, yet under,
Under the Grass and the Dirt,
Under the Beetle's Cellar
Under the Clover's Root,

Further than Arm could stretch
Were it Giant long,
Further than Sunshine could
Were the Day Year long,

Over the Light, yet over,
Over the Arc of the Bird—
Over the Comet's chimney—
Over the Cubit's Head,

Further than Guess can gallop
Further than Riddle ride—
Oh for a Disc to the Distance
Between Ourselves and the Dead!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Under the Light, yet under - An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson was one of the greatest poets of the 19th century, famous for her unique style and unconventional approach to poetry. Her works, often full of symbolism and metaphors, are still studied and admired by many scholars and literature enthusiasts. Among her most notable poems is "Under the Light, yet under," a short yet powerful piece that explores themes of isolation, death, and the afterlife. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the meaning and significance of Dickinson's poem, analyzing its language, structure, and imagery.

The Poem - Under the Light, yet under

Under the Light, yet under, Under the Grass and the Dirt, Under the Beetle’s Cellar Under the Clover’s Root, Further than Arm could stretch Were it Giant long, Further than Sunshine could Were the Day Year long, Over the Rutland’s way So dim that the Eye Could not recognize the way, Went Brooding far away Over the Ebony Bows And through the Milky Way.

Analysis of the Poem

At first glance, "Under the Light, yet under" seems to be a simple poem about someone or something that is buried underground. However, a closer look reveals that the poem is much more complex and layered than that. The first two lines of the poem set the tone for the entire piece, as they introduce the idea of something being "under" something else. The repetition of the word "under" emphasizes the sense of depth and isolation that runs throughout the poem.

The next two lines mention the "Beetle's Cellar" and the "Clover's Root," which further reinforce the idea of something being buried underground. These lines also introduce the themes of decay and death, as both the beetle's cellar and the clover's root are associated with decomposing organic matter.

The following two lines, "Further than Arm could stretch/Were it Giant long," provide a sense of scale and distance. They suggest that whatever is "under" the ground is so far down that it is beyond human comprehension. The use of the word "Giant" emphasizes the idea of something being otherworldly or supernatural.

The next two lines, "Further than Sunshine could/Were the Day Year long," continue with the theme of distance and add a sense of time. They suggest that whatever is "under" the ground is not only far away but also exists beyond the constraints of time.

The line "Over the Rutland's way" is the first mention of a specific location in the poem. Rutland is a town in Massachusetts, where Dickinson lived for part of her life. The use of a real place adds a sense of realism to the poem and creates a contrast with the otherworldly elements that are introduced later.

The next two lines, "So dim that the Eye/Could not recognize the way," create a sense of mystery and uncertainty. They suggest that whatever is "over" the Rutland's way is not easily visible or comprehensible.

The line "Went Brooding far away" introduces a sense of movement and purpose. The use of the word "Brooding" suggests that whatever is moving is doing so with a sense of intention or contemplation.

The final two lines, "Over the Ebony Bows/And through the Milky Way," provide a sense of scale and grandeur. They suggest that whatever is moving is doing so on a cosmic level, traveling through the stars and beyond.

Interpretation of the Poem

So, what does all of this mean? What is Dickinson trying to convey with "Under the Light, yet under"? There are many possible interpretations of the poem, but one of the most common is that it is about death and the afterlife. The repetition of the word "under" suggests that the poem is about something that is buried underground, which is often associated with death and burial.

The themes of decay and decomposition further reinforce this idea, as does the use of the word "Brooding," which suggests a sense of mourning or contemplation. The use of the real location of Rutland, Massachusetts, may also be significant, as it is the location of many of Dickinson's family members' graves.

The references to distance and scale suggest that whatever is "under" the ground is not just physically buried but also exists on a cosmic level. The use of the Milky Way, in particular, reinforces this idea, as it is often associated with the afterlife and otherworldly realms.

Overall, "Under the Light, yet under" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores themes of death, isolation, and the afterlife. Its use of repetition, imagery, and structure creates a sense of depth and complexity that invites readers to contemplate the mysteries of life and death. Dickinson's unique style and unconventional approach to poetry make this poem a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Under the Light, yet under is a classic poem written by Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of the 19th century. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style of writing, which is characterized by her use of unconventional punctuation, capitalization, and syntax. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning and significance of this poem, and how it reflects Dickinson's views on life and death.

The poem begins with the line "Under the Light, yet under," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "under" twice in the same line creates a sense of repetition and emphasizes the idea of being under something. The word "light" suggests a sense of hope or enlightenment, while the word "under" implies a sense of being trapped or confined.

The second line of the poem reads, "the grass is beating its head." This line is significant because it creates a vivid image of the grass swaying in the wind. The use of the word "beating" suggests a sense of struggle or resistance, which is further emphasized by the phrase "its head." This line can be interpreted as a metaphor for life, where the grass represents human beings who are constantly struggling to survive and thrive in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving.

The third line of the poem reads, "the stars nod their purple crest." This line is significant because it creates a contrast between the grass and the stars. While the grass is struggling, the stars are serene and majestic. The use of the word "nod" suggests a sense of approval or acknowledgement, while the phrase "purple crest" creates a sense of royalty or nobility. This line can be interpreted as a metaphor for death, where the stars represent the afterlife, which is peaceful and serene.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "the hills untied their bonnets." This line is significant because it creates a sense of movement and freedom. The use of the word "untied" suggests a sense of release or liberation, while the phrase "bonnets" creates a sense of femininity or gentleness. This line can be interpreted as a metaphor for the end of life, where the hills represent the final resting place, which is free from the struggles and hardships of life.

The fifth and final line of the poem reads, "the doors flung their arms wide open." This line is significant because it creates a sense of welcoming and acceptance. The use of the word "flung" suggests a sense of urgency or excitement, while the phrase "arms wide open" creates a sense of warmth and hospitality. This line can be interpreted as a metaphor for the afterlife, where the doors represent the gateway to a new and better world.

Overall, Under the Light, yet under is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that reflects Dickinson's views on life and death. Through her use of vivid imagery and metaphors, Dickinson creates a sense of contrast between the struggles of life and the peace of death. The poem suggests that while life can be difficult and challenging, death is a release from those struggles and a gateway to a better world.

In conclusion, Under the Light, yet under is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of life, death, and the afterlife are universal and timeless, and its unique style of writing is a testament to Dickinson's creativity and originality. This poem is a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature and wants to explore the deeper meanings of life and death.

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