'How still the Bells in Steeples stand' by Emily Dickinson
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How still the Bells in Steeples stand
Till swollen with the Sky
They leap upon their silver Feet
In frantic Melody!
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
How Still the Bells in Steeples Stand: A Literary Analysis
Oh, Emily Dickinson, how you continue to inspire us with your poignant and evocative poetry! Your piece "How Still the Bells in Steeples Stand" is no exception. In this poem, you explore the themes of death and grief in a way that is both haunting and beautiful. Let's dive deeper into this classic work and see what insights we can gain.
Form and Structure
At first glance, "How Still the Bells in Steeples Stand" appears to be a simple poem. It consists of four stanzas, each with a similar structure and meter. Each stanza has four lines, and the first and third lines contain eight syllables, while the second and fourth lines contain six syllables. This creates a sing-song rhythm that is both soothing and unsettling at the same time.
But upon closer inspection, we can see that there is more to this poem than meets the eye. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABCB, which means that the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyme with each other. This creates a sense of cohesion and continuity throughout the poem, emphasizing the cyclical nature of grief.
Imagery and Symbolism
Dickinson was known for her use of vivid and often startling imagery, and "How Still the Bells in Steeples Stand" is no exception. The poem is filled with images of death and mourning, such as "the coffin lid's control" and "the mourner's hopelessness." But there are also moments of unexpected beauty, such as "the sunset's purple cope" and "the dewy grass's wavedesign."
One of the most striking images in the poem is that of the "bells in steeples." The stillness of these bells is a metaphor for the stillness of death, and the fact that they are in steeples emphasizes the idea of the divine and the afterlife. The bells are also a symbol of mourning, as they are traditionally rung to announce a death.
Another powerful image in the poem is that of the "sunset's purple cope." The word "cope" has multiple meanings, including a long cloak worn by priests and a covering for the head of a cask or barrel. In this context, it likely refers to the sky, which is stretching over the earth like a cloak. The purple color is often associated with royalty and mourning, emphasizing the solemnity of the occasion.
Themes
The central theme of "How Still the Bells in Steeples Stand" is death and grief. The poem explores the emotions of those left behind after a loved one has passed away, and the sense of hopelessness and despair that can accompany such loss. Despite this bleak subject matter, however, the poem is not without moments of beauty and even hope. The imagery of the sunset and the dewy grass suggest that life goes on, even in the face of death.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of the afterlife. The phrase "the coffin lid's control" suggests that death is a powerful force that controls our lives, but it also implies that there is something beyond this life, something that we cannot see or comprehend. The stillness of the bells in the steeples, which are traditionally associated with the divine, reinforce this idea.
Literary Devices
Dickinson was a master of literary devices, and "How Still the Bells in Steeples Stand" is no exception. One of the most prominent devices used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "how still" is repeated three times in the first stanza, emphasizing the stillness and silence of death. The word "hopelessness" is repeated twice in the second stanza, emphasizing the despair that accompanies grief.
Another device used in the poem is alliteration. The phrase "the mourners' hopelessness" uses the same consonant sound twice, creating a sense of emphasis and urgency. The repeated "s" sound in "the sunset's purple cope" creates a sense of serenity and peacefulness.
Conclusion
In "How Still the Bells in Steeples Stand," Emily Dickinson captures the emotions of grief and loss in a way that is both haunting and beautiful. Through her use of vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and masterful literary devices, she creates a poem that resonates with readers even today. This classic work is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet and her ability to capture the essence of the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
How Still the Bells in Steeples Stand: 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 today. One of her most famous poems, “How Still the Bells in Steeples Stand,” is a haunting and beautiful meditation on the nature of grief and loss. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and imagery of this classic poem and examine how Dickinson uses language to convey her message.
The poem begins with a simple observation: “How still the bells in steeples stand.” This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is characterized by a sense of stillness and quiet. The bells, which are usually associated with noise and activity, are here portrayed as silent and motionless. This creates a sense of emptiness and absence, as if something important is missing.
The second line of the poem reinforces this sense of emptiness: “Till, swollen with the sky, they leap.” Here, Dickinson uses the image of the sky to suggest a sense of vastness and infinity. The bells, which were previously still and silent, are now described as “swollen” with the sky, as if they are filled with some kind of cosmic energy. This creates a sense of anticipation and tension, as if something important is about to happen.
The third line of the poem introduces the theme of grief: “Then, as they reach their airy hands / To lead the stars, – so, upward from / The earth, my spirit’s sands.” Here, Dickinson uses the image of the bells reaching upward to lead the stars as a metaphor for the human spirit reaching upward toward heaven. The “spirit’s sands” represent the essence of the human soul, which is being lifted up and away from the earth by the bells.
The fourth line of the poem continues this theme of grief: “With spurns the punctual ashes fly.” Here, Dickinson uses the image of ashes being scattered to suggest the finality of death. The word “punctual” suggests that death is an inevitable and precise event, which cannot be avoided or delayed. The ashes, which are the remains of the deceased, are being scattered by the wind, as if they are being carried away from the earth forever.
The fifth and final line of the poem brings the themes of stillness and grief together: “But, with their sound, the silver citadel / Topples, – and the airy people / Vanish, like phantoms, into hell.” Here, Dickinson uses the image of a silver citadel to represent the human soul, which is being toppled by the sound of the bells. The “airy people” represent the spirits of the deceased, who are being carried away by the sound of the bells. The word “hell” suggests that death is a dark and terrifying place, from which there is no escape.
Overall, “How Still the Bells in Steeples Stand” is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of grief and loss. Through her use of vivid imagery and metaphor, Emily Dickinson creates a sense of stillness and emptiness, which is then shattered by the sound of the bells. The poem is a reminder that death is an inevitable part of life, and that we must all face it eventually. However, it is also a reminder that there is hope beyond death, and that the human spirit can transcend even the darkest of places.
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