'Summer has two Beginnings—' by Emily Dickinson
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Summer has two Beginnings—
Beginning once in June—
Beginning in October
Affectingly again—
Without, perhaps, the Riot
But graphicker for Grace—
As finer is a going
Than a remaining Face—
Departing then—forever—
Forever—until May—
Forever is deciduous
Except to those who die—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Summer has two Beginnings: A Literary Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poem
"Summer has two Beginnings", one of Emily Dickinson's most celebrated poems, is a versatile piece of writing that captures the essence of the season in a unique way. Through her vivid descriptions and playful language, Dickinson takes us on a journey that is both delightful and profound. In this literary analysis, we will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in the poem to understand its meaning and significance.
Overview of the Poem
Before diving into the analysis, let us first take a look at the poem itself:
Summer has two Beginnings –
Beginning once in June –
Beginning in July
With an ending in August –
Except to August – in the second Year
When August is begun.
At first glance, the poem seems simple enough. It talks about the beginning of summer, which, according to Dickinson, happens twice – once in June and then again in July. The poem then proceeds to talk about the end of summer, which happens in August, except in the second year when August is already a part of summer. While the poem may seem straightforward, it is imbued with Dickinson's signature style – her use of dashes, capitalization, and unusual syntax – which gives the poem a unique voice and adds depth to its meaning.
Themes and Interpretation
At its core, "Summer has two Beginnings" is a poem about the cyclical nature of time and the fleetingness of life. Dickinson's use of two beginnings and one ending suggests that time is not linear but rather circular, repeating itself over and over again. The poem also seems to suggest that each summer brings with it a fresh start, a new beginning. This idea is reinforced by Dickinson's use of the word "beginning" twice in the first line, emphasizing the importance of this concept.
The poem can also be interpreted as a commentary on the transience of life. Just as summer is fleeting – beginning and ending quickly – so too is life. The fact that the ending of summer occurs in August, which is traditionally associated with the end of vacation and the beginning of the school year, adds to the sense of transience. The second stanza, with its mention of the second year, seems to suggest that time is constantly moving forward, and we are unable to hold onto the past.
Another possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a celebration of the beauty of nature. Dickinson's descriptions of the two beginnings of summer are vivid and playful, highlighting the joy and vitality of the season. The fact that summer has two beginnings suggests that it is not a static season but rather one that is constantly changing and evolving. This idea is reinforced by the mention of August in the second year, which suggests that even the most stable of seasons is subject to change.
Literary Devices
To further understand the poem, we must also look at the literary devices used by Dickinson. One of the most prominent devices used in the poem is her use of dashes. Dickinson uses dashes to create pauses and breaks in the poem, which helps to give it a unique rhythm and flow. The dashes also serve to connect different ideas and concepts, creating a sense of unity and continuity.
Another literary device used by Dickinson is her unusual syntax. The syntax in the poem is irregular, with sentences broken up and rearranged in unexpected ways. This adds to the playful and whimsical tone of the poem, while also adding depth and complexity to its meaning.
Finally, Dickinson's use of imagery is also worth noting. Her descriptions of the two beginnings of summer – one in June and one in July – are vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a vibrant and dynamic season. The mention of August, with its implication of the end of summer, serves as a contrast to the earlier descriptions, highlighting the fleetingness of the season.
Conclusion
"Summer has two Beginnings" is a masterful work of poetry that captures the essence of the season in a unique and profound way. Through her use of literary devices such as dashes, syntax, and imagery, Dickinson creates a poem that is both playful and deep. The poem's themes of time, transience, and the beauty of nature are timeless and resonate with readers to this day. Overall, "Summer has two Beginnings" is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet and her ability to capture the essence of life in her writing.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Summer has Two Beginnings: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson’s Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson’s poem, “Summer has Two Beginnings,” is a beautiful and complex piece of literature that explores the nature of summer and the different ways in which it can be experienced. In this 14-line poem, Dickinson uses vivid imagery and metaphorical language to convey the idea that summer is not just a season, but a state of mind that can be experienced in different ways by different people.
The poem begins with the line, “Summer has two beginnings,” which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson is suggesting that summer is not a fixed entity, but rather something that can be experienced in different ways depending on one’s perspective. She goes on to describe the two different beginnings of summer, which she calls “the long days” and “the gay days.”
The long days, according to Dickinson, are the beginning of summer that is experienced by those who are more introspective and reflective. These are the people who appreciate the quiet beauty of nature and the slower pace of life that comes with the warmer months. Dickinson describes this beginning of summer as “a quiet summer morn,” where “the birds sing their solos” and “the bees hum their hymns.”
On the other hand, the gay days are the beginning of summer that is experienced by those who are more outgoing and social. These are the people who enjoy the hustle and bustle of summer activities and the excitement that comes with being around other people. Dickinson describes this beginning of summer as “a carnival of joy,” where “the children shout and play” and “the flowers dance in the breeze.”
What is interesting about Dickinson’s poem is that she does not suggest that one beginning of summer is better than the other. Instead, she seems to be suggesting that both beginnings are equally valid and that they offer different experiences of the same season. This is a powerful message that speaks to the idea that there is no one right way to experience life, and that we should embrace the diversity of human experience.
Another important aspect of Dickinson’s poem is the way in which she uses metaphorical language to describe the different beginnings of summer. For example, she describes the long days as “a quiet summer morn,” which suggests a sense of calm and tranquility. This metaphor is reinforced by the imagery of the birds singing their solos and the bees humming their hymns, which creates a sense of peacefulness and serenity.
In contrast, Dickinson describes the gay days as “a carnival of joy,” which suggests a sense of excitement and celebration. This metaphor is reinforced by the imagery of the children shouting and playing and the flowers dancing in the breeze, which creates a sense of liveliness and energy.
Overall, Dickinson’s poem is a beautiful and thought-provoking exploration of the nature of summer and the different ways in which it can be experienced. By using vivid imagery and metaphorical language, she creates a powerful message about the diversity of human experience and the importance of embracing different perspectives. Whether you are someone who prefers the quiet beauty of nature or the excitement of summer activities, Dickinson’s poem reminds us that there is no one right way to experience life, and that we should celebrate the diversity of human experience.
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