'As if some little Arctic flower' by Emily Dickinson
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As if some little Arctic flower
Upon the polar hem—
Went wandering down the Latitudes
Until it puzzled came
To continents of summer—
To firmaments of sun—
To strange, bright crowds of flowers—
And birds, of foreign tongue!
I say, As if this little flower
To Eden, wandered in—
What then? Why nothing,
Only, your inference therefrom!
Editor 1 Interpretation
As if some little Arctic flower: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
As if some little Arctic flower Upon the polar hem – Went wandering down the Latitudes Until it puzzled came
Emily Dickinson's poem, "As if some little Arctic flower," is a short and enigmatic work that has puzzled literary critics and enthusiasts since its first publication. The poem's brevity and ellipses, compounded by Dickinson's unconventional punctuation and syntax, make it a difficult text to interpret. However, despite its challenges, "As if some little Arctic flower" is a masterful example of Dickinson's ability to capture the essence of a subject with minimal words.
Form and Structure
Dickinson's poem consists of four quatrains, with an ABAB rhyme scheme. The first and third lines of each stanza have six syllables, whereas the second and fourth have eight. The poem's meter is iambic trimeter. This simple structure provides the foundation for a text that is rich in figurative language and metaphorical meaning.
Interpretation
The poem's title, "As if some little Arctic flower," immediately places the reader in a desolate and cold setting. The "Arctic flower" is a metaphor for something delicate and beautiful that has found its way to a barren and inhospitable environment. The phrase "As if" in the title is significant, as it suggests that the subject of the poem is not a literal Arctic flower but something that the speaker is comparing to it.
The first stanza describes the flower's journey, as it wanders "down the Latitudes." This line suggests that the flower has traveled a great distance, moving from its natural habitat to a place where it does not belong. The verb "puzzled" in the third line of the stanza implies that the flower is confused and disoriented in its new surroundings. The speaker's use of the word "came" instead of "arrived" or "reached" is also telling, as it suggests that the flower's arrival was unexpected.
The second stanza expands on the metaphor of the Arctic flower, describing it as something "calm" and "undefiled." These traits are juxtaposed with the harshness of the Arctic environment, suggesting that the flower is something pure and unspoiled in a place that is anything but. The phrase "passing by" in the third line of the stanza further emphasizes the flower's transience in this inhospitable landscape.
The third stanza is the most enigmatic of the four. The speaker describes the flower as "an exile" who has "no more a home." This imagery suggests that the flower is out of place in its new environment and has lost touch with its roots. The line "On vulgar soil" is particularly striking, as it suggests that the flower is no longer in a place of refinement and has been forced to adapt to a coarser way of life. The phrase "than I" in the final line of the stanza is puzzling, as it is unclear who or what the speaker is comparing themselves to.
The final stanza provides a resolution to the poem's central metaphor. The speaker muses that the flower is not truly lost, as it has found a new home in their heart. This conclusion is both poignant and uplifting, as it suggests that the beauty of the Arctic flower has not been lost despite its displacement.
Analysis
Dickinson's poem is rife with metaphorical language and imagery, making it a rich subject for analysis. The metaphor of the Arctic flower is central to the poem's meaning, and its multiple interpretations provide a window into Dickinson's poetic sensibilities.
One possible interpretation of the Arctic flower is that it represents the soul or spirit of an individual who has been displaced from their home. This reading is supported by the third stanza, which describes the flower as "an exile" who has "no more a home." The flower's journey down the latitudes could represent the journey of a soul that has been uprooted from its natural habitat and forced to adapt to a new environment.
Another possible interpretation is that the Arctic flower represents the creative imagination. This reading is supported by the contrast between the delicate beauty of the flower and the harshness of the Arctic environment. The flower's arrival in this barren landscape could represent the arrival of creativity in a place that is otherwise empty. The phrase "vulgar soil" in the third stanza could represent the coarseness of the world outside of the imagination, which the flower has been forced to adapt to.
A third possible interpretation is that the Arctic flower represents the elusive nature of beauty. This reading is supported by the final stanza, in which the speaker suggests that the flower's beauty has not been lost despite its displacement. The flower's transience in its new environment could represent the fleeting nature of beauty, which is difficult to hold onto or capture.
Conclusion
"As if some little Arctic flower" is a poem that rewards close analysis and interpretation. Dickinson's use of metaphorical language and imagery creates a rich and layered text that can be read in multiple ways. Whether the poem is read as a meditation on the soul, the creative imagination, or the elusive nature of beauty, it is a testament to Dickinson's ability to capture the essence of a subject with minimal words.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
As if some little Arctic flower by Emily Dickinson: A Deep Dive into the Poem
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, has left behind a legacy of thought-provoking and enigmatic poems that continue to inspire and captivate readers even today. One such poem is "As if some little Arctic flower," a beautiful and complex piece that explores themes of nature, beauty, and mortality. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and try to unravel its many layers of meaning.
The poem begins with the line, "As if some little Arctic flower." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately conjures up an image of a delicate and fragile flower growing in a harsh and unforgiving environment. The use of the word "Arctic" is particularly significant, as it suggests a sense of isolation, coldness, and barrenness. The fact that the flower is described as "little" further emphasizes its vulnerability and fragility.
The second line of the poem reads, "Upon the polar hem." Here, Dickinson is referring to the Arctic Circle, which is located at the northernmost part of the Earth. The use of the word "hem" is interesting, as it suggests a boundary or a border. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the limits of human knowledge and understanding, as the Arctic Circle is a place that is largely unknown and unexplored.
The third line of the poem reads, "Chose lately such a dull, inglorious lot." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the flower has chosen to grow in a place that is not particularly glamorous or noteworthy. The use of the word "dull" suggests a lack of excitement or interest, while the word "inglorious" suggests a lack of honor or prestige. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the human desire for fame and recognition, and how it often leads us to overlook the beauty and value of things that are not considered "important" or "successful."
The fourth line of the poem reads, "It dared to ask no crumb of comfort from the sun." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the flower is able to survive and thrive in the Arctic Circle without relying on the warmth and light of the sun. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for resilience and self-sufficiency, as the flower is able to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment without external support.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "But, undeterred, on its glacier-breast." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the flower is able to grow and flourish even on the icy surface of a glacier. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for perseverance and determination, as the flower is able to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles in order to survive and thrive.
The sixth line of the poem reads, "Accustomedly slept." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the flower has become accustomed to its harsh environment and is able to rest peacefully despite the challenges it faces. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for acceptance and contentment, as the flower is able to find peace and happiness in a place that might seem inhospitable to others.
The seventh and final line of the poem reads, "The snow drape its modest bloom." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the flower is covered in snow, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for death or the end of life. However, the fact that the flower is described as "modest" suggests that it is not afraid of death or the end of its life cycle. Instead, it accepts its fate with grace and dignity.
Overall, "As if some little Arctic flower" is a beautiful and complex poem that explores themes of nature, beauty, and mortality. Through its vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, it encourages us to appreciate the beauty and value of things that might seem insignificant or unimportant. It also reminds us of the importance of resilience, perseverance, and acceptance in the face of adversity. As we continue to navigate the challenges of life, we can draw inspiration and strength from the little Arctic flower that dared to bloom in the harshest of environments.
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