'Apparently with no surprise' by Emily Dickinson
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Apparently with no surprise
To any happy Flower
The Frost beheads it at its play—
In accidental power—
The blonde Assassin passes on—
The Sun proceeds unmoved
To measure off another Day
For an Approving God.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Apparently with no surprise: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh my goodness! Emily Dickinson's "Apparently with no surprise" is a powerful poem that speaks to the inevitability of death and the naturalness of the cycle of life. In just eight lines, Dickinson manages to convey the fragility of life and the acceptance that comes with the knowledge of our own mortality. Let's dive into this poem and explore its literary devices, themes and meaning.
Poem Analysis
"Apparently with no surprise" is a short but dense poem written in iambic tetrameter. The poem is composed of two quatrains that follow a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. The poem's structure is simple, yet it is full of literary devices such as alliteration, metaphor, and personification.
The first line of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. "Apparently with no surprise," suggests that the event being described is expected, and there is no shock or disbelief associated with it. The use of the word "apparently" is significant because it shows that the speaker is not entirely sure whether the event is genuinely not surprising, or if they are only pretending it isn't. This ambiguity hints at the internal conflict that the speaker is experiencing.
The second line, "To any happy Flower," introduces the first metaphor in the poem. The flower represents life and the beauty that comes with it. The fact that the flower is "happy" suggests that it is thriving and has not yet reached the end of its life cycle. The contrast between the happiness of the flower and the inevitability of its death creates a melancholic tone that is present throughout the poem.
The third line continues with the metaphor, "The Frost beheads it at its play," implying that death is an inevitable part of life. The word "beheads" is particularly significant because it suggests a violent and sudden end to the flower's life. The use of the word "play" is also important because it suggests that the flower was living its life to the fullest, enjoying itself before it met its end.
The fourth line, "In accidental power," introduces the first instance of personification in the poem, as the frost is given the power to end the flower's life. The word "accidental" suggests that the frost's actions are not deliberate; rather, they are a natural part of the cycle of life and death.
The second quatrain begins with the line, "The blond Assassin passes on." The use of the word "Assassin" is particularly significant because it suggests that death is not just a natural part of life, but it is also an active force that takes life away. The use of the word "blond" is also interesting because it implies that death is not an ugly or monstrous force, but a beautiful one. This hint of beauty in death contrasts with the horror that is usually associated with it.
The sixth line, "The Sun proceeds unmoved," is significant because it suggests that life goes on, even after death. The sun is often used as a symbol of life and vitality, and the fact that it proceeds "unmoved" suggests that it is indifferent to the flower's death. This further emphasizes the inevitability and naturalness of death.
The seventh line, "To measure off another Day," suggests that life goes on, regardless of death. The use of the word "measure" implies that life is quantifiable and finite, much like time. The fact that another day is being measured off implies that life will continue, despite the loss of the flower's life.
The final line, "For an Approaching God," is the most ambiguous line in the poem. The use of the word "God" suggests that death is not just a natural part of life, but it is also a part of a higher power's plan. The use of the word "approaching" is significant because it implies that death is not just an end, but a beginning of something else. The ambiguity of this line leaves the reader with a sense of mystery and uncertainty.
Themes
"Apparently with no surprise" touches on several themes that are central to Emily Dickinson's poetry. The most significant of these themes are death, nature, and spirituality.
Death is a central theme in the poem, and it is explored through the metaphor of the flower. The poem suggests that death is an inevitable part of life, and it is not something that should be feared or avoided. The acceptance of death is an essential part of living a full life.
Nature is another significant theme in the poem. The flower is used as a metaphor for life, and the frost is used as a metaphor for death. The poem suggests that nature is not just beautiful, but it is also a powerful force that can take life away. The naturalness of death is an important part of the poem's message.
Spirituality is also explored in the poem. The use of the word "God" in the final line suggests that death is not just a natural part of life, but it is also a part of a higher power's plan. The poem suggests that death is not just an end, but a beginning of something else. The ambiguity of this line leaves the reader with a sense of mystery and uncertainty, which is significant in Dickinson's poetry.
Conclusion
"Apparently with no surprise" is a powerful poem that explores the inevitability of death and the acceptance that comes with the knowledge of our own mortality. The poem's use of metaphor, personification, and ambiguity creates a melancholic tone that is central to its message. The themes of death, nature, and spirituality are explored in the poem, suggesting that death is not just an end, but a part of a higher power's plan. Dickinson's poem is a reminder that life is fragile and that we should embrace every moment because we never know when our time will come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Apparently with no surprise, written by Emily Dickinson, is a classic poem that has been analyzed and discussed by literary scholars for decades. 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 article, we will analyze and explain the meaning behind this poem and explore the literary devices that Dickinson uses to convey her message.
The poem begins with the line "Apparently with no surprise," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker seems to be describing a situation that is expected, almost inevitable. The use of the word "apparently" suggests that there is something hidden beneath the surface, something that is not immediately apparent. This creates a sense of tension and anticipation in the reader, as we wonder what is going to happen next.
The second line of the poem reads, "To any happy flower, the frost beheads it at its play." This line is a metaphor for the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The "happy flower" represents life, while the "frost" represents death. The use of the word "beheads" is particularly powerful, as it suggests a violent and sudden end to life. This line also introduces the theme of nature, which is a recurring motif in Dickinson's poetry.
The third line of the poem reads, "The startled little mountain murmurs, run away." This line is another metaphor, this time for the fear and helplessness that we feel in the face of death. The "startled little mountain" represents us, while the command to "run away" represents our instinctual desire to avoid death. This line also introduces the idea of sound, which is another important motif in Dickinson's poetry.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "And the winds do litter the lea." This line is a continuation of the metaphor of nature, as the "winds" represent the forces of nature that are beyond our control. The use of the word "litter" is interesting, as it suggests a sense of chaos and disorder. This line also introduces the idea of movement, which is another important motif in Dickinson's poetry.
The fifth and final line of the poem reads, "Everywhere the ceremony of innocence is drowned." This line is the most powerful and haunting of the entire poem. It suggests that death is not just a physical event, but a spiritual one as well. The "ceremony of innocence" represents the purity and goodness of life, while the act of being "drowned" represents the corruption and decay of death. This line also introduces the theme of religion, which is another recurring motif in Dickinson's poetry.
Overall, the poem Apparently with no surprise is a powerful meditation on the inevitability of death and the fragility of life. Dickinson uses a variety of literary devices to convey her message, including metaphors, motifs, and sound. The poem is also notable for its unconventional punctuation and syntax, which adds to its sense of tension and anticipation. Despite its dark subject matter, the poem is ultimately a celebration of life and a reminder to cherish every moment that we have.
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