'A science—so the Savants say' by Emily Dickinson
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A science—so the Savants say,
"Comparative Anatomy"—
By which a single bone—
Is made a secret to unfold
Of some rare tenant of the mold,
Else perished in the stone—
So to the eye prospective led,
This meekest flower of the mead
Upon a winter's day,
Stands representative in gold
Of Rose and Lily, manifold,
And countless Butterfly!
Editor 1 Interpretation
A science—so the Savants say: An Exploration of Emily Dickinson's Poetic Genius
Emily Dickinson is a name synonymous with poetry, with the American poet having left behind an incredible legacy of verse that has inspired countless generations of readers and writers. Her poems are characterized by their sharp wit, philosophical depth, and intense emotions, with each line brimming with meaning and symbolism. One such poem, "A science—so the Savants say," is a testament to Dickinson's poetic genius, with the poem exploring the enigmatic nature of science and its relationship with human perception.
In this literary criticism, I will offer a detailed analysis of the poem, exploring its themes, language, and imagery, and discussing its significance in the context of Dickinson's oeuvre. Through this exploration, I hope to showcase the power and beauty of Dickinson's poetry and offer readers a deeper understanding of her work.
Themes and Subject Matter
On its surface, "A science—so the Savants say" is a poem about science and its impact on human perception. The poem opens with the line, "A science—so the Savants say," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the verse. The speaker is questioning the validity of science and its claims, suggesting that what scientists say may not be entirely accurate or trustworthy.
The poem goes on to explore the relationship between science and human experience, suggesting that scientific knowledge can only take us so far in understanding the world around us. The second stanza reads:
"Concealed—it insures—to be revealed Some time or other—"
Here, the speaker is acknowledging that there are things about the universe that are beyond human understanding, and that scientific knowledge is limited in its ability to reveal all of the mysteries of the world. The idea that there is more to the world than what science can uncover is a common theme in Dickinson's work, and it is one that is explored in depth in this poem.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most enigmatic, with the speaker stating:
"Invisible—as Music— But positive—as Sound—"
This stanza is open to interpretation, but it can be read as a suggestion that there are forces in the universe that are beyond human perception, but that are nonetheless real and tangible. The comparison to music and sound suggests that there are things that exist beyond the realm of human senses, but that can still be felt and experienced in some way.
Language and Imagery
One of the most striking things about "A science—so the Savants say" is its use of language and imagery. Dickinson's poems are known for their vivid and often surprising images, and this poem is no exception. The opening line—"A science—so the Savants say"—is a perfect example of this. The use of "Savants" to refer to scientists is unexpected, and it immediately sets up a sense of tension between the scientific establishment and the speaker of the poem.
Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses language and imagery to explore the idea of the unknown. The lines "Concealed—it insures—to be revealed/Some time or other" are particularly effective in conveying the sense of mystery and possibility that lies at the heart of the poem. The use of the word "insures" suggests that there is a guarantee that the unknown will be revealed at some point, but the phrase "some time or other" reminds us that we do not know when this will happen, or what form this revelation will take.
The final stanza of the poem is particularly striking in terms of its imagery. The comparison of the unknown to music and sound is both beautiful and haunting, and it suggests that there are things in the world that are beyond our understanding, but that nonetheless have an impact on our lives.
Significance in Dickinson's Oeuvre
While "A science—so the Savants say" is a relatively short poem, it is nonetheless significant in the context of Dickinson's oeuvre. The poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's ability to explore complex ideas in relatively few words, and it demonstrates her mastery of language and imagery.
The theme of the unknown is one that recurs throughout Dickinson's work, and it is particularly prominent in her later poems. "A science—so the Savants say" can be seen as a precursor to many of these later works, in which the poet grapples with the mystery of death and the afterlife.
In addition, the poem can also be read as a commentary on the limitations of science and the scientific establishment. Dickinson was not a scientist herself, but she was deeply skeptical of the claims of experts and authorities. In "A science—so the Savants say," she is questioning the authority of scientists and suggesting that there are things beyond their understanding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A science—so the Savants say" is a testament to Emily Dickinson's poetic genius. The poem is a powerful exploration of the unknown and the limitations of scientific knowledge, and it showcases Dickinson's ability to convey complex ideas in a relatively short space.
Through its language and imagery, the poem invites readers to reflect on the mysteries of the universe and the limitations of human perception. It is a work that is both beautiful and haunting, and it is a testament to the enduring power of Dickinson's poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Science—so the Savants say: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson’s Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional themes, and profound insights into the human condition. Among her many poems, A Science—so the Savants say stands out as a classic piece that captures the essence of her poetic genius. In this article, we will delve into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices to understand why it has stood the test of time.
The poem begins with the line, "A Science—so the Savants say." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on the nature of science and its relationship to the world around us. The use of the word "savants" suggests that the poem is addressing the experts in the field of science, who claim to have a deep understanding of the subject.
The second line of the poem reads, "Is a glory in itself." This line suggests that science is something that is inherently valuable and worthy of admiration. The use of the word "glory" implies that science is something that is beautiful and awe-inspiring, much like a work of art or a natural wonder.
The third line of the poem reads, "And therefore to be worshipped." This line takes the idea of science as a source of glory and takes it one step further, suggesting that science is something that should be worshipped. This idea is somewhat controversial, as many people believe that science should be approached with a healthy dose of skepticism and critical thinking. However, Dickinson seems to be suggesting that science is something that is so valuable that it deserves our utmost respect and reverence.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "But how shall we obtain it?" This line introduces a note of uncertainty into the poem, suggesting that while science may be something that is worthy of admiration, it is not always easy to obtain. This line also sets up the rest of the poem, which explores the challenges and limitations of science.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "Deign the gods to let us." This line suggests that science is something that is beyond the reach of mere mortals, and that we must rely on the gods to grant us access to it. This idea is reminiscent of the ancient Greek belief in the power of the gods to bestow knowledge and wisdom upon mortals.
The sixth line of the poem reads, "They will doubtless if they choose." This line suggests that the gods have the power to grant us access to science, but that they may not always choose to do so. This idea is somewhat unsettling, as it suggests that our access to knowledge and understanding is not entirely within our control.
The seventh line of the poem reads, "For if even they can err." This line introduces the idea that even the gods are fallible, and that they may not always have a perfect understanding of science. This idea is somewhat surprising, as it suggests that even the most powerful and knowledgeable beings in the universe are not infallible.
The eighth line of the poem reads, "The way I safely ascertain." This line suggests that there is a way to safely obtain knowledge and understanding, even if the gods are not willing or able to grant it to us. This idea is somewhat reassuring, as it suggests that we are not entirely at the mercy of external forces when it comes to our pursuit of knowledge.
The ninth line of the poem reads, "Is to learn it by its proofs." This line suggests that the best way to understand science is to learn it through empirical evidence and experimentation. This idea is in line with the scientific method, which emphasizes the importance of observation and experimentation in the pursuit of knowledge.
The tenth line of the poem reads, "Reduce it to a plain." This line suggests that science can be simplified and made more accessible by breaking it down into its component parts. This idea is reminiscent of the idea of reductionism, which suggests that complex systems can be understood by breaking them down into simpler components.
The eleventh line of the poem reads, "In which the Maker taught." This line suggests that the natural world itself is a source of knowledge and understanding, and that we can learn about science by studying the world around us. This idea is in line with the idea of natural philosophy, which was the precursor to modern science and emphasized the importance of observation and experimentation in the pursuit of knowledge.
The twelfth and final line of the poem reads, "Sun, stand thou still at noon." This line is a reference to the biblical story of Joshua, in which he commands the sun to stand still so that he can win a battle. This line suggests that science is something that is so powerful that it can even command the forces of nature. This idea is somewhat unsettling, as it suggests that science has the power to manipulate the natural world in ways that may be harmful or dangerous.
In terms of structure, the poem is composed of twelve lines, each of which is relatively short and concise. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line contains four iambs, or metrical feet. This gives the poem a rhythmic quality that is both pleasing to the ear and easy to read.
In terms of literary devices, the poem makes use of several techniques to convey its message. For example, the use of the word "glory" in the second line of the poem is an example of personification, as it gives science a human quality. The use of the word "worshipped" in the third line of the poem is an example of hyperbole, as it exaggerates the importance of science. The reference to the biblical story of Joshua in the final line of the poem is an example of allusion, as it references a well-known story from the Bible.
In conclusion, A Science—so the Savants say is a classic poem that explores the nature of science and its relationship to the world around us. The poem is characterized by its concise structure, rhythmic quality, and use of literary devices. Through its exploration of the challenges and limitations of science, the poem invites us to reflect on the nature of knowledge and understanding, and the role that science plays in our lives.
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