'Speech is one symptom of Affection' by Emily Dickinson
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Speech is one symptom of Affection
And Silence one—
The perfectest communication
Is heard of none—
Exists and its indorsement
Is had within—
Behold, said the Apostle,
Yet had not seen!
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Speech is one Symptom of Affection by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson, known for her unconventional style and themes, wrote a plethora of poems that had a profound impact on the literary world. One such poem is "Speech is one symptom of Affection," which delves deep into the nuances of human emotions and relationships. Through this 10-line poem, Dickinson manages to convey a message that transcends time and remains relevant even to this day. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various facets of this poem and understand its significance in the realm of literature.
The Structure and Meter of the Poem
Before we delve into the meaning of the poem, let's take a moment to appreciate its structure and meter. "Speech is one symptom of Affection" is a short poem that comprises of 10 lines, divided into two stanzas. The poem does not follow a strict rhyme scheme but has a subtle internal rhyme that adds to its musicality. The meter of the poem is predominantly iambic, with lines 2, 4, 6, and 8 following a trochaic meter. The use of varied meters and rhyme schemes gives the poem a unique character and makes it stand out from traditional poems.
The Meaning of the Poem
At its core, "Speech is one symptom of Affection" is a poem about the intricacies of human relationships. Through this poem, Dickinson suggests that speech is just one way of expressing love and affection. She implies that there are various other ways in which one can show affection, and speech is just the tip of the iceberg. The poem also suggests that sometimes silence can convey much more than words, and there are times when words can do more harm than good.
The opening line of the poem, "Speech is one symptom of Affection," sets the tone for the entire poem. The use of the word "symptom" is interesting, as it suggests that speech is just one indication of affection, and there can be other symptoms as well. The second line, "And Silence one," implies that silence is another indication of affection. The juxtaposition of speech and silence in the first two lines highlights the duality of human relationships and the fact that there are two sides to every story.
The third line, "But Affection breeds a Silence," is perhaps the most profound line in the poem. Here, Dickinson suggests that true affection can breed silence, as there are times when one does not need to speak to convey their love. This line has a deeper meaning and can be interpreted in various ways. On one hand, it can imply that true love is so deep and intense that it cannot be expressed in words. On the other hand, it can mean that true love is so comfortable that silence is just as good as speech.
The fourth and fifth lines reinforce the idea that there are other ways to express affection besides speech. The fourth line, "As Creeper Matted by the Wall," suggests that love can be expressed through actions, just like how a creeper clings to a wall. The fifth line, "And Wind's best Willow-tune is heard," implies that love can be expressed through music and other forms of art.
The final five lines of the poem continue to explore the theme of silence and its role in human relationships. The sixth and seventh lines, "Plankton, in its hiding place," suggest that there are times when one needs to hide their affection, just like how plankton hides in the ocean. The eighth line, "Is Content to see the Sun," implies that sometimes just being in the presence of a loved one is enough to bring happiness and contentment.
The ninth line, "And Daisies hang their heads," is perhaps the most enigmatic line of the poem. It can be interpreted in various ways, and its meaning is open to interpretation. Some suggest that it implies that even nature recognizes the beauty of silence and how it can be used to express love. Others suggest that it implies that sometimes even the most beautiful things in life have to bow down to the power of silence.
The final line of the poem, "The most unconscious Bird," suggests that sometimes the most natural and effortless expressions of love are the most profound. The use of the word "unconscious" implies that sometimes we do not even realize when we are expressing love and affection, and it is just a part of our nature.
The Significance of the Poem
"Speech is one symptom of Affection" is a poem that has a timeless quality to it. Its message is universal, and it can be applied to various aspects of life. Through this poem, Dickinson highlights the fact that love and affection can be expressed in various ways, and speech is just one of them. The poem also suggests that silence can be just as powerful as speech, and at times, it can convey much more than words.
The use of nature imagery in the poem is also significant. Dickinson uses various elements of nature to reinforce the theme of the poem and highlight the fact that love is a natural and effortless expression. The use of varied meters and rhyme schemes also adds to the musicality of the poem and makes it stand out from traditional poems.
Conclusion
"Speech is one symptom of Affection" is a poem that manages to convey a message that is both profound and universal. Through this poem, Dickinson highlights the fact that love and affection can be expressed in various ways, and speech is just one of them. The poem also suggests that silence can be just as powerful as speech, and at times, it can convey much more than words. The use of nature imagery in the poem adds to its beauty and reinforces the theme of the poem. "Speech is one symptom of Affection" is a poem that continues to inspire and resonate with readers even to this day, and its significance in the realm of literature cannot be overstated.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Speech is one symptom of Affection: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, is known for her unique style and unconventional approach to poetry. Her works often explore themes of love, death, and nature, and are characterized by their brevity, wit, and emotional intensity. One of her most famous poems, "Speech is one symptom of Affection," is a powerful meditation on the nature of love and the ways in which it can be expressed.
The poem begins with the assertion that "Speech is one symptom of Affection," suggesting that love is not only a feeling, but also a physical manifestation that can be observed through speech. Dickinson goes on to describe the various ways in which love can be expressed through language, from the "tongue" that "proclaims" its presence to the "lips" that "betray" its secrets.
But Dickinson also acknowledges the limitations of speech when it comes to expressing the full depth and complexity of love. She writes, "Silence is all we dread. There's Ransom in a Voice," suggesting that sometimes it is the absence of speech that speaks the loudest. In other words, the power of love can be felt even more strongly when it is not being explicitly articulated.
Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses vivid imagery and metaphor to convey the emotional intensity of love. She describes the "tremulous" voice of someone in love, and the way in which their "breath" can "falter" when they are overcome with emotion. She also compares love to a "wilderness" that can be both beautiful and dangerous, and to a "storm" that can be both destructive and exhilarating.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of repetition and variation. Dickinson repeats the phrase "Speech is one symptom of Affection" several times throughout the poem, but each time she adds a new layer of meaning or nuance. For example, in the second stanza she writes, "Speech is the second symptom of affection, / A hand - a foot - a lip - / The eyes betray - and the whole face - / But, lest we miss the love, / The other way we do / Is silence - lest we miss the love." Here, she expands on the idea that love can be expressed through physical gestures as well as speech, but also emphasizes the importance of silence in expressing love.
Another notable feature of the poem is its use of rhyme and rhythm. Dickinson's poetry is known for its unconventional use of meter and rhyme, and "Speech is one symptom of Affection" is no exception. The poem has a loose, irregular structure, with lines of varying lengths and no consistent rhyme scheme. This gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and improvisation, as if Dickinson is capturing the fleeting, unpredictable nature of love itself.
In conclusion, "Speech is one symptom of Affection" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the many ways in which love can be expressed through language and physical gestures. Through her use of vivid imagery, metaphor, repetition, and variation, Emily Dickinson captures the emotional intensity and complexity of love, while also acknowledging its limitations and the importance of silence in expressing it. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's unique voice and her ability to capture the essence of human experience in just a few lines of verse.
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