'We can but follow to the Sun' by Emily Dickinson

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We can but follow to the Sun—
As oft as He go down
He leave Ourselves a Sphere behind—
'Tis mostly—following—

We go no further with the Dust
Than to the Earthen Door—
And then the Panels are reversed—
And we behold—no more.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"We can but follow to the Sun" by Emily Dickinson: A literary interpretation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated and enigmatic poets in American literature. Her poetry is known for its unique style, unconventional syntax, and profound insight into the human condition. Among her numerous poems, "We can but follow to the Sun" is one of the most intriguing and complex. In this essay, I will offer a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of this classic poem that explores its meaning, form, language, and literary devices.

The poem's form and structure

"We can but follow to the Sun" is a short poem consisting of four stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem follows a simple rhyme scheme (ABCB) and a regular meter (iambic tetrameter) with occasional variations. The poem's form and structure are deceptively simple, which belies its depth of meaning and complexity of ideas.

The poem's language and imagery

The language and imagery of "We can but follow to the Sun" are subtle, evocative, and multi-layered. The poem opens with an epigrammatic statement that sets the tone for the rest of the poem: "We can but follow to the Sun". This line is enigmatic and ambiguous, inviting multiple interpretations. On the one hand, it suggests the human desire for transcendence and the search for meaning beyond the mundane. On the other hand, it implies the human limitation and mortality, the inevitability of death, and the futility of human efforts to escape it. The paradoxical tension between these two opposite meanings is a hallmark of Dickinson's poetry, and it infuses this poem with a sense of existential angst and ambiguity.

The second stanza of the poem introduces the motif of the "sunset". The sunset is a symbol of the passage of time, the impermanence of life, and the transience of beauty. Dickinson's use of the sunset as a metaphor for human existence is typical of her style, which often employs natural imagery to explore existential themes. The line "The Hills erect their purple Heads" is a vivid image that conveys the majesty and grandeur of nature, contrasting with the ephemeral and fragile human condition.

The third stanza of the poem introduces another motif, that of the "sea". The sea is a symbol of the infinite, the unknown, and the mysterious. Dickinson's use of the sea as a metaphor for human existence is also typical of her style, which often employs cosmic imagery to explore existential themes. The line "The Sands impede the setting Sea" is a striking image that conveys the relentless and unstoppable nature of time, contrasting with the powerless and transient human condition.

The fourth and final stanza of the poem brings the various motifs and themes together in a powerful and enigmatic conclusion. The line "No Daybreak can be had" suggests the impossibility of finding a definitive answer to the human quest for meaning and transcendence. The line "But, from that Oriental Day" suggests the possibility of finding some solace or enlightenment from a source beyond the human realm. The line "A brighter One has been ordained" suggests the prospect of a higher and more profound truth beyond the limitations of human knowledge and understanding. The poem's conclusion is both hopeful and despairing, suggesting the complexity and ambiguity of the human condition.

The poem's literary devices

"We can but follow to the Sun" is a rich and complex poem that employs a variety of literary devices to convey its meaning and theme. Some of the most notable literary devices used in the poem are:

• Irony - the poem's tone is ironic, suggesting the tension between human aspirations and limitations.
• Paradox - the poem's themes and motifs are paradoxical, suggesting the tension between human desires and reality.
• Imagery - the poem employs vivid and striking natural imagery to convey complex existential themes.
• Symbolism - the poem uses various symbols, such as the sunset, the sea, and the sunrise, to explore the human condition.
• Allusion - the poem alludes to various religious and philosophical traditions, such as Orientalism and Christianity, to suggest the possibility of transcendence and enlightenment beyond human understanding.
• Metaphor - the poem uses various metaphors, such as the sunset as a symbol of human impermanence and the sea as a symbol of human insignificance, to convey complex existential themes.

Conclusion

"We can but follow to the Sun" is a classic poem by Emily Dickinson that explores the complexity and ambiguity of the human condition. Through its subtle and multi-layered language, imagery, and literary devices, the poem suggests the tension between human desires and limitations, between human aspirations and reality. The poem's themes of impermanence, transience, and the search for transcendence resonate with readers across time and culture, making it a timeless and universal work of poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

We Can But Follow to the Sun: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, is known for her unique style of writing and her ability to capture the essence of life in her poetry. Her poem, "We Can But Follow to the Sun," is a masterpiece that explores the themes of hope, perseverance, and the pursuit of happiness. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of this classic poem and explore the literary devices that Dickinson employs to convey her message.

The poem begins with the line, "We can but follow to the Sun," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The Sun is a symbol of hope and light, and Dickinson uses it to represent the pursuit of happiness. The first stanza of the poem describes the journey that we must take to reach the Sun. Dickinson writes, "As oft as we begin / The motion of the Run / The Sun will catch us on the run." This line suggests that the pursuit of happiness is a continuous journey, and that we must keep moving forward in order to reach our destination.

In the second stanza, Dickinson uses the metaphor of a ship to describe the journey to the Sun. She writes, "The Earth is not a sphere / But a huge whirling wheel / That rolls us onward to the Sun." This metaphor suggests that life is like a ship sailing on the sea of time, and that we must navigate through the ups and downs of life in order to reach our destination. The use of the word "whirling" suggests that life can be chaotic and unpredictable, but that we must keep moving forward despite the challenges we face.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Dickinson writes, "We must not stop to breathe / Or think of life below / But follow, follow to the Sun." This line suggests that in order to reach our destination, we must focus solely on our goal and not be distracted by the challenges we face along the way. The use of the word "must" suggests that this is not a choice, but a necessity if we want to achieve our dreams.

In the fourth stanza, Dickinson uses the metaphor of a bird to describe the journey to the Sun. She writes, "The bird that wings its way / Across the trackless air / Is not more free than we are free." This metaphor suggests that the pursuit of happiness is a journey that requires freedom and independence. The use of the word "trackless" suggests that there is no set path to follow, and that we must chart our own course in order to reach our destination.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most hopeful. Dickinson writes, "And when the journey's done / And we have reached the goal / We shall but rest beneath the Sun." This line suggests that the pursuit of happiness is not just about reaching our destination, but about enjoying the journey along the way. The use of the word "rest" suggests that we will find peace and contentment when we reach our destination, and that the journey will have been worth it.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson employs a number of literary devices to convey her message. One of the most prominent is the use of metaphor. Dickinson uses the metaphor of the Sun to represent the pursuit of happiness, and the metaphor of a ship and a bird to describe the journey to the Sun. These metaphors help to create a vivid and powerful image in the reader's mind, and make the poem more memorable.

Another literary device that Dickinson employs is repetition. The phrase "follow to the Sun" is repeated throughout the poem, which helps to reinforce the central theme of the poem. The repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and momentum, which helps to propel the poem forward.

Finally, Dickinson uses imagery to create a vivid and powerful picture in the reader's mind. The image of a ship sailing on the sea of time, the bird flying through the trackless air, and the Sun shining down on us all create a sense of wonder and awe. These images help to make the poem more memorable and impactful.

In conclusion, "We Can But Follow to the Sun" is a masterpiece by Emily Dickinson that explores the themes of hope, perseverance, and the pursuit of happiness. Through the use of metaphor, repetition, and imagery, Dickinson creates a vivid and powerful picture of the journey to the Sun. The poem is a testament to the human spirit and our ability to overcome adversity in order to achieve our dreams. It is a timeless classic that continues to inspire readers to this day.

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