'The Opening and the Close' by Emily Dickinson
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The Opening and the Close
Of Being, are alike
Or differ, if they do,
As Bloom upon a Stalk.
That from an equal Seed
Unto an equal Bud
Go parallel, perfected
In that they have decayed.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Opening and the Close: An Intriguing and Complex Poem by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson is one of the most renowned poets in American literature, known for her distinctive style and unique perspective on topics of love, death, and nature. Among her many works, "The Opening and the Close" stands out as a particularly intriguing and complex poem, one that challenges readers to delve deep into its meaning and symbolism.
At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple meditation on the passage of time, with the opening and closing lines serving as bookends for a brief reflection on the fleeting nature of life. However, a closer reading reveals a much deeper and more nuanced exploration of themes such as mortality, spirituality, and the cyclical nature of existence.
Structure and Form
Before delving into the poem's themes and symbolism, it is worth considering its structure and form. "The Opening and the Close" consists of just four stanzas, each containing two lines. While the poem is not divided into traditional stanzas, the repetition of the opening and closing lines creates a sense of symmetry and balance.
The poem's form is also notable for its use of meter and rhyme. Each line contains four iambs, resulting in a simple and regular rhythm that reinforces the poem's themes of repetition and cyclical nature. The rhyme scheme, meanwhile, is ABAB, with the first and third lines of each stanza rhyming with one another. This creates a sense of continuity and connection between the different parts of the poem.
Theme and Symbolism
The opening and closing lines of the poem serve as a refrain, repeating the same words with slight variations. The first line, "The Opening and the Close of Being, are alike or different, as the Serpent saw," establishes the central theme of the poem: the cyclical nature of existence, with its ever-repeating cycle of birth and death.
The use of the word "Serpent" in this line is significant, as it brings to mind the biblical story of Adam and Eve and the serpent in the Garden of Eden. In that story, the serpent tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, leading to the fall of humanity and the introduction of mortality into the world. By invoking the serpent in this context, Dickinson is suggesting that the cyclical nature of existence is both a blessing and a curse, embodying both the potential for renewal and growth and the inevitability of death and decay.
The second line of each stanza serves to expand on this theme, using a variety of metaphors and images to explore the different facets of the cyclical nature of existence. In the first stanza, for example, Dickinson compares the opening and the close of being to "the same creation's blank misgiving," suggesting that the very act of creation is haunted by a sense of uncertainty and doubt.
In the second stanza, the poet uses the metaphor of the moon to explore the cyclical nature of life and death. She writes, "The start is but a swelling of the same, / And he, as well as I, has birthdays." Here, the moon is presented as a symbol of both birth and death, with its monthly cycle reflecting the rhythms of human life.
In the third stanza, Dickinson turns to the image of the sea, describing it as "the beginning and the end." This metaphor serves to reinforce the poem's central theme of cyclical nature, highlighting the way that even the vast and seemingly eternal ocean is subject to the ebb and flow of tides and currents.
Finally, in the fourth stanza, Dickinson returns to the image of the serpent, using it to suggest that the cyclical nature of existence is ultimately a mystery that cannot be fully understood or explained. She writes, "We know the merry lizard will emerge, / And play his crooked trick." This line suggests that, like the serpent in the Garden of Eden, the cyclical nature of existence is both playful and deceptive, embodying a mix of light and dark, joy and sorrow.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Opening and the Close" is a fascinating and complex poem that rewards careful reading and analysis. Through its use of form, structure, and symbolism, the poem explores the cyclical nature of existence, with its ever-repeating cycle of birth and death. By invoking metaphors such as the serpent, the moon, and the sea, Dickinson suggests that this cycle is both a source of renewal and growth and a reminder of the inevitability of death and decay.
Ultimately, "The Opening and the Close" is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet, as well as her deep and nuanced understanding of the human condition. Whether read as a meditation on mortality, a celebration of renewal, or a philosophical exploration of the nature of existence, this poem stands as a testament to the power of language and the enduring relevance of Dickinson's work.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Opening and the Close: A Masterpiece of Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with her unique style and profound insights into the human condition. Among her many works, "The Opening and the Close" stands out as a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and death in a way that is both haunting and beautiful.
At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple meditation on the cycle of life and death. The opening lines, "The Opening and the Close / Of Being, are alike as Themselves" suggest that life and death are two sides of the same coin, and that they are both essential parts of the natural order of things. However, as the poem unfolds, it becomes clear that there is much more going on beneath the surface.
The second stanza, for example, introduces the idea of the "mystic symmetry" that exists between life and death. Dickinson writes, "The Miracle before the Sun / Is the Mystic one / Of Gratitude for Life." Here, she suggests that the miracle of life is not just a physical phenomenon, but a spiritual one as well. Life is a gift, and we should be grateful for it. However, this gratitude is not just for the present moment, but for the entire cycle of life and death.
The third stanza takes this idea even further, suggesting that death is not an end, but a beginning. Dickinson writes, "The Closing of the Day / Is the Closing of the Year / And Death is the Exit of the Year." Here, she suggests that death is not something to be feared, but something to be embraced. It is the end of one cycle and the beginning of another, just as the closing of the day is the closing of the year.
The fourth stanza introduces the idea of the "eternal round" that exists between life and death. Dickinson writes, "The Endless Play of Heaven, / Proposal for a Day / And Countless Mornings gone before, / In Matchless Company." Here, she suggests that life and death are not just part of the natural order of things, but part of a larger cosmic cycle that has been going on for eternity. This cycle is not just a physical one, but a spiritual one as well, and it is something that we are all a part of.
The final stanza brings all of these ideas together in a powerful conclusion. Dickinson writes, "The Opening and the Close / Of Being, are alike as Themselves / That Wisdom is the Better Part / That Grace is the Surprise." Here, she suggests that the true wisdom of life is not in trying to avoid death, but in embracing it as a natural part of the cycle of life. And, in doing so, we may be surprised by the grace that comes with it.
Overall, "The Opening and the Close" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of life and death in a way that is both profound and beautiful. Emily Dickinson's unique style and insights into the human condition have made her one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and this poem is a testament to her genius. Whether you are a fan of poetry or not, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.
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