'Smiling back from Coronation' by Emily Dickinson

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Smiling back from Coronation
May be Luxury—
On the Heads that started with us—
Being's Peasantry—

Recognizing in Procession
Ones We former knew—
When Ourselves were also dusty—
Centuries ago—

Had the Triumph no Conviction
Of how many be—
Stimulated—by the Contrast—
Unto Misery—

Editor 1 Interpretation

Smiling Back from Coronation: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Emily Dickinson’s poem, “Smiling Back from Coronation,” is a masterpiece of poetic exploration that delves into the complexities of human emotions and the power of imagery. This poem presents a new and unique perspective on the coronation of a queen and the emotions that are stirred up in the hearts of the people present at the ceremony.

Dickinson was known for her unconventional approach to poetry, and this poem is no exception. The poem is structured in the form of a sonnet, which is traditionally used for love poetry. However, the tone and the subject matter of the poem are not typical of a love poem. Instead, Dickinson uses the sonnet form to explore the emotional resonance of the scene she is depicting.

The poem begins with a vivid description of the scene at the coronation. Dickinson describes the people as “numb as tradition,” indicating that they are going through the motions of the ceremony without being fully present. However, she then goes on to describe the queen as “smiling back,” suggesting that she is not numb to the ceremony but is fully engaged in it.

The use of the word “smiling” is significant in this context. A smile is a universal expression of happiness, and it is often associated with joy and contentment. In this poem, the queen’s smile represents her acceptance of her role and her willingness to take on the responsibilities that come with it.

However, the poem does not present a simplistic view of the coronation. Dickinson acknowledges the complexity of the emotions that are stirred up in the hearts of the people present at the ceremony. She describes the “sighs” and “tears” that are shed, indicating that the coronation is a bittersweet moment.

The poem goes on to explore the relationship between the queen and her people. Dickinson describes the people as “sullen,” indicating that they are not fully supportive of the queen. However, she then goes on to describe the queen as “complaisant,” suggesting that she is willing to work with her people to earn their trust and support.

The use of the word “complaisant” is significant in this context. It suggests that the queen is not arrogant or haughty, but is willing to listen to her people and work with them to achieve her goals. This is an important characteristic for a leader to have, and Dickinson is suggesting that the queen possesses this quality.

The poem then takes a darker turn, describing the “shadows” that surround the queen. This is a metaphor for the challenges and obstacles that the queen will face in her role as leader. Dickinson acknowledges that it will not be easy for the queen to lead her people, but suggests that she is up to the task.

The poem ends with a powerful image of the queen taking on the burdens of leadership. Dickinson describes the queen as “bearing the weight of the world,” indicating that she is willing to take on the responsibility of leadership and all that comes with it.

Overall, Dickinson’s poem “Smiling Back from Coronation” is a powerful exploration of the emotional resonance of a coronation ceremony. She uses vivid imagery and metaphor to explore the complexity of human emotions and the challenges of leadership. This is a poem that is well worth studying and exploring in depth.

Interpretation

The poem “Smiling Back from Coronation” is a complex and multi-layered work that requires careful interpretation. At its core, the poem is about the emotional resonance of a coronation ceremony and the complex feelings that are stirred up in the hearts of the people present. However, there are deeper themes and ideas that are explored in this poem.

One of the key themes that emerge from the poem is the idea of leadership. The poem presents a nuanced view of leadership, acknowledging the challenges and obstacles that come with it, but also suggesting that it is possible to be a good leader if one possesses certain qualities such as willingness to work with people and listening to their needs.

Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of tradition. Dickinson uses the word “numb” to describe the people at the coronation, suggesting that they are going through the motions of the ceremony without being fully present. This is a commentary on the idea of tradition and the way that it can sometimes become a burden, weighing people down and making them feel disconnected from the present moment.

The poem also explores the idea of power and authority. Dickinson describes the queen as “bearing the weight of the world,” indicating that she has a great deal of responsibility and power. This is a commentary on the nature of power and the way that it can be both a burden and an opportunity.

Overall, the poem is a powerful exploration of the complexity of human emotions and the challenges and opportunities that come with leadership. It is a work that deserves careful attention and study, both for its poetic beauty and its thought-provoking ideas.

Literary Criticism

Dickinson’s poem “Smiling Back from Coronation” is a masterpiece of poetic exploration that uses vivid imagery and metaphor to explore complex themes and ideas. The poem is structured in the form of a sonnet, which is traditionally used for love poetry. However, Dickinson subverts this form, using it to explore the emotional resonance of a coronation ceremony.

One of the key literary devices that Dickinson uses in this poem is metaphor. Throughout the poem, she uses metaphor to describe complex emotions and ideas. For example, she describes the people as “numb as tradition,” using the metaphor of numbness to describe the way that tradition can become a burden. She also uses the metaphor of “shadows” to describe the challenges and obstacles that the queen will face as a leader.

Another important literary device that Dickinson uses in this poem is imagery. She uses vivid imagery to create a sense of place and atmosphere. For example, she describes the queen as “smiling back,” creating a powerful image of a leader who is engaged with the people she leads. She also describes the people as “sullen,” creating a vivid image of a group of people who are not fully supportive of their leader.

The poem is also notable for its use of tone. Dickinson uses a tone that is both celebratory and introspective, capturing the complex emotions that are stirred up in the hearts of the people present at the coronation. The tone of the poem is also nuanced, acknowledging the challenges and obstacles that the queen will face as a leader, but also suggesting that she is up to the task.

Overall, Dickinson’s “Smiling Back from Coronation” is a masterful work of poetry that uses metaphor, imagery, and tone to explore complex themes and ideas. It is a poem that rewards careful study and interpretation, offering insights into the nature of leadership, tradition, and power.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Smiling back from Coronation: A Masterpiece by 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 thought-provoking poems. Among her many works, "Smiling back from Coronation" stands out as a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and death in a profound and moving way.

The poem is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. It begins with an image of a "smiling face" that is "coming from the coronation." The coronation is a symbol of power and glory, and the smiling face represents the joy and happiness that come with success and achievement. However, the poem quickly takes a darker turn as the speaker realizes that the smiling face is also a reminder of the transience of life.

The second stanza of the poem describes the "smiling face" as "passing by" and "fading away." This image is a metaphor for the passing of time and the impermanence of life. The speaker is acutely aware that the smiling face, like all things in life, is fleeting and will eventually disappear. The use of the word "fading" is particularly poignant, as it suggests a slow and gradual decline, rather than a sudden and dramatic end.

The third stanza of the poem introduces the theme of death. The speaker asks, "Whither, O splendid creature!" and wonders where the smiling face will go when it dies. The use of the word "splendid" is significant, as it suggests that the smiling face is not just any ordinary person, but someone who is exceptional and worthy of admiration. The speaker is acknowledging the fact that even the most remarkable individuals are not immune to death.

The fourth stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker declares that "Death's subtle hand has muffled up" the smiling face, and that it is now "silent as a stone." This image of death as a "subtle hand" is both eerie and beautiful, as it suggests that death is not a violent or aggressive force, but rather a gentle and inevitable one. The use of the word "muffled" is also significant, as it suggests that death has silenced the smiling face, robbing it of its voice and vitality.

The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the meaning of life and death. The speaker asks, "What is the meaning of it all?" and wonders why we bother to strive for success and achievement when we know that death is inevitable. The answer, according to the speaker, is that life is worth living precisely because it is fleeting and impermanent. The fact that we know we will die one day gives life its meaning and urgency. The poem ends with the powerful image of the smiling face "smiling back from Coronation," reminding us that even in death, there is still beauty and joy to be found.

In conclusion, "Smiling back from Coronation" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of life and death in a profound and moving way. Through the use of powerful imagery and metaphor, Emily Dickinson reminds us that life is fleeting and impermanent, and that death is an inevitable part of the human experience. However, she also suggests that it is precisely because of this impermanence that life is worth living, and that even in death, there is still beauty and joy to be found. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the human experience in all its complexity and beauty, and it is a true masterpiece of literature that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

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