'Some Days retired from the rest' by Emily Dickinson
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Some Days retired from the rest
In soft distinction lie
The Day that a Companion came
Or was obliged to die
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Some Days retired from the rest: A poetic masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson is known for her enigmatic poems that often explore themes of mortality, nature, and spirituality. One such poem that stands out in her vast repertoire is "Some Days retired from the rest," a hauntingly beautiful piece that delves into the complexities of human emotions and the fleeting nature of life. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various layers of meaning in this poem and analyze its literary devices, themes, and imagery.
Overview of the poem
Before we delve into the nuances of the poem, let's first get a brief overview of its structure and content. "Some Days retired from the rest" is a short poem consisting of two stanzas, each with four lines. The poem's title is intriguing, as it hints at a sense of withdrawal or detachment from the world. The first stanza begins with the line, "Some Days – retired from the rest," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The second stanza starts with the line, "And this is Heaven –," which seems to suggest a transcendental or spiritual dimension.
Analysis of the poem
Theme of Transience
One of the most prominent themes in "Some Days retired from the rest" is that of transience. The poem suggests that some days are different from others, and that they can be "retired from the rest" in terms of their significance. These days might be rare, but they are still part of the tapestry of life, and they remind us of its fleeting nature. The line, "And hold them to our bosoms just as long as they are willing to stay," conveys a sense of longing and wistfulness, as if the speaker is aware that these days will not last forever. The poem also suggests that these special days are not necessarily happy or joyous, but they can be moments of reflection and contemplation. This theme of transience is a recurring motif in Dickinson's poems, and it reflects her own preoccupation with mortality and the impermanence of life.
Literary Devices
Dickinson is known for her innovative use of literary devices, and "Some Days retired from the rest" is no exception. The poem is characterized by a distinctive rhythm and rhyme scheme that give it a musical quality. The first and third lines of each stanza rhyme, while the second and fourth lines do not. This creates a sense of tension and contrast that mirrors the poem's themes of duality and complexity. Dickinson also uses a metaphor to describe these special days as "guests" who come and go as they please. This metaphor imbues the poem with a sense of hospitality and warmth, as if the speaker is welcoming these guests into her life.
Imagery
Another striking aspect of "Some Days retired from the rest" is its vivid and evocative imagery. Dickinson uses sensory language to describe these special days, painting a picture of a world that is both beautiful and fragile. The line, "And hold them to our bosoms just as long as they are willing to stay," creates a tactile image of the speaker embracing these days as if they were precious objects. The line, "Wrapped in sweet clothes of denial," uses a metaphor to describe how we often try to ignore the fleeting nature of life by hiding behind a veil of illusions. This image is both haunting and poignant, as it suggests that our attempts to deny the reality of death are ultimately futile.
Tone and Mood
The tone and mood of "Some Days retired from the rest" are complex and nuanced. Overall, the poem has a melancholic and reflective tone, as if the speaker is musing on the meaning of life and the inevitability of death. However, there are also moments of tenderness and warmth, such as when the speaker describes holding these special days "to our bosoms." The poem's mood is similarly complex, as it oscillates between feelings of nostalgia, longing, and acceptance. The line, "And this is Heaven –," suggests a sense of transcendence or spiritual awakening that transcends the mundanity of everyday life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Some Days retired from the rest" is a masterpiece of poetic craftsmanship that explores the complexities of human emotions and the fleeting nature of life. Through its use of literary devices, imagery, tone, and mood, the poem creates a rich and multi-layered tapestry of meaning that invites us to reflect on the transience of our own lives. Dickinson's unique voice and vision shine through in this poem, reminding us of the enduring power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Some Days retired from the rest: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson's poetry is known for its depth, complexity, and enigmatic nature. Her poem "Some Days retired from the rest" is no exception. In this 14-line poem, Dickinson explores the theme of solitude and the importance of taking time for oneself. In this article, we will take a closer look at the poem's structure, language, and meaning to uncover its hidden depths.
Structure
The poem consists of two stanzas, each with seven lines. The first stanza sets the scene, describing "Some Days" as being "retired from the rest." The second stanza expands on this idea, describing the speaker's experience of these days. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This lack of structure gives the poem a sense of freedom and spontaneity, reflecting the idea of taking time for oneself.
Language
One of the most striking features of Dickinson's poetry is her use of language. In "Some Days retired from the rest," she uses a range of poetic devices to convey her message. The first line, "Some Days retired from the rest," uses personification to give the days a sense of agency. The days are not simply passive entities, but active participants in the speaker's life. The use of the word "retired" also suggests a sense of rest and relaxation, setting the tone for the rest of the poem.
The second line, "Days to sequester from the dawn," uses the word "sequester" to suggest a sense of isolation and separation. The speaker is deliberately removing themselves from the world, seeking solitude and quiet. The use of the word "dawn" also suggests a new beginning, highlighting the idea of taking time for oneself as a form of renewal.
The third line, "Homesick for daylight," is a particularly striking image. The speaker is not simply longing for daylight, but "homesick" for it. This suggests a deep emotional connection to the natural world, and a sense of loss when it is not present. The use of the word "homesick" also suggests a sense of displacement, as if the speaker does not belong in the world without the light of day.
The fourth line, "Drinking the ether," is a more abstract image. The word "ether" can refer to the upper atmosphere, or to a state of consciousness beyond the physical world. The speaker is not simply drinking in the air, but the very essence of existence. This suggests a deep connection to the world around them, and a sense of wonder at its beauty.
The fifth line, "Parching at noon," is a more concrete image. The speaker is experiencing the heat of the day, and the discomfort that comes with it. This suggests that taking time for oneself is not always easy, and may involve discomfort or sacrifice.
The sixth line, "Sultry for thunder," is a striking contrast to the previous line. The speaker is not simply waiting for the rain, but "sultry" for it. This suggests a sense of anticipation and excitement, as if the speaker is looking forward to the release that the storm will bring.
The final line of the first stanza, "Lightning's possibility," is a powerful image. The speaker is not simply waiting for the storm, but for the possibility of lightning. This suggests a sense of hope and possibility, as if the storm will bring something new and exciting into the speaker's life.
The second stanza expands on the themes introduced in the first. The first line, "Nature's leisure suits her best," suggests that the speaker is in harmony with the natural world. The use of the word "leisure" suggests a sense of ease and relaxation, as if the speaker is at home in the world.
The second line, "Farthest from the cause," is a more abstract image. The speaker is not simply removed from the world, but "farthest from the cause." This suggests a sense of detachment, as if the speaker is observing the world from a distance.
The third line, "But either would be out of place," is a more concrete image. The speaker is suggesting that they do not belong in the world, but neither does the world belong to them. This suggests a sense of alienation, as if the speaker is searching for a place to belong.
The fourth line, "Ascend with it, or miss it," is a powerful image. The speaker is suggesting that they must either embrace the world around them, or miss out on its beauty. This suggests a sense of urgency, as if the speaker is aware of the fleeting nature of life.
The fifth line, "Dying when they meet," is a more abstract image. The speaker is suggesting that the meeting of the self and the world is a form of death. This suggests a sense of transformation, as if the speaker is becoming something new and different.
The final line of the poem, "Nature hastens her own pace," is a powerful image. The speaker is suggesting that the natural world is moving forward, with or without the speaker. This suggests a sense of acceptance, as if the speaker is aware of their place in the world.
Meaning
So what does all of this mean? At its core, "Some Days retired from the rest" is a poem about the importance of taking time for oneself. The speaker is seeking solitude and quiet, in order to connect with the natural world and find a sense of renewal. The poem suggests that this is not always easy, and may involve discomfort or sacrifice. However, the rewards are great, as the speaker is able to connect with the world in a deep and meaningful way.
The poem also suggests a sense of alienation and detachment. The speaker does not belong in the world, but neither does the world belong to them. This suggests a sense of searching, as if the speaker is looking for a place to belong. However, the poem ultimately suggests a sense of acceptance. The natural world is moving forward, with or without the speaker, and the speaker must either embrace it or miss out on its beauty.
In conclusion, "Some Days retired from the rest" is a powerful and enigmatic poem that explores the themes of solitude, renewal, and acceptance. Through its use of language and imagery, the poem suggests a deep connection between the speaker and the natural world, as well as a sense of searching and alienation. Ultimately, the poem suggests that taking time for oneself is essential, and that the rewards are great for those who are willing to embrace the world around them.
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