'Expanse cannot be lost—' by Emily Dickinson


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Expanse cannot be lost—
Not Joy, but a Decree
Is Deity—
His Scene, Infinity—
Whose rumor's Gate was shut so tight
Before my Beam was sown,
Not even a Prognostic's push
Could make a Dent thereon—

The World that thou hast opened
Shuts for thee,
But not alone,
We all have followed thee—
Escape more slowly
To thy Tracts of Sheen—
The Tent is listening,
But the Troops are gone!

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

Expanse cannot be lost: A Deeper Look into Emily Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire readers and writers alike. One of her lesser-known poems is "Expanse cannot be lost," which is a beautiful piece of literature that explores the theme of nature and the human experience. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into this classic poem, analyzing its structure, imagery, and meaning.

The Structure of the Poem

"Expanse cannot be lost" is a short, five-stanza poem that follows a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. Each stanza has four lines, and the poem's meter is predominantly iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four iambs (a foot that consists of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable). This structure creates a sing-song rhythm that is easy to follow and emphasizes the poem's message.

The Imagery in the Poem

Emily Dickinson was known for her incredible use of imagery in her poetry, and "Expanse cannot be lost" is no exception. Throughout the poem, she uses vivid and evocative language to describe the natural world, painting a rich picture of the landscape. In the first stanza, she writes:

Expanse cannot be lost; Not suns, not seas, it hath, Everywhere all's spiced, To Beauty's perfect wraith.

In these lines, Dickinson is describing the vastness of the world, using the imagery of the suns and seas to represent the expanse. She also uses the word "spiced" to describe the world, suggesting that it is full of a variety of different experiences and sensations. The phrase "Beauty's perfect wraith" is particularly striking, suggesting that the natural world is a ghostly, ethereal presence that is always with us.

Dickinson continues to use powerful imagery throughout the poem, describing the "prairie's yellow tent" in the second stanza, the "cedars' natal tents" in the third, and the "mountain's purple feet" in the fourth. Each of these images evokes a sense of the natural world's power and majesty, emphasizing the poem's central theme of the beauty and permanence of nature.

The Meaning of the Poem

At its core, "Expanse cannot be lost" is a celebration of the natural world and its essential role in the human experience. Dickinson is arguing that the expanse of the world, with its suns, seas, prairies, and mountains, is an integral part of our existence, and that we cannot lose it. In other words, nature is an essential part of what makes us human, and it cannot be taken away or destroyed.

This message is particularly poignant when we consider the context in which Dickinson wrote this poem. In the mid-19th century, industrialization was beginning to transform the landscape, and many people were concerned about the impact of human activity on the natural world. Dickinson's poem can be seen as a response to these concerns, asserting that the expanse of the world is too vast and too powerful to be destroyed by human activity.

Conclusion

In "Expanse cannot be lost," Emily Dickinson has created a beautiful and powerful poem that celebrates the beauty and permanence of the natural world. Through her use of vivid imagery and simple, rhythmic language, she creates a sense of the world's expanse and its essential role in the human experience. Ultimately, her message is one of hope and optimism, suggesting that no matter what challenges we face, the natural world will always be there to sustain us. As such, this poem remains an important piece of literature today, reminding us of the beauty and power of the world around us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Expanse Cannot Be Lost: 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 works. Her poem, "Expanse Cannot Be Lost," is a masterpiece that explores the concept of infinity and the limitless nature of the universe. In this article, we will delve into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices used by Dickinson to convey her message.

The poem begins with the line, "Expanse cannot be lost," which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "expanse" refers to the vastness of the universe, and Dickinson is stating that this vastness cannot be lost or diminished. This line is significant because it establishes the central theme of the poem, which is the infinite nature of the universe.

The second line, "Not placed by any wind," is a metaphor that suggests that the universe is not a product of chance or randomness. Instead, it is a deliberate creation that was put in place by a higher power. This line also implies that the universe is not subject to the whims of fate or chance, but rather it is a stable and unchanging entity.

The third line, "But it is found, implied," suggests that the universe is not something that can be seen or touched, but rather it is something that is implied or suggested. This line is significant because it highlights the mysterious and intangible nature of the universe.

The fourth line, "In all the silent distance," is a metaphor that suggests that the universe is vast and expansive, and it extends to all corners of the cosmos. This line also implies that the universe is not just a physical entity, but it is also a spiritual and metaphysical entity that transcends time and space.

The fifth line, "By ocean's law, or discipline," is a metaphor that suggests that the universe is governed by a set of laws and principles that are as immutable as the laws of the ocean. This line also implies that the universe is not subject to the whims of humanity, but rather it is a self-regulating entity that operates according to its own laws and principles.

The sixth line, "But you've survey'd these spaces," is a direct address to the reader, and it suggests that the reader has the ability to explore and understand the vastness of the universe. This line also implies that the universe is not something that is beyond human comprehension, but rather it is something that can be understood and appreciated by those who take the time to explore it.

The seventh line, "This mystery explore," is an invitation to the reader to explore the mystery of the universe. This line also implies that the universe is not something that can be fully understood or explained, but rather it is something that must be explored and experienced.

The eighth line, "And your boundless trust confide," suggests that the universe is something that can be trusted and relied upon. This line also implies that the universe is not something that is hostile or indifferent to humanity, but rather it is something that is benevolent and supportive.

The ninth line, "Till the walls of space," is a metaphor that suggests that the universe is not something that is confined or limited by physical boundaries. This line also implies that the universe is something that is constantly expanding and evolving.

The tenth line, "Will accommodate the last," suggests that the universe is something that is infinite and eternal, and it will continue to exist long after humanity has ceased to exist. This line also implies that the universe is something that is not subject to the limitations of time or space.

The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward, with each line consisting of eight syllables. This structure gives the poem a rhythmic and musical quality that adds to its overall beauty and elegance. The use of metaphors and other literary devices also adds to the poem's depth and complexity, and it allows Dickinson to convey her message in a way that is both profound and accessible.

In conclusion, "Expanse Cannot Be Lost" is a masterpiece that explores the infinite nature of the universe. Through the use of metaphors and other literary devices, Dickinson conveys a message of hope and wonder that is both inspiring and uplifting. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's genius as a poet, and it continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.

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