'One Crucifixion is recorded—only' by Emily Dickinson
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One Crucifixion is recorded—only—
How many be
Is not affirmed of Mathematics—
Or History—
One Calvary—exhibited to Stranger—
As many be
As persons—or Peninsulas—
Gethsemane—
Is but a Province—in the Being's Centre—
Judea—
For Journey—or Crusade's Achieving—
Too near—
Our Lord—indeed—made Compound Witness—
And yet—
There's newer—nearer Crucifixion
Than That—
Editor 1 Interpretation
"One Crucifixion is recorded—only" by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Interpretation
Wow, what a powerful and thought-provoking poem by Emily Dickinson! "One Crucifixion is recorded—only" is a fascinating exploration of the nature of suffering and sacrifice, and how the act of bearing one's own cross can be both a burden and a source of strength. In this 4000-word literary criticism, I will analyze the themes, imagery, and language of the poem, and offer my interpretation of Dickinson's message.
The Poem
Here is the text of the poem itself:
One Crucifixion is recorded—only—
How many be
Is not affirmed of Mathematics—
Or History—
One Calvary—exhibited to Stranger—
As many be
As persons—or Peninsulas—
Gethsemane—
Is but a Province—in the Being's Centre—
Judea—
For Journey—or Crusade's Achieving—
Too near—
Our Lord—indeed—made Compound Witness—
And yet—
At first glance, the poem appears to be a meditation on the uniqueness of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, and how it stands apart from all other forms of human suffering. However, as we will see, there are deeper layers of meaning and nuance that emerge upon closer examination.
Themes
The central theme of "One Crucifixion is recorded—only" is the nature of suffering and sacrifice, and how it relates to the individual and to humanity as a whole. The poem invites us to reflect on the meaning of Christ's crucifixion, and how it transcends the boundaries of time and culture to become a universal symbol of selflessness and redemption. At the same time, Dickinson challenges us to consider the countless other crucifixions that occur in the world every day, from the martyrdom of saints to the silent struggles of ordinary people.
Another key theme in the poem is the idea of perspective, and how our understanding of suffering is shaped by our own experiences and beliefs. Dickinson contrasts the objective, impersonal view of history and mathematics with the personal, subjective view of individual experience. She also draws attention to the limitations of language and symbolism, and how they can both reveal and conceal the true nature of reality.
Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of "One Crucifixion is recorded—only" is its vivid and evocative imagery. Dickinson uses a variety of images and metaphors to convey the complex emotions and ideas underlying the poem.
The image of the crucifixion itself is central to the poem, and is used both literally and metaphorically. On one level, Dickinson is referring to the historical event of Christ's crucifixion, and how it remains a powerful symbol of sacrifice and redemption. On another level, she is using the image of the cross to represent any form of suffering or hardship that we must bear in our lives.
Another image that Dickinson employs is that of the stranger who witnesses the Crucifixion. This figure represents the detached, objective observer who can only glimpse the surface of human suffering, without truly understanding its depth and complexity.
The use of geographical imagery is also notable in the poem. Dickinson references Calvary, Gethsemane, and Judea, all of which have specific historical and religious connotations. However, she also uses these places as symbols of the inner landscape of the human soul, and the various stages of the journey towards self-discovery and spiritual growth.
Language
As with most of Dickinson's poetry, the language in "One Crucifixion is recorded—only" is spare and concise, yet full of emotional intensity and depth. The poem is characterized by its use of paradox, ambiguity, and understatement, all of which serve to create a sense of mystery and complexity.
For example, the line "How many be / Is not affirmed of Mathematics— / Or History—" is a prime example of Dickinson's use of paradox. On one level, she is acknowledging the limits of human knowledge and understanding, and how they can never fully capture the complexity of human experience. At the same time, she is also suggesting that there is a deeper, more profound truth that cannot be quantified or measured.
Similarly, the line "Gethsemane— / Is but a Province—in the Being's Centre—" is an example of Dickinson's use of understatement. She is describing one of the most intense moments in Christ's life, where he wrestled with his own doubts and fears before his crucifixion. Yet she reduces it to a simple geographic image, emphasizing the idea that the true battle takes place within the inner landscape of the human soul.
Interpretation
So what does all of this mean? What is Dickinson trying to tell us with "One Crucifixion is recorded—only"?
To me, the poem is a powerful meditation on the nature of suffering, sacrifice, and redemption, and how they relate to the human experience. Dickinson is reminding us that there are countless crucifixions that occur in the world every day, both large and small, visible and invisible. Yet each one is a unique expression of the human condition, and a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
At the same time, Dickinson is challenging us to consider the limitations of our own perspectives, and how our understanding of suffering is shaped by our own experiences and beliefs. She is also inviting us to explore the deeper, more mysterious aspects of human existence, and the profound truths that lie beyond the reach of language and symbolism.
Ultimately, I believe that "One Crucifixion is recorded—only" is a reminder that we are all called to bear our own crosses in life, and that the act of doing so can be both a burden and a source of strength. Whether we are facing the small, everyday challenges of existence, or the great existential questions of faith and meaning, we are all part of a larger, universal narrative of human struggle and redemption.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "One Crucifixion is recorded—only" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem by Emily Dickinson that invites us to reflect on the nature of suffering, sacrifice, and redemption. Through its use of vivid imagery, understated language, and complex themes, the poem challenges us to explore the deeper mysteries of human existence, and to recognize the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a timeless reminder that we are all part of a larger, universal narrative of human struggle and triumph, and that the act of bearing our own crosses can be both a burden and a source of strength.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
One Crucifixion is recorded—only, written by Emily Dickinson, is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the human condition. In this 24-line poem, Dickinson presents a vivid and haunting image of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and reflects on the significance of this event for humanity.
The poem begins with the line "One Crucifixion is recorded—only," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "only" suggests that there is something unique and significant about this particular crucifixion, and that it is the only one that truly matters. This is reinforced in the next line, where Dickinson writes, "How many be / Is not affirmed of Mathematics—."
Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the number of crucifixions that have taken place throughout history cannot be quantified or measured in a mathematical sense. Instead, she is emphasizing the importance of this one particular event, and the impact it has had on humanity.
The next few lines of the poem describe the physical details of the crucifixion, with Dickinson writing, "Only the Infinite / Farthing— / And the whole / Guilt of Sin—." These lines suggest that the crucifixion was a painful and brutal event, and that it was necessary to atone for the sins of humanity.
However, Dickinson also suggests that there is something transcendent and spiritual about the crucifixion, writing, "Not in corporeal suffering / Hinted the Gem / That only to / Himself—be known—." Here, she is suggesting that there is a deeper, more profound meaning to the crucifixion than just the physical pain and suffering that Jesus endured. Instead, she is suggesting that there is a spiritual significance to the event, and that it is something that can only be understood by Jesus himself.
The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful, with Dickinson writing, "Suffice it to say / That, in the Quantities / Of Dust and Spices / Believers lay—." Here, she is suggesting that the physical remains of Jesus are not what is important, but rather the spiritual legacy that he left behind. The "Quantities / Of Dust and Spices" are a reminder of the physical body that Jesus once inhabited, but they are not what truly matters.
Overall, One Crucifixion is recorded—only is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the human condition. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Emily Dickinson invites readers to reflect on the significance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and the impact it has had on humanity. Whether you are a believer or not, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.
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