'Presentiment—is that long Shadow—on the Lawn' by Emily Dickinson

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Presentiment—is that long Shadow—on the Lawn—
Indicatives that Suns go down—

The Notice to the startled Grass
That Darkness—is about to pass—

Editor 1 Interpretation

Presentiment—is that long Shadow—on the Lawn: A Literary Criticism

"Presentiment—is that long Shadow—on the Lawn" is a beautiful poem written by Emily Dickinson that is full of symbolism and imagery. As a poet, Dickinson is known for her unique style of writing, and this poem is no exception. The poem is full of hidden meanings, and it takes a careful interpretation to understand its true essence.

Summary

At first glance, the poem seems to be about a long shadow that is seen on the lawn. However, as we dive deeper into the poem, we realize that it is much more than that. The poem is about the feeling of presentiment - a feeling of foreboding or premonition. The long shadow on the lawn is a symbol of this feeling, and the poem explores the emotions that it evokes.

The first stanza sets the scene - it is a quiet afternoon, and the speaker sees a long shadow on the lawn. The shadow is a symbol of something ominous, and the speaker is filled with a sense of dread. The second stanza talks about the feeling of presentiment - the feeling that something bad is about to happen. The speaker compares the feeling to a bird that is flying south in anticipation of the winter. The third stanza is the most introspective. The speaker wonders if the feeling of presentiment is a gift or a curse. She wonders if it is better to be ignorant of the future or to know what is to come.

Analysis

The poem is full of symbolism and imagery. The long shadow on the lawn is a symbol of the feeling of presentiment. The shadow is long, which suggests that the feeling is intense and prolonged. The fact that the shadow is on the lawn suggests that the feeling is close to home - it is something that is affecting the speaker directly.

The feeling of presentiment is compared to a bird that is flying south in anticipation of the winter. This is a beautiful analogy because it captures the sense of foreboding and the feeling of impending doom. The bird is instinctively aware that something is coming, and it is preparing for the worst.

The third stanza is the most introspective. The speaker wonders if the feeling of presentiment is a gift or a curse. She wonders if it is better to be ignorant of the future or to know what is to come. This is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry - the idea that knowledge can be a burden. In this case, the speaker is questioning whether it is better to be blissfully ignorant or to be aware of what is to come.

Interpretation

"Presentiment—is that long Shadow—on the Lawn" is a powerful poem that explores the complex emotions that we feel when we have a sense of foreboding. The long shadow on the lawn is a symbol of this feeling, and the poem captures the intensity and the duration of this emotion.

The poem is also about the nature of knowledge. The speaker wonders whether it is better to be ignorant of what is to come or to be aware of the future. This is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry, and it speaks to the idea that knowledge can be both a blessing and a curse.

Overall, "Presentiment—is that long Shadow—on the Lawn" is a beautiful poem that captures the complexity of our emotions. It is a powerful reminder that our feelings are not always straightforward, and that sometimes, the things that we fear the most are the things that we need to face head-on.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Presentiment—is that long Shadow—on the Lawn: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. Her poem "Presentiment—is that long Shadow—on the Lawn" is a prime example of her unique style and ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful language.

At first glance, the poem may seem like a simple observation of a shadow on a lawn. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Dickinson is exploring the theme of presentiment, or the feeling that something is about to happen. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the poem and explore its meaning, symbolism, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the line "Presentiment—is that long Shadow—on the Lawn." The use of the word "presentiment" immediately sets the tone for the poem and suggests that the shadow is more than just a physical object. The shadow is a symbol of something ominous or foreboding, and the speaker is acutely aware of its presence.

The second line, "Indicative that Suns go down," reinforces this sense of foreboding. The image of the sun setting is often associated with the end of something, whether it be a day, a season, or even a life. The shadow, then, becomes a symbol of mortality and the inevitability of death.

The third line, "The Notice to the startled Grass," introduces the idea that the shadow is not just a symbol of death but also a warning. The grass, which is often associated with life and growth, is "startled" by the shadow's presence, suggesting that it is a disruption to the natural order of things. The shadow is a reminder that life is fragile and can be taken away at any moment.

The fourth line, "That Darkness is about to pass," is a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark and foreboding poem. The use of the word "about" suggests that the darkness is not yet here, and there is still time to avoid it. However, the fact that the darkness is "about" to pass also suggests that it is inevitable and cannot be avoided forever.

The fifth and final line, "The Wind—begun to moan—" is a powerful image that brings the poem to a close. The wind, which is often associated with change and upheaval, is moaning in response to the shadow's presence. The wind is a symbol of the speaker's own emotions, which are stirred up by the shadow's ominous presence.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses a variety of literary devices to convey her message. The use of symbolism is perhaps the most prominent, with the shadow representing death and the grass representing life. The use of personification is also present, with the grass being "startled" and the wind "moaning." These devices help to create a sense of unease and tension throughout the poem.

Another notable aspect of the poem is its structure. The poem consists of a single stanza with five lines, each with a different number of syllables. This irregular structure adds to the sense of unease and unpredictability in the poem, as the reader is never quite sure what to expect.

In conclusion, "Presentiment—is that long Shadow—on the Lawn" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the theme of presentiment and the inevitability of death. Through her use of symbolism, personification, and structure, Emily Dickinson creates a sense of unease and tension that is both haunting and beautiful. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet and her ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful language.

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