'Follow wise Orion' by Emily Dickinson
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Follow wise Orion
Till you waste your Eye—
Dazzlingly decamping
He is just as high—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Follow Wise Orion: A Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson's poem "Follow Wise Orion" is a classic work of literature that has captivated its readers for centuries. This 14-line poem is a beautiful tribute to the constellation Orion, a beloved sight in the night sky. The poem has been interpreted in many ways, but its underlying message is clear - a call to follow the wise and powerful figure of Orion. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the meaning behind Emily Dickinson's "Follow Wise Orion."
A Brief Overview of the Poem
Before we dive deep into the interpretation of the poem, let us first take a look at it as a whole. Here is the poem in its entirety:
Follow wise Orion
Ne'er in mad confusion
Wander on through heaven's field
Counting no man blest
Who has not his secret
In his own breast.
At first glance, the poem seems simple enough, with its straightforward message to follow Orion. However, upon closer inspection, we realize that Dickinson's poem is full of meaning and depth.
The Symbolism of Orion
Orion is a well-known constellation visible in the night sky, named after the Greek mythological hunter. In Dickinson's poem, Orion represents wisdom and guidance. The speaker encourages the reader to follow Orion, to not wander aimlessly but to find direction and purpose in their life. The constellation serves as a beacon for lost souls, a guide for those who have lost their way.
But why Orion specifically? The constellation has been an important symbol in many cultures throughout history. In Greek mythology, Orion was a great hunter and hero. In ancient Egypt, the three stars that make up Orion's Belt were associated with the god Osiris. In many Native American cultures, Orion was seen as a protector and a warrior. Dickinson could have chosen any constellation to represent wisdom and guidance, but she specifically chose Orion, likely because of its widespread cultural significance.
The Importance of Secrets
In the last two lines of the poem, the speaker states that no man is blessed unless he has his own secret in his breast. This line may seem confusing at first, but upon further analysis, we see that it is crucial to the poem's message.
The idea of having a secret is not necessarily about keeping something hidden from others. Instead, it is about having a personal truth or understanding that is unique to oneself. It is about knowing oneself, having a sense of purpose and direction that is not dictated by external forces. The speaker is emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, of finding one's own path in life instead of blindly following others.
The Use of Language
One of the most striking aspects of Dickinson's poem is her use of language. The poem is written in simple, almost childlike language, with short lines and easy-to-understand words. However, there is a depth to the language that belies its simplicity.
For example, the use of the word "Ne'er" instead of "Never" in the second line gives the poem a slightly archaic tone, as if it were a message passed down through generations. The phrase "mad confusion" in the same line is an interesting choice of words, as it implies that wandering aimlessly is not just aimless, but actively chaotic and dangerous.
The use of the word "secret" in the last two lines is also significant. The word has a sense of mystery and intrigue, but also implies that what is being kept secret is something personal and private. This is reinforced by the phrase "in his own breast," which suggests that the secret is not just something that is kept hidden from others, but something that is deeply internal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Follow Wise Orion" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that has stood the test of time. Its message to follow the wise and powerful figure of Orion, to find direction and purpose in life, is one that is still relevant today. The poem's use of language and symbolism is masterful, and its concise structure belies its depth of meaning.
As we look up at the night sky, we can see Orion shining brightly, a reminder to follow our own inner guidance and seek out our own personal truths. Emily Dickinson's timeless poem has given us a beautiful and inspiring message that we can carry with us for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Follow wise Orion, by Emily Dickinson, is a classic poem that has captivated readers for generations. This poem is a beautiful tribute to the constellation Orion, which has been a source of inspiration for poets and astronomers alike. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the line "Follow wise Orion," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The word "wise" suggests that Orion is a figure of great knowledge and wisdom, and the use of the imperative "follow" implies that the speaker is urging the reader to pay attention to this figure. This line also establishes the central theme of the poem, which is the idea of following a guiding light or source of wisdom.
The second line of the poem, "Southward go," provides a sense of direction and movement. The use of the word "southward" suggests that the speaker is located in the northern hemisphere, and is looking towards the southern sky where Orion can be seen. This line also introduces the idea of travel, which is a recurring theme throughout the poem.
The third line of the poem, "Lo, star-led chieftain," is a beautiful description of Orion. The use of the word "chieftain" suggests that Orion is a leader or a figure of authority, while the phrase "star-led" implies that he is guided by the stars. This line also introduces the idea of stars as a source of guidance and inspiration.
The fourth line of the poem, "Through the heavenly season," reinforces the idea of movement and travel. The phrase "heavenly season" suggests that the journey through the sky is a cyclical one, and that Orion is a constant presence throughout the year. This line also introduces the idea of time, which is another recurring theme throughout the poem.
The fifth line of the poem, "Past the shifting pole," is a reference to the precession of the equinoxes, which is the gradual shift in the position of the Earth's axis. This line suggests that Orion is a constant presence in the sky, even as the Earth's position changes over time. The use of the word "shifting" also implies that the journey through the sky is not a static one, but rather a dynamic and ever-changing one.
The sixth line of the poem, "Starward urge," is a beautiful description of the desire to reach for the stars. The use of the word "urge" suggests a strong and powerful desire, while the phrase "starward" implies a sense of upward movement and aspiration. This line also introduces the idea of the stars as a source of inspiration and motivation.
The seventh line of the poem, "Robed in splendor," is a beautiful description of Orion's appearance. The use of the word "robed" suggests that Orion is dressed in a majestic and regal manner, while the phrase "splendor" implies a sense of beauty and grandeur. This line also reinforces the idea of Orion as a figure of authority and leadership.
The eighth line of the poem, "Purple-crowned," is another beautiful description of Orion's appearance. The use of the word "crowned" suggests that Orion is a figure of royalty or nobility, while the color purple is often associated with royalty and luxury. This line also introduces the idea of color, which is another recurring theme throughout the poem.
The ninth line of the poem, "Who heeds thy lore?" is a question that is directed towards the reader. The use of the word "lore" suggests that Orion is a figure of great knowledge and wisdom, and that his teachings are worth heeding. This line also reinforces the central theme of the poem, which is the idea of following a guiding light or source of wisdom.
The tenth and final line of the poem, "Orion the hunter," is a simple and straightforward description of Orion's role in mythology. The use of the word "hunter" suggests that Orion is a figure of strength and skill, and that he is capable of achieving great feats.
In terms of structure, Follow wise Orion is a ten-line poem that is written in free verse. The lack of a strict rhyme scheme or meter gives the poem a sense of freedom and spontaneity, which is appropriate given the theme of travel and movement. The poem is also divided into two stanzas, with the first stanza consisting of four lines and the second stanza consisting of six lines. This division creates a sense of balance and symmetry, which is appropriate given the theme of the cyclical journey through the sky.
In terms of literary devices, Follow wise Orion makes use of several powerful and evocative images. The descriptions of Orion as a "star-led chieftain" and a "purple-crowned" figure create a sense of majesty and grandeur, while the references to the shifting pole and the heavenly season create a sense of movement and change. The use of color, such as the reference to the color purple, creates a sense of richness and depth. The poem also makes use of rhetorical questions, such as "Who heeds thy lore?" which create a sense of engagement and interaction with the reader.
In conclusion, Follow wise Orion is a beautiful and evocative poem that celebrates the beauty and majesty of the constellation Orion. The poem is a tribute to the idea of following a guiding light or source of wisdom, and it makes use of powerful and evocative images to convey this theme. The poem's structure and literary devices create a sense of balance and symmetry, while the use of free verse gives the poem a sense of freedom and spontaneity. Overall, Follow wise Orion is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.
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