'After all Birds have been investigated and laid aside—' by Emily Dickinson
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After all Birds have been investigated and laid aside—
Nature imparts the little Blue-Bird—assured
Her conscientious Voice will soar unmoved
Above ostensible Vicissitude.
First at the March—competing with the Wind—
Her panting note exalts us—like a friend—
Last to adhere when Summer cleaves away—
Elegy of Integrity.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
After all Birds have been investigated and laid aside: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh, what a delight it is to dive deep into the world of Emily Dickinson and her intriguing poems! Today, we are going to discuss one of her lesser-known works, "After all Birds have been investigated and laid aside." This poem may seem simple at first, but the more you read it, the more profound and complex it becomes. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various literary devices, themes, and interpretations of this classic poem.
Overview
" After all Birds have been investigated and laid aside" is a poem by Emily Dickinson, written in 1863. It is a short, eight-line poem that expresses the poet's fascination with the natural world and her sense of wonder at the mysteries of life. The poem begins with a statement that all birds have been investigated and laid aside, suggesting that the speaker has exhausted all possible avenues of understanding these creatures. However, the poem goes on to suggest that there is still much more to be discovered and understood about the world around us.
Analysis
Structure and Form
Firstly, let's take a look at the structure and form of the poem. "After all Birds have been investigated and laid aside" is a short, eight-line poem written in an unusual meter. The poem consists of two quatrains with a rhyme scheme of ABCCBADD. The first quatrain is composed of two complete sentences, while the second is split into two sentence fragments, each only two words long. This unconventional structure and meter create a sense of urgency and fragmentation, as if the speaker is trying to contain an overwhelming sense of wonder and curiosity.
Literary Devices
Emily Dickinson is known for her use of literary devices, and this poem is no exception. One of the most prominent devices used in "After all Birds have been investigated and laid aside" is personification. The poem personifies the natural world, suggesting that it is alive and full of secrets waiting to be discovered.
Another device used in this poem is metaphor. The speaker compares the natural world to a book that can be read but never fully understood. This metaphor suggests that the mysteries of life can never be fully explained or captured in human language.
The poem also uses alliteration, particularly in the first line, where the repeated "b" sounds create a sense of rhythm and musicality. This alliteration continues throughout the poem, adding to its musicality.
Themes
Now, let's move on to the themes of the poem. One of the most prominent themes in "After all Birds have been investigated and laid aside" is the theme of wonder and curiosity. The speaker expresses a deep sense of awe and wonder at the mysteries of the natural world, suggesting that there is always more to be discovered and understood.
Another theme in the poem is the theme of the limitations of human knowledge. The speaker suggests that even though we may investigate and study the natural world, there will always be mysteries that are beyond our understanding. This theme is reinforced by the use of metaphor, comparing the natural world to a book that can never be fully read or understood.
Finally, the poem touches on the theme of the interconnectedness of all things. The speaker suggests that everything in the natural world is interconnected and that there is a sense of unity and harmony in the world around us.
Interpretation
So, what does "After all Birds have been investigated and laid aside" mean? Well, as with all of Emily Dickinson's poems, there are many possible interpretations. Here are a few:
The Limits of Human Knowledge
As we mentioned earlier, one of the themes of the poem is the limitations of human knowledge. The speaker suggests that even though we may investigate and study the natural world, there will always be mysteries that are beyond our understanding. This interpretation speaks to the idea that there are some things that are simply beyond human comprehension, no matter how hard we try to understand them.
The Inherent Mystery of Life
Another possible interpretation of the poem is that it speaks to the inherent mystery of life. The speaker suggests that the natural world is full of secrets waiting to be discovered, but that there will always be something that remains beyond our understanding. This interpretation speaks to the idea that life is inherently mysterious and that not everything can be explained or understood in human terms.
The Beauty of Wonder and Curiosity
Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a celebration of wonder and curiosity. The speaker expresses a deep sense of awe and wonder at the mysteries of the natural world, suggesting that there is always more to be discovered and understood. This interpretation speaks to the idea that there is something beautiful and transformative about approaching the world with a sense of childlike wonder and curiosity.
Conclusion
After diving deep into the world of Emily Dickinson's "After all Birds have been investigated and laid aside," it's clear that this poem is much more complex and profound than it may seem at first glance. Through its unconventional structure, use of literary devices, and themes of wonder, the limits of human knowledge, and the interconnectedness of all things, this poem speaks to the mysteries and beauty of life. So, let us embrace the sense of wonder and curiosity that the speaker celebrates and continue to explore the mysteries of the world around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
After all Birds have been investigated and laid aside: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated American poets of the 19th century, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, nature, and spirituality. Her poem "After all Birds have been investigated and laid aside" is a prime example of her distinctive style and thought-provoking subject matter.
The poem begins with the line "After all Birds have been investigated and laid aside," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. It suggests that the speaker has thoroughly examined and dismissed all other creatures, leaving only one subject of interest. The use of the word "investigated" implies a scientific approach, which is fitting given Dickinson's fascination with the natural world.
The next line reads, "Nature imparts the little Bluebird's aid." Here, the speaker acknowledges that nature has provided the Bluebird with something that it needs. The use of the word "imparts" suggests that this aid is a gift or blessing from nature. The Bluebird is often associated with happiness and hope, so it is possible that Dickinson is suggesting that nature provides us with these things as well.
The third line, "So close to me I know him by his aid," is particularly interesting. The speaker seems to be suggesting that she has a close relationship with the Bluebird, but not because she has physically interacted with it. Instead, she knows the Bluebird through the aid that it provides. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for how we come to know and understand others through the ways in which they help us.
The fourth line, "The Chirr of color in the Factory," is a bit more cryptic. The word "chirr" suggests a sound, and the phrase "Factory" implies a place of production. It is possible that Dickinson is using this line to suggest that the Bluebird's aid is like a product that is manufactured in some way. The use of the word "color" could be a reference to the Bluebird's bright blue feathers, which are often associated with joy and happiness.
The fifth line, "The Crumb as a Seraph's gift," is another intriguing one. The word "crumb" suggests something small and insignificant, but the comparison to a "Seraph's gift" elevates its importance. Seraphs are angels associated with light and purity, so Dickinson may be suggesting that even the smallest things in nature are gifts from a higher power.
The final line, "Himself, a spotted shaft of Plush," is perhaps the most enigmatic of all. The use of the word "himself" suggests that the Bluebird is a sentient being, capable of thought and action. The phrase "spotted shaft of Plush" is difficult to interpret, but it could be a reference to the Bluebird's feathers. The word "plush" suggests something soft and luxurious, which could be a nod to the Bluebird's beauty.
Taken as a whole, "After all Birds have been investigated and laid aside" is a poem that explores the relationship between humans and nature. The speaker acknowledges the importance of the Bluebird and its aid, suggesting that even the smallest things in nature have value. The poem also touches on themes of spirituality and the divine, suggesting that nature is a gift from a higher power.
In terms of form, the poem is written in six lines with a consistent ABABCC rhyme scheme. This gives the poem a sense of structure and order, which is fitting given the scientific approach suggested by the first line. The use of enjambment, or the continuation of a sentence from one line to the next, also gives the poem a sense of flow and movement.
Overall, "After all Birds have been investigated and laid aside" is a classic example of Emily Dickinson's unique style and thought-provoking subject matter. The poem invites readers to consider the relationship between humans and nature, and to appreciate the beauty and value of even the smallest things in the natural world.
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