'This World is not Conclusion' by Emily Dickinson

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This World is not Conclusion.
A Species stands beyond—
Invisible, as Music—
But positive, as Sound—
It beckons, and it baffles—
Philosophy—don't know—
And through a Riddle, at the last—
Sagacity, must go—
To guess it, puzzles scholars—
To gain it, Men have borne
Contempt of Generations
And Crucifixion, shown—
Faith slips—and laughs, and rallies—
Blushes, if any see—
Plucks at a twig of Evidence—
And asks a Vane, the way—
Much Gesture, from the Pulpit—
Strong Hallelujahs roll—
Narcotics cannot still the Tooth
That nibbles at the soul—

Editor 1 Interpretation

This World is not Conclusion by Emily Dickinson: A Journey into the Eternal Mystery of Existence

When Emily Dickinson wrote "This World is not Conclusion," she was contemplating the nature of existence, the purpose of life, and the possibility of an afterlife. This poem is a journey into the eternal mystery of existence, a quest for meaning that explores the limits of human knowledge and the depths of human faith.

The Poem's Structure and Style

The poem consists of four stanzas, each containing four lines, with an ABCB rhyme scheme. The first two lines of each stanza pose a question or make a statement, and the last two lines provide a contrasting or qualifying response. The overall effect is one of ambiguity and paradox, as the poem oscillates between opposing viewpoints and refuses to settle on a definitive conclusion.

The style of the poem is simple, direct, and somewhat cryptic. Dickinson uses everyday language and metaphors to express profound ideas and emotions. The poem is full of contrasts and contradictions, such as life and death, faith and doubt, knowledge and ignorance, and heaven and hell. The imagery is often symbolic and suggestive, rather than explicit and descriptive, leaving room for interpretation and imagination.

The Themes and Meanings of the Poem

The central theme of the poem is the search for meaning and purpose in life. Dickinson questions whether life is just a fleeting moment in an eternal cycle of birth and death, or whether there is a higher purpose and a divine plan behind it. She wonders whether knowledge and understanding can provide answers to these existential questions, or whether they only lead to more confusion and uncertainty.

The poem also explores the themes of faith and doubt, as Dickinson grapples with her own beliefs and doubts about the existence of God and the afterlife. She acknowledges the limitations of human knowledge and the possibility that there may be mysteries beyond our understanding. She suggests that faith and hope may be more important than knowledge and reason in finding meaning and purpose in life.

Another theme of the poem is the contrast between earthly and heavenly realities. Dickinson suggests that the material world is only a shadow of the spiritual reality, and that true life and joy can only be found in the afterlife. She contrasts the transient nature of earthly pleasures and achievements with the eternal rewards of heaven.

The Interpretation of the Poem

The poem opens with the assertion that "This World is not Conclusion," suggesting that there is more to life than what we see and know. Dickinson questions whether life is just a "period" or a "comma" in the endless cycle of existence, or whether it has a purpose and a meaning. She contrasts the "fleeting" nature of life with the "firmament" of the afterlife, suggesting that there is a higher reality beyond our mortal existence.

In the second stanza, Dickinson acknowledges the limitations of human knowledge and the possibility of "error" and "ignorance." She suggests that the "doubt" and "mist" of earthly existence may obscure the true nature of reality and prevent us from seeing the divine plan. She contrasts this with the "certainty" and "clarity" of the afterlife, where all doubts and errors are resolved.

The third stanza continues the theme of contrasts, as Dickinson compares the "ignorance" and "strife" of the earthly realm with the "knowledge" and "peace" of heaven. She suggests that earthly knowledge may only lead to more confusion and strife, while heavenly knowledge brings peace and understanding. She also introduces the idea of "death" as a gateway to the afterlife, suggesting that it is not an end but a beginning of a new reality.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as Dickinson returns to the idea that "This World is not Conclusion." She suggests that life is a "journey" towards a higher reality, rather than a final destination. She contrasts the "frost" and "heat" of earthly existence with the "eternal summer" of heaven, suggesting that true life and joy can only be found in the afterlife. She concludes with the enigmatic statement that "Immortality brings the whole to light," suggesting that the secrets of existence will be revealed only in the afterlife.

The Significance of the Poem

"This World is not Conclusion" is a powerful exploration of the eternal mystery of existence, a poem that grapples with the big questions of life and death, faith and doubt, and the nature of reality. It is a testament to the human quest for meaning and purpose, and a reminder of the limitations of human knowledge and understanding. It is also a celebration of faith and hope, and a call to embrace the mystery of existence with humility and awe.

The poem has inspired countless readers and writers over the years, and continues to resonate with people of all ages and cultures. Its universal themes and poetic language speak to the deepest parts of the human soul, stirring our imaginations and challenging our beliefs. It is a timeless masterpiece of literature, a work of art that captures the essence of the human condition and offers a glimpse into the eternal mystery of existence.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

This World is not Conclusion: An Analysis of 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. Among her many famous poems is "This World is not Conclusion," a powerful and thought-provoking piece that explores the nature of life, death, and the human experience. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem, examining its themes, imagery, and language to gain a deeper understanding of Dickinson's unique perspective on the world.

The poem begins with the line "This World is not Conclusion," immediately setting the tone for what is to come. The word "conclusion" suggests finality, an end point beyond which there is nothing more to be said or done. By stating that the world is not conclusion, Dickinson is suggesting that there is more to life than what we can see or understand. This idea is reinforced in the second line, which reads "A Species stands beyond," implying that there is something beyond our current understanding of the world and our place in it.

The poem goes on to describe this "Species" in more detail, using vivid imagery to convey its otherworldly nature. Dickinson writes that this species "No Instincts can suffice," suggesting that it is beyond the realm of animal instincts and operates on a higher level of consciousness. She also describes it as "No Arm of Aid can reach," indicating that it is beyond the reach of human intervention or assistance. This species is something beyond our current understanding, something that we can only glimpse but never fully comprehend.

The third stanza of the poem introduces the idea of death, stating that "The Angel's proclamation / Is Sign enough for me." This line suggests that Dickinson sees death as a natural part of the human experience, and that she is not afraid of it. The use of the word "Angel" implies a spiritual or religious aspect to death, and the idea that it is a proclamation suggests that it is a necessary and inevitable part of life.

The fourth stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as Dickinson describes the moment of death itself. She writes that "The departing, sweet / Develops us the more," suggesting that death is not an end but a transformation, a process that helps us to grow and develop as individuals. The use of the word "sweet" is interesting here, as it suggests that death is not something to be feared or dreaded, but rather something that can be embraced and even celebrated.

The final stanza of the poem brings everything together, as Dickinson writes that "Divorced from all we thought / And Nature will renew / Herself with all we sought / And this time, a little more." This stanza suggests that death is not an end point, but rather a new beginning, a chance for us to be "divorced" from all of our preconceptions and assumptions about the world. It also implies that nature itself is a force for renewal and growth, and that even in death we can continue to evolve and develop as individuals.

Overall, "This World is not Conclusion" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Dickinson suggests that there is more to life than what we can see or understand, and that death is not an end but a transformation. The poem encourages us to embrace the unknown and to see death not as something to be feared, but as a natural and necessary part of the human experience. It is a testament to Dickinson's unique perspective on the world, and a reminder of the power of poetry to inspire and challenge us in profound ways.

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