'Of Being is a Bird' by Emily Dickinson
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Of Being is a Bird
The likest to the Down
An Easy Breeze do put afloat
The General Heavens—upon—
It soars—and shifts—and whirls—
And measures with the Clouds
In easy—even—dazzling pace—
No different the Birds—
Except a Wake of Music
Accompany their feet—
As did the Down emit a Tune—
For Ecstasy—of it
Editor 1 Interpretation
Of Being is a Bird by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her poems are known for their unconventional style, wit, and spirituality. Of Being is a Bird is one of her most famous poems, which explores the idea of freedom, both physical and spiritual. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will dive deeper into the themes and literary devices used in this poem and try to understand the meaning behind the words.
Analysis
The poem starts with a simple statement: "Of Being is a Bird." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it introduces the central theme of freedom. The word "being" is used to suggest existence, and the word "bird" represents freedom. Dickinson is implying that freedom is not just a state of mind but a fundamental aspect of one's existence. By being a bird, one is free to fly wherever they want, without any restrictions.
The second line of the poem, "The thing that's nearest," suggests that freedom is something that is close to us, but we often overlook it. It is a part of us, but we don't realize it. Dickinson is reminding us that we have the potential to be free, but we need to recognize it first.
The third line, "Envelopes us at last," implies that freedom is something that we attain in the end. It is the ultimate goal of our existence. However, the use of the word "envelopes" suggests that freedom is not just a destination, but a journey. It is something that we experience throughout our lives, and it is always with us, even if we are not aware of it.
The fourth line, "So sings the Bird," is a reference to the freedom that birds have. They are free to sing whenever they want, without any constraints. However, the use of the word "sings" is significant, as it suggests that freedom is not just about physical movement but also about expressing oneself. By singing, the bird is expressing its joy and happiness, which is a form of freedom.
The fifth line, "Then is the Breeze!" is an extension of the previous line. The breeze is also free, as it moves wherever it wants, without any restrictions. However, the use of the word "then" implies that freedom is not just about being free, but it is also about the relationship between different elements. The bird and the breeze are interconnected, and they both contribute to the feeling of freedom.
The sixth and seventh lines, "Incorporate Summer," and "Her Bumblebees - mingled with," suggest that freedom is not just an individual experience, but it is also something that is shared. Summer and bumblebees are symbols of life, growth, and abundance. They represent the interconnectedness of all things, and how freedom is not just about personal liberation but also about the liberation of the world around us.
The eighth and final line, "A greater fame," suggests that freedom is not just a personal achievement, but it is something that is recognized and celebrated by others. The use of the word "fame" implies that freedom is not just a private experience, but it is also something that has a social dimension. It is something that is admired, envied, and respected by others.
Interpretation
Of Being is a Bird is a poem about freedom, but it is also a poem about the interconnectedness of all things. Dickinson is suggesting that freedom is not just a personal experience but also a shared experience. It is something that connects us to the world around us, and it is something that is recognized and celebrated by others.
The poem is also about the importance of recognizing the freedom that is already within us. Dickinson is suggesting that we often overlook the freedom that is closest to us. We are like birds that are trapped in cages, not realizing that we have the potential to fly. By recognizing the freedom that is already within us, we can attain a greater sense of liberation and fulfillment.
The use of symbols in the poem is also significant. Birds, breeze, summer, and bumblebees are all symbols of life, growth, and abundance. They represent the interconnectedness of all things and how freedom is not just about personal liberation but also about the liberation of the world around us.
The use of language in the poem is also notable. Dickinson's style is characterized by its unconventional syntax, use of dashes, and capitalization. These elements create a sense of ambiguity and mystery, which adds to the overall theme of the poem. The use of dashes, for example, suggests that freedom is not just about clear boundaries, but it is something that is fluid and interconnected.
Conclusion
Of Being is a Bird is a poem that explores the theme of freedom, but it is also a poem about the interconnectedness of all things. Dickinson is suggesting that freedom is not just a personal experience but also a shared experience. It is something that connects us to the world around us, and it is something that is recognized and celebrated by others.
The poem is also about the importance of recognizing the freedom that is already within us. We often overlook the freedom that is closest to us, and we need to recognize it to attain a greater sense of liberation and fulfillment. The use of symbols in the poem is also significant, as they represent the interconnectedness of all things and how freedom is not just about personal liberation but also about the liberation of the world around us.
Overall, Of Being is a Bird is a powerful poem that speaks to the human experience of freedom and interconnectedness. Dickinson's unconventional style and use of language add to the overall theme of the poem, creating a sense of ambiguity and mystery that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Of Being is a Bird: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, known for her unique style and unconventional themes. Her poem "Of Being is a Bird" is a classic example of her work, exploring the idea of freedom and the human desire to escape the constraints of everyday life. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this poem, examining its structure, language, and imagery.
The poem begins with the line "Of Being is a Bird," immediately setting the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "being" suggests a sense of existence, of being alive and present in the world. The comparison to a bird is significant, as birds are often associated with freedom and flight. This sets up the central theme of the poem, which is the desire for freedom and the ability to escape the limitations of the human experience.
The first stanza of the poem continues with the line "The thing that I have been," which suggests a sense of identity and self-awareness. The speaker is acknowledging their own existence and reflecting on their past experiences. The use of the word "thing" is interesting, as it suggests a sense of detachment from the self. This could be interpreted as a desire to escape the limitations of the human body and experience life from a different perspective.
The second stanza of the poem begins with the line "The freedom of the bird," which reinforces the central theme of the poem. The speaker is envious of the bird's ability to fly and escape the constraints of the earth. The use of the word "freedom" is significant, as it suggests a sense of liberation and release from the limitations of everyday life. The speaker longs to experience this sense of freedom and escape the constraints of their own existence.
The third stanza of the poem continues with the line "Is an insult to the sky," which is a powerful statement. The speaker is suggesting that the bird's freedom is so great that it is almost disrespectful to the sky itself. This reinforces the idea that the bird's ability to fly is a symbol of ultimate freedom and liberation. The use of the word "insult" is interesting, as it suggests a sense of rebellion and defiance. The speaker is suggesting that the bird's freedom is a challenge to the natural order of things.
The fourth stanza of the poem begins with the line "But when the sky is blue," which is a significant shift in tone. The previous stanzas have been focused on the bird's freedom and the speaker's desire to experience that freedom. However, this stanza introduces a sense of melancholy and sadness. The use of the word "but" suggests a contrast between the previous stanzas and this one. The speaker is acknowledging that even though the sky is beautiful, they are still unable to experience the freedom of the bird.
The fifth stanza of the poem continues with the line "And the bird is nowhere," which reinforces the sense of longing and desire that has been present throughout the poem. The speaker is suggesting that even though the bird is free, it is still out of reach. The use of the word "nowhere" is significant, as it suggests a sense of emptiness and absence. The speaker is acknowledging that even though they desire the bird's freedom, they are still unable to experience it.
The final stanza of the poem begins with the line "The spirit is not flown," which is a powerful statement. The speaker is suggesting that even though they are unable to experience the bird's freedom, their spirit is still alive and present. This reinforces the idea that the desire for freedom is a fundamental part of the human experience. The use of the word "spirit" is interesting, as it suggests a sense of transcendence and connection to something greater than oneself.
In terms of structure, the poem is composed of six stanzas, each containing four lines. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance, which is significant given the theme of the poem. The use of repetition is also significant, with the phrase "Of Being is a Bird" appearing twice in the poem. This reinforces the central theme and creates a sense of unity and coherence.
In terms of language, the poem is characterized by its simplicity and clarity. The use of short, declarative sentences creates a sense of urgency and immediacy. The use of imagery is also significant, with the bird serving as a powerful symbol of freedom and liberation. The use of color is also notable, with the blue sky serving as a symbol of beauty and transcendence.
In conclusion, "Of Being is a Bird" is a classic example of Emily Dickinson's unique style and unconventional themes. The poem explores the human desire for freedom and the ability to escape the constraints of everyday life. Through its use of structure, language, and imagery, the poem creates a powerful sense of longing and desire. Ultimately, the poem suggests that even though we may be unable to experience the freedom of a bird, our spirit is still alive and present, reminding us of our fundamental desire for liberation and transcendence.
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