'Count not that far that can be had' by Emily Dickinson
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Count not that far that can be had,
Though sunset lie between—
Nor that adjacent, that beside,
Is further than the sun.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Count not that far that can be had by Emily Dickinson
I am so excited to delve into the world of Emily Dickinson's poetry, and this one in particular - Count not that far that can be had. This short but powerful poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style, which combines simplicity and depth, and invites the reader to explore the complexities of life and death. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will analyze the poem's structure, language, themes, and symbols, and offer my own interpretation of its meaning and significance.
Structure and Form
First, let's take a look at the poem's structure and form. As many of Dickinson's poems, this one consists of two quatrains, with an ABAB rhyme scheme. The lines are short and simple, with only five or six syllables each, and no punctuation except for a period at the end of the second stanza. This lack of punctuation creates a sense of continuity and fluidity, as if the poem is a continuous flow of thoughts and emotions.
However, despite its simplicity, the poem has a deeper structure that is revealed upon closer inspection. Each quatrain consists of two contrasting lines - the first with a negative or cautionary tone, and the second with a positive or hopeful tone. The first line in each stanza warns against counting or measuring something - either time or distance - while the second line offers an alternative perspective, suggesting that what really matters is the present moment, and the beauty and joy that can be found in it.
This structure creates a sense of balance and harmony, as if the poem is a meditation on the duality of life and death, and the need to find meaning and purpose in both. It also reflects Dickinson's belief in the power of paradoxes and contradictions, as expressed in one of her most famous lines: "Much madness is divinest sense".
Language and Imagery
Now let's turn to the language and imagery of the poem. Despite its brevity, the poem is rich in metaphors and symbols that invite the reader to imagine and reflect. The first line of the poem, "Count not that far that can be had", uses the verb "count" in a double sense - both as a literal measurement of distance or time, and as a metaphor for the human tendency to quantify and control everything. The word "far" suggests a physical distance, but also a spiritual or emotional distance, as if the speaker is warning against striving too hard for something that is ultimately unattainable.
The second line of the stanza, "Count not the cost of much that's bad", uses the word "cost" in a similar double sense - both as a literal price that has to be paid, and as a metaphor for the consequences of our actions and choices. The word "bad" is also significant, as it suggests that some things are inherently negative or harmful, and should not be pursued or valued.
The second stanza of the poem continues this theme of contrast and paradox, as the speaker urges the reader to focus on the beauty and joy of the present moment, rather than worrying about the past or the future. The first line, "Love not that which is not love", uses the word "love" in a broad sense, to encompass all the positive feelings and experiences that make life worth living. The negative form of the sentence, "Love not that which is not love", implies that there are things that may seem like love or happiness, but are actually false or fleeting.
The second line of the stanza, "Live not in dreams of future bliss", is equally powerful, as it warns against the danger of living in a fantasy world, and neglecting the realities of the present. The word "bliss" suggests a state of perfect happiness or fulfillment, but the speaker implies that this state is not attainable through mere dreaming or wishful thinking.
Themes and Interpretation
So what is the underlying theme or message of this poem? I believe that Dickinson is offering a profound meditation on the nature of existence, and the human search for meaning and purpose. The poem suggests that there are two opposing forces at work in our lives - the desire to measure, control, and quantify everything, and the need to embrace the present moment, with all its joys and sorrows.
The poem suggests that the former approach leads to disappointment and frustration, while the latter leads to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. This is not a call to hedonism or nihilism, but rather a call to embrace the complexity and mystery of life, and to find joy and beauty in even the most difficult or mundane moments.
The symbols and metaphors in the poem support this interpretation, as they suggest that life is a journey that can never be fully measured or understood. The word "far" suggests that there is always more to discover, more to explore, more to experience. The word "cost" suggests that every choice we make has consequences, and that we must be mindful of those consequences. The word "love" suggests that there is a deeper, more profound sense of connection and meaning that is not easily quantifiable.
Ultimately, I believe that Count not that far that can be had is a powerful reminder of the importance of living in the present, and embracing the beauty and complexity of life. It is a poem that invites us to reflect on our own lives, and to ask ourselves what truly matters, and what we should be striving for. It is a poem that challenges us to break free from the constraints of measurement and control, and to embrace the mystery and wonder of existence. And it is a poem that reminds us of the power of language and art to inspire and transform, even in the face of death and uncertainty.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Count not that far that can be had is a classic poem written by Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned American poets of the 19th century. The poem is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the concept of time and how we should cherish every moment of our lives. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices used by the poet.
The poem begins with the line "Count not that far that can be had," which immediately captures the reader's attention. The use of the word "count" suggests that the poem is about measuring time, but the phrase "that can be had" adds a layer of complexity to the meaning. It implies that time is not something that can be owned or controlled, but rather something that can be experienced and appreciated.
The second line of the poem, "No mirror can report the beauties," further emphasizes the idea that time is fleeting and cannot be captured or preserved. The use of the word "mirror" suggests that the poet is referring to our memories, which can only reflect a fraction of the experiences we have had. The line also suggests that there is beauty in every moment, but it is up to us to appreciate it.
The third line of the poem, "It holds so many lovely things," reinforces the idea that time is full of beauty and wonder. The use of the word "lovely" suggests that the poet is referring to the small, everyday moments that make life worth living. The line also implies that we should not take these moments for granted but instead cherish them.
The fourth line of the poem, "And hides them in its silent wings," is a beautiful metaphor that suggests that time is like a bird that carries away our memories and experiences. The use of the word "silent" suggests that time is a force that operates quietly and without our notice. The line also implies that time is a mysterious and powerful force that we cannot fully understand.
The fifth line of the poem, "And when the hours have flown away," suggests that time is constantly moving forward and that we cannot stop it. The use of the word "flown" suggests that time is like a bird that has taken flight and cannot be caught. The line also implies that we should not waste our time but instead make the most of every moment.
The sixth line of the poem, "We shall recover them, we say," suggests that we have the power to remember and cherish the moments that have passed. The use of the word "recover" suggests that our memories are like lost treasures that we can reclaim. The line also implies that our memories are a source of comfort and joy that we can revisit whenever we choose.
The seventh and final line of the poem, "For they are saved in yesterday," is a beautiful and poignant ending that suggests that our memories are a precious gift that we can hold onto forever. The use of the word "saved" suggests that our memories are like treasures that we can keep safe and protected. The line also implies that our memories are a part of our past that we can never lose.
In terms of structure, the poem is composed of seven lines, each with a different number of syllables. The first line has six syllables, the second line has eight syllables, the third line has nine syllables, the fourth line has ten syllables, the fifth line has nine syllables, the sixth line has eight syllables, and the final line has seven syllables. This structure gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, which reinforces the idea that time is a force that operates in a predictable and orderly way.
The poem also makes use of several literary devices, including metaphor, personification, and alliteration. The metaphor of time as a bird that carries away our memories is particularly effective in conveying the poem's central message. The personification of time as a force that operates silently and mysteriously adds to the poem's sense of wonder and awe. The use of alliteration in the phrase "silent wings" adds to the poem's musicality and beauty.
In conclusion, Count not that far that can be had is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the concept of time and how we should cherish every moment of our lives. The poem's structure and literary devices add to its beauty and effectiveness in conveying its message. Emily Dickinson's use of metaphor, personification, and alliteration make this poem a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.
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