'By such and such an offering' by Emily Dickinson
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By such and such an offering
To Mr. So and So,
The web of live woven—
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Editor 1 Interpretation
"By such and such an offering" by Emily Dickinson: A Deeper Dive
As a literary enthusiast, I am always amazed at how a few lines of poetry can evoke feelings that resonate deep within one's soul. Emily Dickinson's poem "By such and such an offering" is no exception. In this 16-line poem, Dickinson manages to convey some of the most profound truths about life, death, and the human experience.
What is the poem about?
At first glance, the poem appears to be about a simple offering of flowers. However, as one reads deeper, it becomes clear that the poem is actually about much more than that. The speaker is reflecting on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death, and she wonders what kind of offering she can make to the "brave" and "fearless" persons who have gone before her.
The poem's structure and form
"By such and such an offering" is a short poem, consisting of only two quatrains. The rhyme scheme is AABB, with each verse ending in a perfect rhyme. The meter is predominantly iambic, with a few variations to keep the rhythm interesting.
The brevity of the poem is fitting, given its subject matter. Dickinson manages to convey much in just a few lines, and the tight structure adds to the sense of urgency in the poem.
Analysis of the poem's content
The opening line of the poem is striking: "By such and such an offering / To risk so much of life." The speaker is acknowledging that she is risking something by making an offering. The ambiguity of the phrase "such and such" adds to the sense of uncertainty and risk.
The second line of the poem shifts the focus to the recipients of the offering: "The gain is great." Here, the speaker is acknowledging that there is something to be gained by making an offering. The use of the word "gain" suggests that there is a reward for the offering, but the speaker is unsure what that reward is.
In the second quatrain, the speaker continues to reflect on the offering. She wonders if flowers are enough to honor the "brave" and "fearless" persons who have gone before her. The use of these adjectives suggests that the speaker holds those who have died in high esteem.
The speaker then shifts to a more personal reflection, wondering what kind of offering she can make to those who have gone before her. This is where the poem becomes more universal, as the speaker reflects on the human experience of mortality.
The final two lines of the poem are powerful: "Of dying, and of death / The latter not of war." The speaker is acknowledging that death is a part of life, and that there are different ways to die. The phrase "the latter not of war" suggests that the speaker is thinking specifically of those who have died natural deaths.
Interpretation of the poem
"By such and such an offering" is a deeply spiritual poem. The speaker is grappling with the idea of mortality and the afterlife, and is wondering what kind of offering she can make to those who have gone before her. The use of the word "offering" suggests a religious context, and the speaker's reverence for the dead suggests a belief in the afterlife.
The ambiguity of the phrase "such and such" adds to the sense of mystery in the poem. It is unclear what the speaker is offering, or to whom. This ambiguity allows the reader to project their own thoughts and feelings onto the poem, making it more personal.
The use of the words "brave" and "fearless" suggests that the speaker holds those who have died in high esteem. This reverence for the dead is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry, and it speaks to her belief in the afterlife.
The final two lines of the poem are particularly powerful. The use of the phrase "the latter not of war" suggests that the speaker is thinking specifically of those who have died natural deaths. This adds another layer of meaning to the poem, as the speaker is acknowledging that death is a part of life, and that there are different ways to die.
Conclusion
"By such and such an offering" is a beautiful and deeply spiritual poem that speaks to the human experience of mortality. Dickinson manages to convey profound truths about life and death in just a few lines, and the poem's structure adds to the sense of urgency and uncertainty.
As a reader, one cannot help but be moved by the speaker's reverence for the dead and her wonder at what kind of offering she can make to them. This is a poem that speaks to the eternal questions of life and death, and its beauty and power will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
By Such and Such an Offering: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, the renowned American poet, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, nature, and spirituality. Her poem, "By Such and Such an Offering," is a masterpiece that delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning and significance of this poem and how it reflects Dickinson's poetic style.
The poem begins with the line, "By such and such an offering, to Mr. So and So." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is written in a conversational style. The speaker is addressing someone, presumably a man, who is referred to as "Mr. So and So." The use of this generic name suggests that the speaker is not particularly close to the person being addressed. The phrase "such and such" also implies a lack of specificity, as if the speaker is unsure of what exactly they are offering.
The second line of the poem reads, "I beg you be less arbitrary." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is asking Mr. So and So to be less judgmental or harsh in their actions. The use of the word "arbitrary" implies that Mr. So and So is making decisions without much thought or consideration. The speaker is asking him to be more thoughtful and deliberate in his actions.
The third line of the poem reads, "Nor it exact, too, of thee." This line is a bit more difficult to interpret, but it seems to suggest that the speaker is not asking for too much from Mr. So and So. The use of the word "exact" implies that the speaker is not demanding anything specific, but rather is asking for something more general.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "But such a flower as May be plucked." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is asking for something simple and natural. The use of the word "flower" implies something delicate and beautiful, and the phrase "may be plucked" suggests that the speaker is not asking for anything that is difficult to obtain.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "Many, if they knew they sought it, scarce would prize it, rose." This line is significant because it suggests that the thing the speaker is asking for is something that many people do not value. The use of the word "scarce" implies that this thing is rare or hard to find. The word "rose" is also significant because it suggests something beautiful and delicate, much like the flower mentioned in the previous line.
The sixth line of the poem reads, "Ah, selfish ones, be pleased with daisies." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is criticizing those who are too focused on themselves and their own desires. The use of the word "selfish" implies that these people are only concerned with their own needs and desires. The phrase "be pleased with daisies" suggests that the speaker is asking these people to be content with something simple and natural, much like the flower mentioned earlier in the poem.
The seventh and final line of the poem reads, "And the sky that goes with you!" This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is asking Mr. So and So to appreciate the beauty of the natural world around him. The use of the word "sky" implies something vast and infinite, and the phrase "that goes with you" suggests that the speaker is asking Mr. So and So to take notice of the world around him and appreciate its beauty.
Overall, "By Such and Such an Offering" is a poem that explores the complexities of human relationships and emotions. The speaker is asking Mr. So and So to be less judgmental and more thoughtful in his actions, and to appreciate the beauty of the natural world around him. The use of natural imagery, such as flowers and the sky, suggests that the speaker values simplicity and natural beauty over material possessions or wealth.
In terms of Dickinson's poetic style, "By Such and Such an Offering" is a prime example of her unique approach to writing. The conversational tone of the poem makes it feel like the speaker is addressing the reader directly, creating a sense of intimacy and connection. The use of natural imagery and simple language also reflects Dickinson's preference for simplicity and natural beauty over grandiose language or complex metaphors.
In conclusion, "By Such and Such an Offering" is a masterpiece by Emily Dickinson that explores the complexities of human relationships and emotions. Through the use of natural imagery and simple language, Dickinson creates a sense of intimacy and connection with the reader, while also emphasizing the importance of appreciating the beauty of the natural world around us. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's unique poetic style and her ability to capture the essence of human experience in a few simple words.
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