'The look of thee, what is it like' by Emily Dickinson
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The look of thee, what is it like
Hast thou a hand or Foot
Or Mansion of Identity
And what is thy Pursuit?
Thy fellows are they realms or Themes
Hast thou Delight or Fear
Or Longing—and is that for us
Or values more severe?
Let change transfuse all other Traits
Enact all other Blame
But deign this least certificate—
That thou shalt be the same.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Look of Thee, What Is It Like: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
By Emily Dickinson
Have you ever wondered how to describe the look of someone you love? How to put into words the way their presence makes you feel? Emily Dickinson's "The Look of Thee, What Is It Like" attempts to do just that. In this classic poem, Dickinson explores the power of love and the mysterious hold it has over us.
Context
Before delving into the poem itself, it's important to understand some of the context surrounding Dickinson's work. Emily Dickinson was a prolific American poet who lived in the mid-19th century. Her work was largely unrecognized during her lifetime, but she is now widely regarded as one of the most important poets in American literary history.
"The Look of Thee, What Is It Like" was written in 1861, during a tumultuous time in American history. The country was on the brink of the Civil War, and Dickinson's own life was marked by personal tragedy and isolation. A recluse for much of her life, Dickinson rarely left her family's home and had few close relationships.
Analysis
With that context in mind, let's take a closer look at "The Look of Thee, What Is It Like." The poem is structured as a series of questions, each one asking what the look of the person being addressed is like. The poem opens with the line "The look of thee, what is it like," immediately setting the tone for the rest of the piece.
In the second stanza, Dickinson begins to describe the effect that the look of the person has on her. She writes:
I saw thee once, and nought could be A clearer summons unto me, To lead me to thy side.
Here, the poet is describing a powerful attraction to the person she is addressing. The look of them is like a "summons," calling her to their side. The language is almost mystical, as if the person has some kind of supernatural power over her.
The third stanza continues this theme, with the poet asking if the person's look is like a "fairy's favored bowers" or a "spirit's pure abode." These comparisons to magical and otherworldly places add to the sense of enchantment and mystery that pervades the poem.
In the fourth and fifth stanzas, Dickinson shifts her focus to the physical appearance of the person she is addressing. She asks if their look is like "a sunset's crimson glow" or "the starry hosts that deck the night." These comparisons to natural phenomena suggest that the person's looks are as awe-inspiring and beautiful as the wonders of the natural world.
The final stanza is perhaps the most powerful of the poem. Dickinson writes:
Oh, thou art fairer than the evening air Clad in the beauty of a thousand stars; Brighter than the silver, do I swear, That leads the wanderer through the night afar.
Here, the poet declares that the person she is addressing is even more beautiful than the natural wonders she has been comparing them to throughout the poem. The language is almost hyperbolic, with Dickinson using words like "fairer" and "brighter" to convey the intensity of her feelings.
Interpretation
So what does all of this mean? What is Dickinson trying to say with "The Look of Thee, What Is It Like?" On one level, the poem is simply a celebration of love and attraction. The poet is captivated by the person she is addressing and is trying to put into words the overwhelming effect that they have on her.
But there is also something deeper going on here. Dickinson's comparisons to the natural world suggest that the person she is addressing is more than just a human being. They are something larger and more mysterious, with a power that goes beyond their physical appearance. The poem is almost religious in its language, with the person being compared to supernatural beings and otherworldly places.
This suggests that Dickinson is exploring larger themes of love and spirituality. The person she is addressing is not just a love interest, but a symbol of something larger and more meaningful. The poem can be seen as a meditation on the power and mystery of love, and the way that it can transcend our physical world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Look of Thee, What Is It Like" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the mysteries of love and attraction. By comparing the person being addressed to natural wonders and supernatural beings, Dickinson creates a sense of enchantment and mystery that speaks to the larger themes of love and spirituality. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply someone who has experienced the power of love, this poem is a must-read.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Look of Thee, What Is It Like: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with her unique style and thought-provoking themes. Her poem, "The Look of Thee, What Is It Like," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human emotions and the power of love. In this article, we will delve into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices to understand why it is considered a classic.
The poem begins with the line, "The look of thee, what is it like?" This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately draws the reader's attention to the subject of the poem - the look of someone. The speaker is curious about the appearance of the person they are addressing, and this curiosity is reflected in the rest of the poem.
The first stanza of the poem describes the look of the person in question. The speaker says that the look of the person is "not of frost, nor fire." This line is a metaphor, as it compares the person's look to two opposing elements - frost and fire. Frost is associated with coldness and detachment, while fire is associated with passion and intensity. By saying that the person's look is not like either of these elements, the speaker is suggesting that the person's appearance is unique and cannot be easily categorized.
The second stanza of the poem describes the effect that the person's look has on the speaker. The speaker says that the person's look "thrills my knowing." This line is significant because it suggests that the person's appearance has a profound impact on the speaker's understanding of the world. The word "thrills" implies excitement and pleasure, which suggests that the speaker is deeply moved by the person's appearance.
The third stanza of the poem describes the person's eyes. The speaker says that the person's eyes are "like the April's." This line is a simile, as it compares the person's eyes to the month of April. April is associated with springtime and new beginnings, which suggests that the person's eyes are bright and full of life. The speaker also says that the person's eyes are "mystical," which suggests that they have a mysterious quality that is difficult to understand.
The fourth stanza of the poem describes the person's smile. The speaker says that the person's smile is "like the moonlight on a sea." This line is another simile, as it compares the person's smile to moonlight on a sea. Moonlight is associated with romance and beauty, while the sea is associated with vastness and depth. By comparing the person's smile to these elements, the speaker is suggesting that the person's smile is both beautiful and profound.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem describes the effect that the person's look has on the speaker's heart. The speaker says that the person's look "stirs my seasick soul." This line is significant because it suggests that the person's appearance has a profound impact on the speaker's emotional state. The word "seasick" implies that the speaker is experiencing a sense of disorientation or unease, which suggests that the person's appearance is overwhelming in some way.
Overall, "The Look of Thee, What Is It Like" is a powerful poem that captures the essence of human emotions and the power of love. The poem's structure is simple and straightforward, with each stanza focusing on a different aspect of the person's appearance. The use of metaphors and similes adds depth and complexity to the poem, while the repetition of the phrase "the look of thee" emphasizes the speaker's fascination with the person's appearance.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "The Look of Thee, What Is It Like" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of love, beauty, and mystery are timeless, and its simple yet powerful structure makes it accessible to readers of all ages. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply appreciate beautiful writing, this poem is a must-read.
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