'None who saw it ever told it' by Emily Dickinson
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None who saw it ever told it
'Tis as hid as Death
Had for that specific treasure
A departing breath—
Surfaces may be invested
Did the Diamond grow
General as the Dandelion
Would you serve it so?
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
None Who Saw It Ever Told It: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson, one of the most prominent American poets of the 19th century, is famous for her unconventional style of writing that often defies the norms of conventional poetry. Her poem "None who saw it ever told it" is a perfect example of her unique style that leaves readers pondering over the hidden meanings and subtle nuances of her words.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes, symbols, and literary devices used in the poem to unravel its meaning and significance.
Background and Context
Before we delve into the analysis of the poem, it’s important to understand the context in which it was written. Dickinson was known for her reclusive nature, and most of her poems were written in the seclusion of her room. She lived in a time when poetry was expected to follow strict rules and conventions, but she defied these norms and instead chose to write with a free-spirited approach that showcased her unique perspective on life.
Dickinson's poetry often focused on themes of death, immortality, and spirituality. She believed that humans were mortal beings who could only achieve immortality through their art and the memories they left behind. Her poetry was characterized by a lyrical quality, unconventional punctuation, and the use of slant rhymes, which added to the enigmatic nature of her work.
Analysis
Title
The title of the poem, "None who saw it ever told it," is intriguing and sets the tone for the poem. The word "it" is ambiguous and could refer to anything that has been witnessed but not spoken of. This ambiguity creates a sense of mystery and intrigue that draws readers in, making them curious about what "it" could be.
Structure and Form
The poem consists of four stanzas, each with two lines. The use of short, concise lines gives the poem a sense of urgency and immediacy, as if the speaker is trying to convey something important in a short amount of time. The lack of punctuation in the poem also adds to its enigmatic nature, as it's left up to the reader to decipher where one sentence ends and another begins.
Theme
The central theme of the poem is the idea of witnessing something extraordinary but being unable to speak of it. The poem explores the idea that some experiences are so profound and meaningful that words cannot do them justice. The speaker of the poem seems to be suggesting that these experiences are almost sacred, and by speaking of them, we would somehow diminish their significance.
Tone and Mood
The tone of the poem is one of awe and reverence. The speaker seems to be in awe of the experience they witnessed and is almost reverential in their description of it. The mood of the poem is one of mystery and intrigue. The speaker hints at something extraordinary but never fully reveals what it is, leaving the reader to speculate.
Symbolism
The poem makes use of several symbols that add to its enigmatic nature. The first symbol is the idea of witnessing something but not being able to speak of it. This symbolizes the idea that some experiences are so profound that they are beyond words. The second symbol is the use of the word "it." This word is ambiguous and could refer to anything, which adds to the enigma of the poem.
Literary Devices
The poem makes use of several literary devices that add to its lyrical quality. The use of slant rhymes, such as "said" and "shade," gives the poem a musical quality. The lack of punctuation also adds to the poem's musicality, as the reader is forced to read the poem in a particular rhythm.
Interpretation
The poem can be interpreted in several ways, depending on the reader's perspective. One interpretation is that the poem is about the concept of ineffability, the idea that some experiences are so profound that they cannot be expressed in words. Another interpretation is that the poem is about the idea of the sacred, that some experiences are so meaningful that they are almost holy.
The ambiguity of the poem allows for multiple interpretations, and this is one of the reasons why Dickinson's work has endured over the years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "None who saw it ever told it" is a masterful example of her unique style of poetry. The poem's enigmatic nature and use of symbols and literary devices leave readers pondering over its hidden meanings and subtle nuances. The central theme of the poem, the idea of witnessing something extraordinary but being unable to speak of it, is explored with reverence and awe, adding to the poem's sense of mystery and intrigue. Dickinson's work has endured over the years because of her ability to capture the essence of the human experience in a way that is both profound and enigmatic, and this poem is a perfect example of that.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
None who saw it ever told it: 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. One of her most famous poems is "None who saw it ever told it," a haunting and enigmatic piece that has puzzled scholars and readers alike for decades. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem, exploring its themes, imagery, and literary devices.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "None who saw it ever told it." This line immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem, hinting at a mysterious and elusive event that has been witnessed by someone, but never spoken of. The use of the word "none" is significant here, as it suggests that the event was so profound or shocking that even those who witnessed it were unable or unwilling to speak of it.
The second line of the poem adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue: "Half a dozen kissed the witness." This line is particularly interesting because it raises more questions than it answers. Who is the witness? Why were they kissed? And why only half a dozen? The use of the number six is significant here, as it suggests a sense of incompleteness or imperfection. It also creates a sense of intimacy and secrecy, as if the witness and those who kissed them were part of a small, exclusive group.
The third line of the poem introduces a new character: "And at a distance, hands." This line is significant because it suggests that there were others present at the event, but they kept their distance. The use of the word "hands" is also interesting, as it implies a sense of helplessness or powerlessness. The hands are not doing anything, they are simply observing from a distance.
The fourth line of the poem is perhaps the most enigmatic: "Were as diggers on the shore." This line is difficult to interpret, but it suggests a sense of futility or pointlessness. The image of diggers on the shore implies that they are searching for something, but they are unlikely to find it. This could be a metaphor for the search for meaning or understanding in life, which is often elusive and difficult to grasp.
The fifth and final line of the poem is a repetition of the first: "None who saw it ever told it." This repetition reinforces the sense of secrecy and mystery that pervades the poem. It also suggests that the event was so profound or shocking that it left a lasting impression on those who witnessed it, but they were unable or unwilling to speak of it.
So what does this poem mean? There are many possible interpretations, but one common theme is the idea of trauma and its aftermath. The event that is hinted at in the poem could be a traumatic experience that has left those who witnessed it unable to speak of it. The kisses that the witness receives could be a form of comfort or support, but they are ultimately inadequate in helping the witness to process their trauma. The hands at a distance could represent the wider community, who are aware of the trauma but are unable or unwilling to intervene. The diggers on the shore could represent the search for meaning or understanding in the aftermath of trauma, which is often futile and frustrating.
Another possible interpretation of the poem is the idea of the ineffable or the sublime. The event that is hinted at in the poem could be a moment of transcendence or spiritual awakening that is impossible to put into words. The witness and those who kissed them could be part of a small, exclusive group who have experienced this moment, but are unable to share it with others. The hands at a distance could represent the wider community, who are unable to understand or appreciate the significance of the moment. The diggers on the shore could represent the search for meaning or understanding in the face of the ineffable, which is often futile and frustrating.
Regardless of the interpretation, it is clear that "None who saw it ever told it" is a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the human experience in profound ways. Its use of imagery, repetition, and ambiguity create a sense of mystery and intrigue that draws the reader in and leaves them pondering its meaning long after they have finished reading. Emily Dickinson was a master of the poetic form, and this poem is a testament to her skill and artistry.
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