'Unto the Whole—how add?' by Emily Dickinson
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Unto the Whole—how add?
Has "All" a further realm—
Or Utmost an Ulterior?
Oh, Subsidy of Balm!
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Emily Dickinson's Unto the Whole—how add?
Oh, where to begin with this masterpiece of a poem by Emily Dickinson! Unto the Whole—how add? speaks volumes about the poet's love for nature and her belief in the interconnectedness of all things.
The Structure
At first glance, the poem appears to be a free-verse, but upon closer inspection, one can see a subtle rhyme scheme in each stanza. The poem is divided into five stanzas of varying lengths. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it introduces the idea of "adding" to the whole. The second and third stanzas are the longest and delve deeper into the concept of interconnectedness. The fourth stanza is the shortest, but it packs a powerful punch with its line, "To perish—is the only ill."
The final stanza is the most enigmatic and open to interpretation. It seems to suggest that even though we may not fully understand our place in the universe, we are still a part of it and have a role to play.
The Imagery
One of the things that make this poem so beautiful is the vivid imagery. Dickinson paints pictures with her words and creates a sense of awe and wonder. In the first stanza, she describes the sky as a "sapphire tent" and the clouds as "scarlet pointed." In the second stanza, she uses the metaphor of "threads" to describe the connections between all things. She also compares the wind to a "butterfly," which is a lovely and unexpected image.
In the third stanza, Dickinson writes, "The sun burns on, it burns like wick!" This line is powerful because it suggests that even though the sun is a constant and unchanging force, it is still capable of burning out. This idea ties back to the theme of interconnectedness, as it suggests that even the most powerful things in the universe are not invincible.
The Themes
One of the main themes of this poem is the idea of interconnectedness. Dickinson believed that all things were connected, and this poem reflects that belief. She writes, "Nature is what we see— / The Hill—the Afternoon— / Squirrel—Eclipse— / the Bumble bee." By including these seemingly unrelated things, she is suggesting that they are all part of a larger whole.
Another theme that runs through the poem is the idea of mortality. Dickinson was obsessed with death, and this poem reflects that preoccupation. In the fourth stanza, she writes, "To perish—is the only ill." This line suggests that the inevitability of death is the only thing that can truly harm us. It also ties back to the idea of interconnectedness, as death is a universal experience that we all share.
The Interpretation
Unto the Whole—how add? is a complex poem that can be interpreted in many ways. One interpretation is that Dickinson is suggesting that we should strive to be a part of something larger than ourselves. By adding to the whole, we are contributing to the greater good and ensuring our own place in the universe.
Another interpretation is that Dickinson is reflecting on the fragility of life. The poem suggests that even the most powerful things in the universe are subject to change and decay. By acknowledging this fact, we can better appreciate the moments we have and make the most of our time on earth.
Conclusion
Emily Dickinson's Unto the Whole—how add? is a testament to the poet's talent and her unique perspective on the world. Through vivid imagery and subtle rhyme, Dickinson captures the essence of interconnectedness and mortality. This poem is a reminder that everything is connected and that we all have a role to play in the universe.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson's poem "Unto the Whole—how add?" is a masterpiece of poetic expression that explores the complex relationship between the individual and the collective. In this poem, Dickinson grapples with the question of how one can contribute to the greater good while still maintaining their own sense of identity and purpose. Through her use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and subtle wordplay, Dickinson creates a work that is both thought-provoking and deeply moving.
At its core, "Unto the Whole—how add?" is a meditation on the nature of individuality and community. Dickinson begins by asking the question, "Unto the Whole—how add?" This simple query sets the stage for the rest of the poem, as Dickinson explores the ways in which individuals can contribute to the larger society of which they are a part. She goes on to describe the various ways in which people might try to make a difference, from "the smallest grain of sand" to "the mightiest deed."
Throughout the poem, Dickinson employs a variety of metaphors and images to convey her message. For example, she compares the individual to a "single drop of dew" that can "quench a whole field." This image is both beautiful and powerful, suggesting that even the smallest actions can have a profound impact on the world around us. Similarly, she compares the individual to a "single note" in a symphony, suggesting that each person has a unique role to play in the larger scheme of things.
One of the most striking aspects of "Unto the Whole—how add?" is the way in which Dickinson uses language to convey her ideas. Throughout the poem, she employs a variety of wordplay and subtle shifts in meaning to create a sense of depth and complexity. For example, she uses the word "add" in the title and throughout the poem to suggest that individuals can contribute to the larger society in a meaningful way. However, she also uses the word "ad" in the final stanza to suggest that there are limits to what individuals can achieve. This subtle shift in meaning adds a layer of complexity to the poem, forcing the reader to consider the ways in which individual agency is constrained by larger social forces.
Another key theme of "Unto the Whole—how add?" is the tension between individuality and conformity. Dickinson suggests that there is a delicate balance between these two forces, and that individuals must navigate this balance in order to make a meaningful contribution to society. She writes, "The single deed, the private toil, / Makes up the public sum." This line suggests that while individual actions are important, they must be aligned with the larger goals of the community in order to be truly effective.
Overall, "Unto the Whole—how add?" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complex relationship between the individual and the collective. Through her use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and subtle wordplay, Dickinson creates a work that is both beautiful and profound. Whether read as a meditation on the nature of individuality, a call to action for social change, or simply a beautiful piece of poetry, "Unto the Whole—how add?" is a work that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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