'The Face in evanescence lain' by Emily Dickinson
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The Face in evanescence lain
Is more distinct than ours—
And ours surrendered for its sake
As Capsules are for Flower's—
Or is it the confiding sheen
Dissenting to enamor us
Of Detriment divine?
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Face in Evanescence Lain by Emily Dickinson: A Closer Look
Are you ready to dive deep into one of Emily Dickinson's most enigmatic poems? If so, join me on this journey to explore "The Face in Evanescence Lain."
First of all, let's read the poem in full:
The face I carry with me—last— When I go out of Time— To take my Rank—by—in the West— That face—will just be thine—
I'll hand it to the Angel— That is—if I am proved— But lest the Soul should flinch—and deem— And falter—and be moved— I'll tug at your Curtain— As we run along the floor— And your Tartan—just a dream behind— Will billow—up—no more—
Now, let's break it down stanza by stanza and analyze its meaning and significance.
Stanza 1
"The face I carry with me—last—/ When I go out of Time—/ To take my Rank—by—in the West—/ That face—will just be thine—"
One of the most intriguing aspects of this poem is the ambiguity of the speaker's identity. Who is speaking here? Is it Emily Dickinson herself? Or is it a fictional persona?
Regardless of the answer, we can interpret the first stanza as a reflection on mortality and the afterlife. The speaker refers to a "face" that they carry with them, which will become someone else's after they die. The use of the word "Rank" suggests that the speaker believes in some sort of hierarchical order after death, perhaps related to a certain belief system or religion.
The mention of "the West" could also have religious connotations, as the West is often associated with the setting sun and the end of the day. It could also refer to the geographical direction of the speaker's final resting place.
Stanza 2
"I'll hand it to the Angel—/ That is—if I am proved—/ But lest the Soul should flinch—and deem—/ And falter—and be moved—"
In the second stanza, the speaker continues to discuss the fate of their "face" after death. They mention an "Angel" to whom they will hand it over, but only if they are "proved," which could mean that they have passed some sort of judgment or test.
The next line is particularly interesting: "But lest the Soul should flinch—and deem—/ And falter—and be moved—." This suggests that the speaker is aware that their soul might hesitate or doubt its own judgment in the afterlife. Is this a commentary on the human capacity for self-doubt and uncertainty, even after death?
Stanza 3
"I'll tug at your Curtain—/ As we run along the floor—/ And your Tartan—just a dream behind—/ Will billow—up—no more—"
In the final stanza, the speaker shifts from discussing their own mortality to addressing someone else directly. Who is this person? Is it the same person who will inherit the speaker's "face" after death?
The use of the phrase "tug at your Curtain" suggests a sense of playfulness, as if the speaker is engaging in some sort of game with the person they are addressing. The mention of "your Tartan" adds to the sense of whimsy, as a tartan is a type of plaid pattern often associated with Scottish culture.
However, the final line of the poem shifts the tone dramatically: "Will billow—up—no more—." This suggests that something has come to an end, perhaps a life or a relationship. The use of the word "billow" also implies a sense of movement or motion, as if the speaker is describing a gust of wind or a wave crashing against a shore.
Overall analysis
So what can we take away from "The Face in Evanescence Lain"? At its core, this poem explores themes of mortality, the afterlife, and the human capacity for doubt and uncertainty. The shifting tone and imagery throughout the poem create a sense of ambiguity and mystery, leaving the reader with more questions than answers.
One potential interpretation of the poem is that it is a reflection on the fragility of human relationships and the transient nature of life itself. The speaker's playful interactions with the person they address in the final stanza could be seen as a metaphor for the fleeting moments we share with others in life, which are all too easily lost or forgotten.
Another possible interpretation is that the poem is a meditation on the concept of identity and how it changes over time. The "face" that the speaker carries with them could be seen as a symbol for one's sense of self, which undergoes transformations and evolves over the course of a lifetime.
Whatever interpretation we choose to take away from "The Face in Evanescence Lain," one thing is certain: Emily Dickinson's poetry continues to captivate and intrigue readers over a century after it was written.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Face in evanescence lain: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, the famous American poet, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, nature, and spirituality. One of her most celebrated works is the poem "The Face in evanescence lain," which is a hauntingly beautiful piece that captures the essence of life and death. In this article, we will explore the meaning and significance of this classic poem.
The poem begins with the line, "The face we choose to miss," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is lamenting the loss of someone or something that they loved deeply, and they are struggling to come to terms with their absence. The use of the word "choose" is interesting because it implies that the speaker has some control over their emotions, but they are still unable to let go of their grief.
The next line, "Be it but for a day," suggests that the speaker is aware of the fleeting nature of life. They know that everything is impermanent and that they must cherish every moment they have with the people they love. However, despite this knowledge, they are still unable to accept the fact that their loved one is gone.
The third line, "We would give worlds to see," is a powerful statement that highlights the depth of the speaker's longing. They are willing to give up everything they have just to catch a glimpse of the person they miss so much. This line is also significant because it suggests that the speaker is aware of the limitations of their own mortality. They know that they cannot bring their loved one back to life, but they still wish they could.
The fourth line, "The little town of Bethlehem," is a reference to the birthplace of Jesus Christ. This line is interesting because it suggests that the speaker is searching for some kind of spiritual solace. They are looking for a way to make sense of their loss and find comfort in their grief. The use of the word "little" is also significant because it suggests that the speaker is feeling small and insignificant in the face of their loss.
The fifth line, "How still we see thee lie," is a reference to the Christmas carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is trying to find comfort in tradition and ritual. They are looking for something familiar and comforting to hold onto in the midst of their grief.
The sixth line, "Above thy deep and dreamless sleep," is a reference to the idea of death as a kind of sleep. This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is trying to come to terms with the finality of death. They are trying to find a way to accept that their loved one is gone forever.
The seventh line, "The silent stars go by," is a reference to the passage of time. This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is aware of the fact that life goes on even in the face of death. They know that the world will keep turning and that time will continue to pass, even though their loved one is no longer a part of it.
The eighth line, "Yet in thy dark streets shineth," is a reference to the idea of hope in the midst of darkness. This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is trying to find a way to hold onto hope even in the face of their grief. They are looking for a way to believe that there is still some light in the world, even though their loved one is gone.
The ninth line, "The everlasting Light," is a reference to the idea of eternal life. This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is searching for a way to believe that their loved one is still alive in some way. They are looking for a way to hold onto the idea that death is not the end.
The final line, "The hopes and fears of all the years," is a reference to the idea of shared experience. This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is not alone in their grief. They know that others have experienced loss and that they are not the only ones struggling to come to terms with it.
In conclusion, "The Face in evanescence lain" is a powerful and hauntingly beautiful poem that explores the themes of life, death, and grief. Through its use of imagery and symbolism, the poem captures the essence of the human experience and the struggle to come to terms with our own mortality. Emily Dickinson's unique style of writing and her ability to convey complex emotions through simple language make this poem a true masterpiece of American literature.
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