'I saw that the Flake was on it' by Emily Dickinson
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
1267
I saw that the Flake was on it
But plotted with Time to dispute—
"Unchanged" I urged with a candor
That cost me my honest Heart—
But "you"—she returned with valor
Sagacious of my mistake
"Have altered—Accept the pillage
For the progress' sake"—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
"I saw that the Flake was on it": A Close Reading of Emily Dickinson's Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most renowned poets in American literature, and her poetry has been studied and analyzed by scholars and enthusiasts alike for over a century. Her unique style and unconventional themes continue to fascinate readers, and her masterful use of language has inspired countless poets and writers. In this essay, I will provide a close reading and interpretation of one of her lesser-known poems, "I saw that the Flake was on it," exploring its meaning, structure, and literary devices.
The Poem
I saw that the Flake was on it —
But plotted with Time to dispute —
Invisible to see —
To us — Divinity —
Present no more to prove —
But like the Stars —
show you — what her be,
That one — is lying low —
The other — on his Pillow —
Analysis
At first glance, "I saw that the Flake was on it" appears to be a simple, almost cryptic poem, with sparse diction and minimal punctuation. However, a closer examination reveals a rich and complex piece that is embedded with layers of meaning and literary devices.
The poem is comprised of two stanzas, each with three lines, and a final line that stands alone. The first line of the poem, "I saw that the Flake was on it," is ambiguous and open to interpretation. The word "flake" could refer to a snowflake, a piece of ash, or even a speck of dust. The lack of context or detail in the line leaves the reader to speculate on what "it" might be.
The second line, "But plotted with Time to dispute," introduces the theme of time, which is prominent throughout the poem. The speaker suggests that the "flake" is engaged in a struggle or dispute with time, but the meaning of this is unclear. It could refer to the ephemeral nature of the "flake," which is destined to melt, disintegrate, or disappear over time. Alternatively, it could suggest that time itself is a fleeting, impermanent concept that is always in flux and difficult to pin down.
The third line, "Invisible to see — / To us — Divinity — / Present no more to prove —," introduces the idea of divinity or a higher power that is beyond human comprehension. The "flake" and time are both invisible and elusive, and the speaker suggests that it is futile to try and prove their existence. The use of the word "divinity" implies that there is something transcendent and eternal that exists beyond our physical world.
The second stanza of the poem continues with the imagery of the first, but with a shift in perspective. The speaker suggests that the "flake" and time are like stars, which are also ephemeral and mysterious. The phrase "show you — what her be" is an example of Dickinson's idiosyncratic syntax, with "her" standing in for "it" or "the flake." The speaker suggests that the stars, like the "flake," are always present but often invisible, and that they provide a glimpse into something beyond our everyday reality.
The final line of the poem, "That one — is lying low — / The other — on his Pillow —," is enigmatic and difficult to interpret. The phrase "lying low" could suggest that the "flake" has disintegrated or disappeared, or that it is simply out of sight. The phrase "on his Pillow" is similarly ambiguous, and could refer to the sun setting or rising, or to some other celestial event. The use of the word "his" is intriguing, as it suggests that the "other" entity referred to is male, but it is unclear what this might be.
Interpretation
The meaning of "I saw that the Flake was on it" is difficult to pin down, but there are several possible interpretations that can be gleaned from the poem's imagery and metaphors. One possible reading is that the "flake" represents the fleeting nature of human existence, and its struggle with time represents our own mortality. The idea that time is engaged in a "dispute" with the "flake" suggests that we are constantly battling against the inexorable march of time, which will eventually claim us all. The poem's focus on divinity and the transcendent suggests that there is something beyond our physical reality that is eternal and unchanging.
Another possible interpretation is that the "flake" represents a moment of beauty or grace that is fleeting and elusive. The struggle with time could represent our attempts to hold onto these moments, which are often gone before we know it. The final line of the poem suggests that these moments are always present, even if we cannot see them, and that they provide a glimpse into something beyond our everyday reality.
The poem's use of imagery and metaphor is characteristic of Dickinson's style, which is often elliptical and allusive. The sparse diction and lack of punctuation create a sense of ambiguity and openness, which encourages the reader to engage in their own interpretation. The use of the word "Divinity" suggests that there is something beyond human comprehension that exists beyond our physical world, and that this is a source of wonder and awe.
Conclusion
"I saw that the Flake was on it" is a fascinating and enigmatic poem that rewards close reading and interpretation. Its sparse diction and elliptical syntax create a sense of ambiguity and openness, which encourages the reader to engage with its themes and metaphors. The poem's focus on time, divinity, and the transcendent suggests that there is something beyond our physical reality that is eternal and unchanging, and that this is a source of both wonder and fear. Dickinson's masterful use of language and imagery continues to inspire and challenge readers, and "I saw that the Flake was on it" is a testament to her enduring legacy.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
I Saw That the Flake Was On It: A Deep Dive into 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 "I Saw That the Flake Was On It," a short but powerful piece that explores themes of nature, mortality, and the human experience. In this article, we will take a deep dive into this classic poem, analyzing its structure, language, and meaning to gain a better understanding of Dickinson's unique style and perspective.
First, let's take a look at the poem itself:
I saw that the Flake was on it— But plotted with Time to dispute— Invisible to me— My splintered phantom it was—
And splintered dearly some— Nor missed it till it was told me By a Notification Sent That an Arctic flake Upon a Florida Reef Essay'd—was this the Model— A Swimmer straggled out of sight In Arctic Dreams to lie— Diminished, and yet distinct, And all but on the Snaw— By Light, a quarter, less, The Gang a moment scrutinized— Guesses at the stolid mouth— So soon to be composed to stone— By Granite Butterfly!
At first glance, the poem may seem cryptic and difficult to decipher. However, upon closer inspection, we can begin to unravel its meaning. The poem begins with the speaker observing a "flake" on something, but this flake is not immediately identified. The second line introduces the concept of time, suggesting that the flake is somehow connected to the passage of time. The third line reveals that the flake is "invisible" to the speaker, indicating that it may be a metaphorical or symbolic object rather than a literal one.
The fourth line introduces the idea of a "splintered phantom," which is described as being "splintered dearly some." This phrase is somewhat ambiguous, but it suggests that the phantom is somehow fragmented or broken. The fifth line reveals that the speaker did not notice the phantom until it was "told" to them, indicating that it may have been hidden or obscured in some way.
The next few lines introduce a new element to the poem: an "Arctic flake" that has somehow ended up on a Florida reef. The speaker wonders if this flake is the same as the phantom they observed earlier, and imagines a swimmer who has straggled out of sight in "Arctic Dreams." This image is both surreal and haunting, suggesting that the swimmer is lost or trapped in some way.
The final lines of the poem describe the gang (presumably a group of people) scrutinizing the swimmer's "stolid mouth," which is about to be "composed to stone" by a "Granite Butterfly." This image is both beautiful and eerie, suggesting that the swimmer is about to be transformed into something permanent and unchanging.
So what does all of this mean? Like many of Dickinson's poems, "I Saw That the Flake Was On It" is open to interpretation. However, there are a few key themes and motifs that emerge from the text.
One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the idea of mortality. The phantom and the swimmer both seem to represent something fleeting and impermanent, while the "Granite Butterfly" suggests something permanent and unchanging. This contrast between transience and permanence is a common theme in Dickinson's work, and it speaks to her fascination with the mysteries of life and death.
Another important theme in the poem is the power of nature. The image of an Arctic flake on a Florida reef is both surreal and striking, suggesting that nature has the power to disrupt and transform even the most stable and predictable environments. This theme is also present in the image of the swimmer, who is lost in a dreamlike Arctic landscape. Dickinson often used nature as a metaphor for the human experience, and this poem is no exception.
Finally, the poem explores the idea of perception and interpretation. The speaker initially sees a "flake" on something, but it is only through the act of being "told" that they begin to understand its significance. This suggests that our understanding of the world is often shaped by external factors, such as language and culture. The poem also raises questions about the reliability of perception, as the phantom is described as being "invisible" to the speaker.
In terms of language and structure, "I Saw That the Flake Was On It" is typical of Dickinson's style. The poem is written in short, fragmented lines that often lack punctuation, giving it a sense of urgency and immediacy. Dickinson also uses a lot of metaphor and imagery, creating a rich and complex tapestry of meaning that rewards careful analysis.
In conclusion, "I Saw That the Flake Was On It" is a classic example of Emily Dickinson's unique style and perspective. Through its exploration of themes such as mortality, nature, and perception, the poem invites us to reflect on the mysteries of life and the human experience. While its meaning may be elusive at times, its beauty and power are undeniable, making it a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.
Editor Recommended Sites
Loading Screen Tips: Loading screen tips for developers, and AI engineers on your favorite frameworks, tools, LLM models, enginesContainer Tools - Best containerization and container tooling software: The latest container software best practice and tooling, hot off the github
Cloud Notebook - Jupyer Cloud Notebooks For LLMs & Cloud Note Books Tutorials: Learn cloud ntoebooks for Machine learning and Large language models
Flutter Guide: Learn to program in flutter to make mobile applications quickly
PS5 Deals App: Playstation 5 digital deals from the playstation store, check the metacritic ratings and historical discount level
Recommended Similar Analysis
We are Seven by William Wordsworth analysisVoltaire At Ferney by W.H. Auden analysis
Birthplace , The by Robert Lee Frost analysis
Neither Out Far Nor In Deep by Robert Frost analysis
The Phases Of The Moon by William Butler Yeats analysis
In Reference to her Children, 23 June 1659 by Anne Bradstreet analysis
Going for Water by Robert Lee Frost analysis
The Withered Arm by Thomas Hardy analysis
The Poplar Field by William Cowper analysis
The Unknown Citizen by W.H. Auden analysis