'Lift it—with the Feathers' by Emily Dickinson


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Lift it—with the Feathers
Not alone we fly—
Launch it—the aquatic
Not the only sea—
Advocate the Azure
To the lower Eyes—
He has obligation
Who has Paradise—

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

Lift it—with the Feathers: An Interpretation of Emily Dickinson's Poem

Are you ready to dive into the world of Emily Dickinson's poetry? Buckle up, because we're about to explore her poem "Lift it—with the Feathers". With its unique title and enigmatic verses, this poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's signature style. In this literary criticism, we will analyze the symbolism and structure of the poem, and offer an interpretation of its meaning.

Overview

Before we begin, let's take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the poem's opening lines:

Lift it—with the Feathers
Not alone we fly—
Launch it—the aquatic
Heraldry

In just four lines, Dickinson manages to create a sense of mystery and wonder. What are we lifting? What are the feathers? And what is the aquatic heraldry? As we delve deeper into the poem, we will find answers to these questions and more.

Symbolism

One of the most striking features of "Lift it—with the Feathers" is the heavy use of symbolism. Dickinson was known for her love of metaphor and allegory, and this poem is no exception.

Let's start with the title itself. "Lift it—with the Feathers" suggests that we are lifting something very light and delicate, perhaps even fragile. Feathers are often associated with birds and flight, which adds to the sense of weightlessness and freedom. The word "lift" also suggests a sense of elevation, as if we are rising above something.

The next line, "Not alone we fly", reinforces the idea of flight and suggests that we are not alone in our journey. This could be interpreted as a reference to community and the importance of support.

The third line, "Launch it—the aquatic", is where things start to get interesting. The word "launch" immediately brings to mind images of boats and ships setting sail. But what does "the aquatic" mean? Here, I believe, Dickinson is using water as a symbol for the subconscious or the unknown. Just as the depths of the ocean are murky and mysterious, so too is our inner world.

Finally, we come to the last line, "Heraldry". This is perhaps the most difficult symbol to decipher. The word "heraldry" usually refers to the symbols and emblems used by noble families to represent their lineage. However, in this context, I believe Dickinson is using it to refer to the messages or signals that we send out into the world.

Structure

Now that we've explored the symbolism of the poem, let's take a closer look at its structure. "Lift it—with the Feathers" is a short poem with only eight lines, but its form is deceptively complex.

The poem is written in quatrains, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, which means that the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyme with each other. This gives the poem a sense of symmetry and balance.

However, the meter of the poem is irregular. There is no discernible pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables, which makes the poem feel more like prose than poetry. This lack of meter also gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and improvisation.

Interpretation

Now that we've analyzed the symbolism and structure of "Lift it—with the Feathers", let's attempt to interpret its meaning. As with much of Dickinson's poetry, this is easier said than done.

One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a metaphor for personal growth and transformation. The thing that we are lifting could represent our own psyche or consciousness. The feathers could symbolize the lightness and freedom that we feel when we let go of our fears and anxieties. The aquatic heraldry could represent the messages that we send out into the world as we become more confident and self-assured.

Another possible interpretation is that the poem is about the power of community and shared experience. The phrase "Not alone we fly" suggests that we are not meant to go through life alone. The feather could represent the support and encouragement that we receive from others. The aquatic heraldry could represent the shared experiences and memories that bind us together.

Ultimately, the meaning of "Lift it—with the Feathers" is open to interpretation. Different readers will find different meanings in the poem, depending on their own experiences and perspectives. What is certain is that Dickinson's poetry continues to fascinate and inspire readers more than a century after her death.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Lift it—with the Feathers" is a fascinating and enigmatic poem that showcases Emily Dickinson's unique style and talent for metaphor. Through its use of symbolism and complex structure, the poem invites us to explore the depths of our own psyche and the power of community. Its meaning may be elusive, but its beauty and power are undeniable.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Lift it—with the Feathers: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, known for her unique style and profound insights into the human experience. Her poem "Lift it—with the Feathers" is a classic example of her work, and has been studied and analyzed by scholars and poetry enthusiasts for decades. In this article, we will take a closer look at this poem, exploring its themes, imagery, and language, and uncovering the deeper meanings that lie beneath its surface.

The Poem

Before we dive into our analysis, let's first take a look at the poem itself:

Lift it—with the Feathers
Not alone we fly—
Launch it—the aquatic
Not the only sea—
Advocate the Azure
To the lower Eyes—
He has obligation
Who has Paradise—

At first glance, this poem may seem simple and straightforward, but as we will see, there is much more going on here than meets the eye.

Themes

One of the most prominent themes in "Lift it—with the Feathers" is the idea of flight and freedom. Dickinson uses the metaphor of feathers to suggest that we can rise above our earthly concerns and soar to new heights. This theme is reinforced by the line "Not alone we fly," which suggests that we are not alone in our quest for freedom and transcendence.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of the sea. Dickinson uses the metaphor of the aquatic to suggest that there is a vast and mysterious world beneath the surface of our everyday lives. This theme is reinforced by the line "Not the only sea," which suggests that there are many different ways to explore and experience the world around us.

Finally, the poem touches on the theme of obligation and responsibility. Dickinson suggests that those who have found paradise have an obligation to advocate for it and share it with others. This theme is reinforced by the line "He has obligation/Who has Paradise," which suggests that those who have been blessed with abundance have a duty to use their blessings for the greater good.

Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of "Lift it—with the Feathers" is its vivid and evocative imagery. Dickinson uses a variety of metaphors and symbols to create a rich and complex tapestry of meaning.

The metaphor of feathers is perhaps the most prominent image in the poem. Feathers are light and delicate, and suggest a sense of weightlessness and freedom. Dickinson uses this image to suggest that we can rise above our earthly concerns and soar to new heights.

The metaphor of the aquatic is another important image in the poem. The sea is vast and mysterious, and suggests a sense of depth and complexity. Dickinson uses this image to suggest that there is a whole world beneath the surface of our everyday lives, waiting to be explored and experienced.

Finally, the image of the azure is used to suggest a sense of beauty and wonder. The color blue is often associated with the sky and the sea, and suggests a sense of vastness and infinity. Dickinson uses this image to suggest that there is a whole world of beauty and wonder waiting to be discovered, if only we have the courage to seek it out.

Language

One of the most striking aspects of Dickinson's poetry is her use of language. She often employs unconventional syntax and punctuation, and her poems are full of unexpected turns of phrase and surprising juxtapositions.

In "Lift it—with the Feathers," Dickinson uses language to create a sense of movement and momentum. The poem is full of action verbs like "lift," "launch," and "advocate," which suggest a sense of forward motion and progress.

Dickinson also uses language to create a sense of ambiguity and mystery. The poem is full of metaphors and symbols that are open to interpretation, and the meaning of the poem is not always clear. This ambiguity is part of what makes Dickinson's poetry so compelling, as it invites the reader to engage with the text and draw their own conclusions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Lift it—with the Feathers" is a classic example of Emily Dickinson's unique and profound poetry. Through its themes of flight, freedom, and obligation, its vivid and evocative imagery, and its unconventional use of language, the poem invites us to explore the deeper meanings that lie beneath its surface. Whether we are soaring through the skies on feathered wings or diving deep into the mysterious depths of the sea, Dickinson reminds us that there is a whole world of beauty and wonder waiting to be discovered, if only we have the courage to seek it out.

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