'There is a pain—so utter' by Emily Dickinson

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There is a pain—so utter—
It swallows substance up—
Then covers the Abyss with Trance—
So Memory can step
Around—across—upon it—
As one within a Swoon—
Goes safely—where an open eye—
Would drop Him—Bone by Bone.

Editor 1 Interpretation

There is a pain – so utter by Emily Dickinson: A Deep Dive into the Depths of Despair

As a literary work of art, Emily Dickinson’s “There is a pain – so utter” is a poem that delves deep into the human condition of despair, loss, and agony. The poem, which is written in the form of a riddle, is a testament to the poet’s mastery of language and her ability to capture the raw emotions of her subjects.

Context

Emily Dickinson was a prolific American poet who lived in the 19th century. She was known for her unique style of poetry, which often focused on themes of death, nature, and the human condition. Dickinson’s poetry was deeply personal, and many of her works were not published until after her death. “There is a pain – so utter” was first published in 1896, five years after Dickinson’s death.

Analysis

The poem “There is a pain – so utter” is a riddle that asks the reader to identify a feeling or emotion that is so overwhelming that it cannot be expressed in words. The poem’s structure is simple, with each stanza consisting of two lines. The first line poses the riddle, while the second line provides a clue.

There is a pain—so utter—
It swallows substance up—

The first stanza sets the tone for the entire poem. The use of the word “utter” in the first line is significant, as it implies that the pain being described is absolute and complete. The second line provides a clue to the answer to the riddle, suggesting that the pain is so intense that it consumes everything in its path.

Then covers the abyss with trance—
So memory can step

The second stanza provides further clues to the answer to the riddle. The use of the word “trance” in the first line suggests that the pain is so overwhelming that it can cause a loss of consciousness. The second line suggests that the pain is so intense that it can block out all other thoughts and memories.

Distracted from distraction
By death’s opposite—

The third stanza changes direction, suggesting that the pain being described is related to death. The use of the phrase “death’s opposite” suggests that the pain is related to life and the struggles and hardships that come with it.

Tell it to Jesus—He can plead—
But He can’t be bribed—

The fourth stanza brings religion into the poem, suggesting that the pain being described is so intense that it can only be shared with a higher power. The use of the phrase “He can plead” suggests that even Jesus cannot take away the pain, but can only offer comfort and support.

It’s better—Brother—come to Me—
Than bask in Paradise—

The final stanza provides the answer to the riddle, suggesting that the pain being described is related to the human condition of suffering. The use of the phrase “Brother” suggests that the pain is universal and that all humans experience it at some point in their lives. The final line suggests that it is better to experience the pain and suffering of life than to live in a perfect paradise.

Interpretation

The poem “There is a pain – so utter” is a powerful work of art that captures the raw emotions of human suffering. At its core, the poem is about the human condition of pain, loss, and despair. The poem suggests that all humans experience these emotions at some point in their lives and that they are an essential part of the human experience.

The use of the riddle in the poem is significant, as it forces the reader to think deeply about the answer to the question. The poem suggests that the answer to the riddle is not something that can be easily expressed in words, but is something that is felt deeply within the human soul.

The use of religion in the poem is also significant, as it suggests that even the most devout believers can experience pain and suffering. The poem suggests that even Jesus cannot take away the pain, but can only offer comfort and support to those who suffer.

Finally, the poem suggests that it is better to experience the pain and suffering of life than to live in a perfect paradise. This suggests that pain and suffering are an essential part of the human experience and that they help to shape who we are as individuals.

Conclusion

“There is a pain – so utter” is a masterpiece of literature that captures the raw emotions of human suffering. The poem is a testament to Emily Dickinson’s mastery of language and her ability to capture the deep emotions of her subjects. The poem suggests that pain and suffering are an essential part of the human experience and that they help to shape who we are as individuals. As a work of art, “There is a pain – so utter” is a powerful reminder of the fragility of the human condition and the importance of empathy and understanding in our lives.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

"There is a pain—so utter": 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 condition. Her poem "There is a pain—so utter" is a classic example of her work, exploring the depths of human suffering and the search for meaning in a world that often seems cruel and indifferent.

At its core, "There is a pain—so utter" is a meditation on the nature of pain and the ways in which it shapes our lives. The poem begins with the speaker acknowledging the existence of a pain that is so intense and all-consuming that it defies description:

There is a pain—so utter—
It swallows substance up—
Then covers the Abyss with Trance—
So Memory can step
Around—across—upon it—
As one within a Swoon—
Goes safely—where an open eye—
Would drop Him—Bone by Bone—

The language here is strikingly vivid and evocative, with the pain described as something that "swallows substance up" and "covers the Abyss with Trance." This suggests that the pain is not just physical, but also psychological and emotional, and that it has the power to completely overwhelm the sufferer.

The next lines of the poem describe how the pain affects memory, creating a kind of trance-like state in which the sufferer is able to move through the world without being fully aware of their surroundings. This is likened to a swoon, a state of unconsciousness or near-unconsciousness that is often associated with intense emotions or physical trauma.

The final lines of this stanza are perhaps the most powerful, as they suggest that the pain is so intense that it could literally destroy the sufferer if they were not in this trance-like state. The image of someone being dropped "Bone by Bone" is a gruesome one, and it underscores the idea that the pain is not just a temporary discomfort, but a potentially life-threatening condition.

The second stanza of the poem shifts focus slightly, as the speaker begins to explore the ways in which pain can shape our lives and our understanding of the world. Here, the pain is described as a kind of teacher, one that can reveal truths that might otherwise remain hidden:

And thus without the Swoon
This pain—would be—no pain—
That we—know—is not painless—
But—precise—and—brief—

The language here is more abstract than in the first stanza, but the message is clear: without the experience of pain, we would not be able to fully appreciate the joys and pleasures of life. Pain is what gives meaning to pleasure, and without it, life would be a flat and unremarkable experience.

The final stanza of the poem returns to the theme of the pain itself, describing it as a kind of companion that is always with us, even in our moments of greatest happiness:

It comes—the—Bee—perchance—
You hear Him—buzz—though He—
forbid—
Entreats—
"Say if He—stings—'tis He—'tis He—'
"And I—am only—Bee—"

The image of the bee here is a powerful one, as it suggests that the pain is like a stinger that is always with us, even when we are enjoying the sweet nectar of life. The speaker acknowledges that the pain can be overwhelming at times, but also suggests that it is a necessary part of our existence, one that we must learn to live with and accept.

In conclusion, "There is a pain—so utter" is a powerful and deeply moving poem that explores the nature of pain and its role in shaping our lives. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Emily Dickinson invites us to consider the ways in which pain can be both a source of suffering and a source of meaning, and to reflect on the ways in which it has shaped our own lives. Whether we are currently experiencing pain or not, this poem reminds us that it is an essential part of the human experience, one that we must learn to accept and embrace if we are to fully appreciate the joys and pleasures of life.

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