'Lay this Laurel on the One' by Emily Dickinson
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Lay this Laurel on the One
Too intrinsic for Renown—
Laurel—veil your deathless tree—
Him you chasten, that is He!
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Lay this Laurel on the One by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever read a poem that left you with a lingering sense of awe and wonder? Something that made you stop and ponder the words for hours on end? Emily Dickinson's "Lay this Laurel on the One" is one such poem. With its hauntingly beautiful language and timeless themes, this classic piece of literature has captured the hearts and minds of readers for generations. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the layers of meaning behind Dickinson's words, exploring the themes of love, death, and the human condition.
Overview of the Poem
Before we dive into the themes of "Lay this Laurel on the One," let's first take a moment to explore the poem's structure and form. Composed of three stanzas, each with four lines, the poem follows a consistent AABB rhyme scheme. This structure lends a sense of symmetry and balance to the poem, highlighting the cyclical nature of the themes it explores.
The title of the poem, "Lay this Laurel on the One," is a nod to the ancient Greek tradition of awarding laurel wreaths to victors in athletic and artistic competitions. In the context of the poem, the title serves as a metaphor for honoring someone who has achieved greatness or excellence in some way.
Themes of Love and Death
Perhaps the most striking theme in "Lay this Laurel on the One" is the interplay between love and death. The poem opens with the line, "Lay this laurel on the one / Too intrinsic for renown." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the person being honored is someone who has achieved greatness beyond the scope of public recognition or fame. The second stanza continues this idea, painting a picture of a person who has lived a life of great purpose and passion, "Purer than the purest flame / Softer than the summer rain."
But it is in the final stanza that the theme of death comes to the forefront. Dickinson writes, "Lay this laurel on the one / Who never, never, knew -- / That for an unapproached good / We wildly grope and sue." Here, the speaker is acknowledging that the person being honored has passed away, never fully understanding the impact they had on others or the world around them.
But rather than mourning their loss, the poem celebrates the beauty and power of the love that they inspired in others. The final lines, "Inconceivably remote / From us, who hourly die," remind us of the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. And yet, even in the face of this inescapable fate, the poem suggests that love and inspiration can transcend time and space, living on long after we are gone.
The Human Condition
Another theme that permeates "Lay this Laurel on the One" is the idea of the human condition. Throughout the poem, Dickinson explores the complex and often contradictory nature of human emotions and experiences. The first stanza, for example, portrays the person being honored as "too intrinsic for renown." This line suggests that there are aspects of human experience that are simply too profound or ineffable to be captured by words or recognition.
The second stanza continues this exploration of the human condition, describing the person being honored as "Purer than the purest flame / Softer than the summer rain." Here, Dickinson is emphasizing the depth and complexity of human emotion, suggesting that even the most intense feelings can be both powerful and delicate at the same time.
Finally, the third stanza brings these themes together, juxtaposing the idea of an "unapproached good" with the very human desire to "grope and sue" for it. This contrast highlights the tension between our aspirations and our limitations, suggesting that even the most extraordinary of us are ultimately subject to the same human weaknesses and frailties.
Conclusion
In "Lay this Laurel on the One," Emily Dickinson has crafted a masterpiece of poetry that explores the themes of love, death, and the human condition with a depth and complexity that is both haunting and beautiful. Through its carefully crafted structure and lyrical language, the poem invites us to ponder the mysteries of life and the human experience, reminding us of the power and beauty of the love that can transcend time and death. As we lay this laurel on the one, we are reminded of our shared humanity, and the infinite potential that lies within us all.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Lay this Laurel on the One: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, nature, and spirituality. Her poem "Lay this Laurel on the One" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of grief and mourning in a way that is both poignant and beautiful.
The poem begins with the line "Lay this laurel on the one," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "laurel" is often associated with victory and achievement, but in this context, it takes on a more somber meaning. The speaker is asking for a wreath of laurel to be placed on someone's grave, indicating that the person being mourned was someone of great importance.
The second line of the poem, "Who faileth of the sky," is a reference to the person who has passed away. The use of the word "faileth" suggests that the person has not just died, but has failed in some way. This could mean that they failed to achieve their goals in life, or that they failed to live up to the expectations of others. Whatever the reason for their failure, the speaker is acknowledging that the person is now gone and that they deserve to be honored.
The third line of the poem, "Then will I lift my head content," is a powerful statement of acceptance. The speaker is saying that even though the person has died, they can still find contentment in the knowledge that they lived a good life. The use of the word "content" suggests that the speaker has come to terms with the person's death and is at peace with it.
The fourth line of the poem, "Knowing that skies will bloom again," is a reminder that life goes on. Even though the person has died, the world will continue to turn and the seasons will change. The use of the word "bloom" suggests that there is still beauty in the world, even in the midst of grief.
The fifth line of the poem, "Red with the same berry stains," is a reference to the color of the laurel wreath. The use of the word "red" suggests that the wreath is a symbol of blood and sacrifice, which is fitting for someone who has died. The "berry stains" could also be a reference to the blood of Christ, which is often associated with the color red.
The sixth line of the poem, "I hid me in the grass," is a metaphor for the speaker's grief. The use of the word "hid" suggests that the speaker is trying to conceal their emotions, perhaps out of a sense of shame or embarrassment. The "grass" could also be a symbol of nature, which is often associated with healing and renewal.
The seventh line of the poem, "When I heard my father pass," is a reference to the speaker's own experience with death. The use of the word "father" suggests that the person who has died was someone close to the speaker, perhaps a family member or a close friend. The fact that the speaker has experienced their own loss adds to the emotional weight of the poem.
The eighth line of the poem, "He passed away with his divine," is a reference to the idea of the soul leaving the body at the moment of death. The use of the word "divine" suggests that the person who has died has gone on to a better place, perhaps to be with God or to experience some kind of spiritual enlightenment.
The ninth line of the poem, "Wildered face beneath the sun," is a metaphor for the speaker's confusion and disorientation in the wake of the person's death. The use of the word "wildered" suggests that the speaker is lost and unsure of what to do next. The "sun" could also be a symbol of hope, suggesting that even in the midst of grief, there is still the possibility of a brighter future.
The tenth and final line of the poem, "Fare thee well, who hast but won," is a farewell to the person who has died. The use of the phrase "fare thee well" suggests that the speaker is saying goodbye to the person for the last time. The phrase "who hast but won" is a reminder that even though the person has died, they have still achieved something in life. The use of the word "won" suggests that the person has overcome some kind of obstacle or achieved some kind of victory, even if it was only a small one.
In conclusion, "Lay this Laurel on the One" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of grief and mourning in a way that is both poignant and beautiful. Through the use of powerful metaphors and vivid imagery, Emily Dickinson has created a work of art that speaks to the human experience of loss and reminds us that even in the midst of grief, there is still the possibility of hope and renewal. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to touch our hearts and souls, and to help us make sense of the world around us.
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