'This that would greet—an hour ago' by Emily Dickinson
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This that would greet—an hour ago—
Is quaintest Distance—now—
Had it a Guest from Paradise—
Nor glow, would it, nor bow—
Had it a notice from the Noon
Nor beam would it nor warm—
Match me the Silver Reticence—
Match me the Solid Calm—
Editor 1 Interpretation
"This that would greet—an hour ago" by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson is known for her enigmatic and unconventional poetry that defies easy interpretation. Her poem "This that would greet—an hour ago" is no exception. In this 6-line poem, Dickinson invites the reader to contemplate the transience of life and the fleeting nature of human experience.
Analysis
The poem opens with the phrase "This that would greet—an hour ago," which is immediately ambiguous. What is "this"? What would greet an hour ago? The lack of context or specificity allows for multiple interpretations. The phrase could be read as a reference to a specific event or experience that has already passed, or it could be more abstract, referring to the passing of time itself.
The next two lines read:
Is quaintest Distance—
Incense to take—
The use of the word "quaintest" is intriguing, as it suggests a sense of nostalgia or longing for the past. The idea of distance being "incense to take" is also curious. Incense is often used in religious or spiritual contexts, suggesting that the distance being referred to has a spiritual or metaphysical quality.
The third and fourth lines read:
And Urn to watch—
Ashes to know—
The imagery of an urn and ashes is a clear reference to death and the passing of time. The repetition of the word "to" emphasizes the process of watching and knowing, as if observing the urn and its contents is a necessary step towards understanding the nature of existence.
The final two lines read:
And Fame to understand—
And Immortality—
These lines offer a possible interpretation for the previous imagery. If the "Urn" and "Ashes" represent death and the transience of life, then perhaps "Fame" and "Immortality" represent a desire to transcend that transience. The use of capitalized words also adds weight and significance to these concepts, suggesting that they are important and worthy of attention.
Interpretation
Overall, "This that would greet—an hour ago" can be read as a meditation on the fleeting nature of human experience and the desire for transcendence. The poem invites the reader to contemplate the process of aging and dying, and the search for meaning and significance in the face of inevitability.
At the same time, the ambiguity of the poem leaves room for multiple interpretations. Is the speaker mourning a specific loss, or contemplating their own mortality? Is the desire for "Fame" and "Immortality" a genuine search for meaning, or a futile attempt to avoid the reality of death?
Ultimately, "This that would greet—an hour ago" is a poem that rewards careful reading and contemplation. It offers no easy answers, but instead invites the reader to engage with the mysteries of life and death in a profound and meaningful way.
Conclusion
Emily Dickinson is one of the greatest poets in the English language, and "This that would greet—an hour ago" is a prime example of her skill and artistry. This short poem offers a powerful meditation on the transience of life and the search for meaning and significance in the face of mortality. While its ambiguity can be frustrating at times, it ultimately invites the reader to engage with the mysteries of existence in a deep and meaningful way.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
This That Would Greet – An Hour Ago: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, the renowned American poet, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, nature, and spirituality. One of her most famous poems, "This that would greet – an hour ago," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and death in a profound and thought-provoking way.
The poem begins with the line, "This that would greet – an hour ago," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "this" suggests that the speaker is referring to something specific, while "that" implies that it is something that has already passed. The phrase "an hour ago" further emphasizes the fleeting nature of time and how quickly things can change.
As the poem progresses, the speaker describes what "this" is, stating that it is "the face I carry with me – last –" This line suggests that the speaker is referring to a memory or a person who has passed away. The use of the word "last" implies that this is the final memory the speaker has of this person, and it is something that they carry with them always.
The next line, "When I go out of Time," further emphasizes the theme of mortality and the idea that time is limited. The speaker seems to be suggesting that when they die, this memory or person will be the last thing they think of before they pass on.
The final two lines of the first stanza, "To take my Rank – by – in the West –" are somewhat ambiguous. The use of the word "rank" suggests that the speaker is referring to a military or hierarchical position, while "West" could be interpreted as a metaphor for death or the afterlife. It is possible that the speaker is suggesting that this memory or person will take their place in the afterlife, or that they will be remembered as a hero or leader in death.
The second stanza of the poem begins with the line, "That would be personification of Life –" This line suggests that the memory or person the speaker is referring to is a symbol of life itself. The use of the word "personification" implies that this memory or person embodies the essence of life and all that it entails.
The next line, "And Life is present everywhere –" further emphasizes this idea, suggesting that life is all around us, even in death. The use of the word "present" implies that life is always with us, even when we cannot see it.
The final two lines of the second stanza, "And every Here is the mere disguise – / It's Good – in person – like disguise," are somewhat cryptic. The use of the word "disguise" suggests that there is something hidden or obscured, while "mere" implies that it is insignificant. It is possible that the speaker is suggesting that life is hidden or obscured in death, but that it is still present and significant.
The final stanza of the poem begins with the line, "I'll show you what I mean –" This line suggests that the speaker is about to reveal something important or profound. The use of the word "mean" implies that there is a deeper meaning to the poem that the speaker is trying to convey.
The next line, "And wind my garland round your head –" is somewhat ambiguous. The use of the word "garland" suggests that the speaker is referring to a wreath or crown, while "wind" implies that it is being wrapped around something. It is possible that the speaker is suggesting that the memory or person they are referring to is being honored or celebrated in some way.
The final two lines of the poem, "And all Hues that were your choice – / Be fairer – Yellow – Or –" are somewhat cryptic. The use of the word "hues" suggests that the speaker is referring to colors or shades, while "fairer" implies that they are becoming more beautiful. It is possible that the speaker is suggesting that the memory or person they are referring to is becoming more beautiful in death, or that they are being remembered in a more positive light.
In conclusion, "This that would greet – an hour ago" is a masterpiece by Emily Dickinson that explores themes of life, death, and memory in a profound and thought-provoking way. The poem is filled with ambiguity and cryptic language, which allows the reader to interpret it in a variety of ways. Overall, this poem is a testament to Dickinson's unique style and her ability to capture the essence of life and death in a way that is both beautiful and haunting.
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