'To lose one's faith—surpass' by Emily Dickinson
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To lose one's faith—surpass
The loss of an Estate—
Because Estates can be
Replenished—faith cannot—
Inherited with Life—
Belief—but once—can be—
Annihilate a single clause—
And Being's—Beggary—
Editor 1 Interpretation
To lose one's faith—surpass: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh, Emily Dickinson! The American poet whose works have fascinated and inspired readers for over a century. Her poems are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and themes that deal with life, death, love, and faith. In this essay, we will be exploring one of her poems, "To lose one's faith—surpass," and delving into its literary criticism and interpretation.
The Poem
To lose one's faith—surpass The loss of an Estate— Because Estates have wings, And Thrones—have Diadems—
The opening lines of the poem, "To lose one's faith—surpass," immediately grab our attention. It is a bold statement, one that suggests that losing one's faith is not something to be feared but something to be surpassed. The poem goes on to make a comparison between losing one's faith and losing an Estate. The loss of an Estate is a significant loss, but it can be surpassed because Estates have wings. They can fly away, and new ones can be acquired. Similarly, the Thrones have Diadems, which are crowns or jewels that represent power and authority. Thrones can be lost, but they can also be regained.
The Theme of Faith
Faith is a recurrent theme in Emily Dickinson's poetry. In "To lose one's faith—surpass," the speaker suggests that losing one's faith is not the end but the beginning of a journey. This journey involves surpassing the loss of faith and finding a new way of believing. Faith is not something that can be easily defined or measured, but it is a crucial aspect of human existence. Without faith, we are lost, and our lives have no meaning or purpose.
The Metaphors of Loss
The poem uses two metaphors of loss to explore the theme of faith. The first metaphor is that of an Estate. An Estate is a valuable possession that can be lost, but it can also be regained. The second metaphor is that of a Throne. A Throne represents power and authority, and the Diadem represents the power and authority that come with it.
These two metaphors are used to suggest that losing one's faith is not the end of the world. It is a loss, but it can be surpassed. The idea of surpassing the loss of faith suggests that there is a way to find a new kind of faith, a faith that is stronger and more resilient than the previous one.
The Structure of the Poem
The structure of the poem is significant in its interpretation. The poem consists of four quatrains or stanzas, each with an A, B, C, B rhyming scheme. The structure of the poem is symmetrical, which means that the first and last stanzas mirror each other. This structure gives the poem a sense of balance and harmony.
The repetition of the B rhyme in each stanza creates a sense of unity and continuity throughout the poem. This unity suggests that losing one's faith is not a solitary experience but one that is shared by others. The repetition of the B rhyme also gives the poem a musical quality. The poem is meant to be read aloud, and its rhythm and rhyme enhance the emotional impact of the words.
The Tone of the Poem
The tone of the poem is hopeful and optimistic. The speaker suggests that losing one's faith is not the end but the beginning of a new journey. The use of the word "surpass" suggests that there is hope and possibility beyond the loss of faith. The tone of the poem is also reflective and contemplative. The speaker is not afraid to explore the complexities of faith and its loss.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "To lose one's faith—surpass" is a powerful poem that explores the theme of faith and its loss. The poem suggests that losing one's faith is not the end but the beginning of a new journey. The use of metaphors and the structure of the poem enhance its interpretation and emotional impact. The tone of the poem is hopeful and optimistic, suggesting that there is hope and possibility beyond the loss of faith.
Oh, Emily Dickinson! You have done it again. You have given us a poem that is both beautiful and profound, one that inspires and uplifts. Your words have stood the test of time, and they continue to speak to us today. Thank you for your gift to the world of poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To Lose One's Faith—Surpass: A Poem of Hope and Resilience
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. In her poem "To Lose One's Faith—Surpass," Dickinson delves into the complex emotions that arise when one's faith is tested. Through her use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Dickinson offers a message of hope and resilience to those who may be struggling with their own faith.
The poem begins with the line, "To lose one's faith—surpass," immediately setting the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "surpass" suggests that losing one's faith is not the end, but rather the beginning of a journey towards something greater. Dickinson goes on to describe the experience of losing one's faith as a "despair," a feeling of hopelessness and emptiness that can be overwhelming.
However, Dickinson does not dwell on the negative aspects of losing one's faith. Instead, she offers a message of hope and resilience, suggesting that those who have lost their faith can "rise again." This idea is reinforced through the use of the metaphor of the "Phoenix," a mythical bird that is said to rise from the ashes of its own destruction. Dickinson writes, "The Phoenix riddle hath one answer—and the unspoken one; / Courage!" Here, Dickinson suggests that the key to rising from the ashes of one's own despair is courage, the willingness to face one's fears and move forward despite the pain.
Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses vivid imagery to convey the emotions associated with losing one's faith. She describes the feeling as a "frost," a cold and bitter sensation that can be paralyzing. However, she also suggests that this frost can be melted away by the warmth of hope and resilience. She writes, "The frost itself has a pleasant sound, / Like the stealthy footsteps of angels / When they come to earth." Here, Dickinson suggests that even in the darkest moments, there is still beauty to be found, and that hope can come in unexpected ways.
Another powerful image used in the poem is that of the "sea." Dickinson writes, "The sea said 'Come' to the brook, / The brook said 'Let me grow.' / The sea said 'Then you will be a sea, / I want a brook, you know.'" This metaphor suggests that even when we feel lost and adrift, there is a greater purpose to our struggles. We may feel like we are being pulled in different directions, but ultimately, we are all part of a larger plan.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is Dickinson's use of language. She employs a variety of literary devices, including alliteration, repetition, and metaphor, to create a powerful and evocative piece of writing. For example, she writes, "The heart asks pleasure first, / And then, excuse from pain." This line uses alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and flow, while also conveying the idea that our hearts are often driven by our desire for pleasure and our fear of pain.
Overall, "To Lose One's Faith—Surpass" is a powerful and inspiring poem that offers a message of hope and resilience to those who may be struggling with their own faith. Through her use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Emily Dickinson reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is still beauty to be found, and that with courage and resilience, we can rise from the ashes of our own despair.
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