'Best Witchcraft is Geometry' by Emily Dickinson
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Best Witchcraft is Geometry
To the magician's mind—
His ordinary acts are feats
To thinking of mankind.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Best Witchcraft is Geometry
Emily Dickinson's poem 'Best Witchcraft is Geometry' is a short but powerful piece that explores the relationship between mathematics, magic and the mysteries of life. The poem is structured as a series of paradoxes and contrasts, with each line offering a new way of looking at the world and our place in it.
The Power of Mathematics
At its heart, the poem is a celebration of the power of mathematics. Dickinson argues that geometry, with its precise measurements and logical reasoning, is a form of witchcraft that can unlock the secrets of the universe. She writes:
'Tis Beauty's own disclosing, Without her fair permission, Discloses Paradise.
Here, Dickinson suggests that the beauty of mathematical truth is not something that can be hidden or denied. It is a fundamental part of the world, a way of unlocking the secrets of creation and understanding the mysteries of existence.
The Paradox of Geometry
At the same time, however, Dickinson also acknowledges the paradoxical nature of geometry. She writes:
Witchcraft was hung, in History, But History and I Find all the Witchcraft that we need Around us, every Day—
This passage suggests that while witchcraft may have been persecuted and outlawed in the past, the power of magic and mystery still exists all around us. In fact, Dickinson argues that the very laws of nature themselves are a form of witchcraft, a kind of magic that we take for granted every day.
The Limits of Human Understanding
Despite the power of mathematics and the mysteries of the universe, Dickinson also acknowledges the limits of human understanding. She writes:
Nature is what we see— The Hill—the Afternoon— Squirrel—Eclipse— the Bumble bee— Nay—Nature is Heaven—
Here, Dickinson suggests that while we may strive to understand the natural world through mathematics and science, there will always be aspects of creation that are beyond our comprehension. Nature itself is a kind of heaven, a place of wonder and awe that we can never fully grasp.
The Beauty of Paradox
Overall, 'Best Witchcraft is Geometry' is a poem that celebrates the beauty of paradox and the mysteries of life. Dickinson's use of language is both simple and profound, creating a sense of wonder and awe that transcends the limits of human understanding. Whether we view mathematics as a kind of witchcraft or as a tool for unlocking the secrets of the universe, there is no denying the power of this timeless poem.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Best Witchcraft is Geometry: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and profound themes. One of her most famous poems is "Best Witchcraft is Geometry," which explores the power of mathematics and its ability to unlock the mysteries of the universe. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.
The poem begins with the line "Best Witchcraft is Geometry," which immediately captures the reader's attention. The word "witchcraft" suggests something mysterious and magical, while "geometry" is a branch of mathematics that deals with the measurement and properties of shapes and figures. The juxtaposition of these two words creates a sense of intrigue and curiosity, inviting the reader to explore the poem further.
The second line, "To the magician's mind," further emphasizes the connection between mathematics and magic. The word "magician" suggests someone who has the power to perform supernatural feats, while "mind" implies that this power comes from within. The use of the possessive pronoun "the magician's" suggests that this power is not accessible to everyone, but only to those who possess a certain level of knowledge and understanding.
The third line, "His fair familiar shape," introduces the idea of a familiar, which is a supernatural entity that assists a witch or magician in their spells and rituals. The use of the word "fair" suggests that this familiar is not a frightening or malevolent creature, but rather a benevolent one. The word "shape" implies that this familiar takes on a physical form, which could be a reference to the shapes and figures that are studied in geometry.
The fourth line, "The triangle," is the first specific reference to a geometric shape in the poem. The triangle is a fundamental shape in geometry, and it has many properties and applications. It is also a shape that has been associated with magic and mysticism for centuries. The use of the definite article "the" suggests that this particular triangle is significant and important.
The fifth line, "And the rule of three," further emphasizes the importance of the triangle in magic and mathematics. The "rule of three" is a principle that states that things that come in threes are inherently more satisfying and effective than other numbers. In magic, the rule of three is often used in spells and incantations to amplify their power. In mathematics, the rule of three is a method for solving proportions and ratios.
The sixth line, "Answers all things," is a bold statement that suggests that geometry, and specifically the triangle and the rule of three, has the power to answer all questions and solve all problems. This is a grand claim, but it is one that Dickinson seems to believe in. The use of the word "all" suggests that there are no limits to what geometry can accomplish.
The seventh line, "By some sacreder secret," introduces the idea that there is a secret or hidden knowledge that is necessary to fully understand the power of geometry. The use of the comparative form "sacreder" suggests that this knowledge is more sacred or holy than other forms of knowledge. This could be a reference to the idea that mathematics is a universal language that is understood by all cultures and civilizations, and that it has a divine origin.
The eighth line, "Than bayonet and sword," is a contrast to the previous line, which suggests that the power of geometry is greater than that of weapons of war. The use of the words "bayonet" and "sword" suggests violence and conflict, while "geometry" suggests order and harmony. This could be a commentary on the destructive nature of war and the potential for mathematics to bring about peace and understanding.
The ninth line, "Mostly when faiths are brim," is a reference to the idea that geometry is most powerful when people are at their most vulnerable. The word "faiths" could refer to religious beliefs, but it could also refer to any deeply held convictions or beliefs. The use of the word "brim" suggests that people are overflowing with emotion and passion, which could make them more susceptible to the power of geometry.
The final line, "Nature is full of geometry," is a statement that ties together all of the previous ideas in the poem. It suggests that geometry is not just a human invention, but rather a fundamental aspect of the natural world. This could be a reference to the idea that mathematics is a way of understanding and describing the universe, and that it is a tool for unlocking its mysteries.
In conclusion, "Best Witchcraft is Geometry" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores the power of mathematics and its connection to magic and mysticism. Through the use of vivid imagery, Dickinson creates a sense of wonder and awe that invites the reader to contemplate the mysteries of the universe. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of mathematics and its ability to inspire and transform those who seek to understand it.
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