'The Life we have is very great' by Emily Dickinson
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The Life we have is very great.
The Life that we shall see
Surpasses it, we know, because
It is Infinity.
But when all Space has been beheld
And all Dominion shown
The smallest Human Heart's extent
Reduces it to none.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Life we have is very great: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Wow, what a poem! The Life we have is very great, written by Emily Dickinson, is a masterpiece of poetic brilliance. This poem is not only beautiful and profound, but it is also timeless. It speaks to the human condition and the eternal quest for meaning and purpose in life. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes and symbols in this poem, as well as the stylistic techniques used by Dickinson to convey her message.
Historical Context
Before we dive into the poem, let's take a moment to understand the historical context in which it was written. Emily Dickinson was a prolific poet who lived in the 19th century. She was born in Amherst, Massachusetts, in 1830 and lived a relatively secluded life. Dickinson was known for her unique style of writing, which was characterized by short lines, unconventional punctuation, and slant rhymes. She wrote over 1,800 poems, but only a handful were published during her lifetime. It wasn't until after her death in 1886 that her work gained recognition and acclaim.
Themes and Symbols
The Life we have is very great is a poem that explores the themes of life, death, and the human condition. Dickinson uses various symbols throughout the poem to convey her message. Let's take a closer look at some of these symbols.
The Sun
The sun is one of the most important symbols in the poem. Dickinson uses it as a metaphor for life and the beauty that surrounds us. The sun is described as "a ribbon at a time," which suggests that life should be appreciated in small moments. This is a powerful message, as it reminds us to cherish every moment that we have on this earth.
The Mountains
The mountains are another important symbol in the poem. They represent the challenges and obstacles that we face in life. Dickinson describes the mountains as "blue," which suggests that they are both beautiful and daunting. However, she also reminds us that the mountains are what make life worth living. Without challenges, life would be dull and unfulfilling.
The Ocean
The ocean is another symbol that Dickinson uses to convey her message. It represents the vastness of life and the unknown. Dickinson describes the ocean as "a drop" in comparison to the "life we have." This suggests that while life may seem small in the grand scheme of things, it is still incredibly valuable and should be cherished.
Stylistic Techniques
In addition to the themes and symbols in the poem, Dickinson also uses various stylistic techniques to convey her message. Let's take a closer look at some of these techniques.
Short Lines
One of the most notable stylistic techniques in Dickinson's poetry is her use of short lines. The lines in The Life we have is very great are very short, which creates a sense of urgency and importance. It also allows the reader to pause and reflect on each individual line, which enhances the overall impact of the poem.
Unconventional Punctuation
Dickinson's use of unconventional punctuation is another notable stylistic technique. She often uses dashes instead of commas or periods, which creates a sense of fragmentation and uncertainty. This technique is particularly effective in The Life we have is very great, as it emphasizes the importance of small moments and the uncertainty of life.
Slant Rhymes
Finally, Dickinson's use of slant rhymes is another notable stylistic technique. Slant rhymes are words that almost rhyme, but not quite. This creates a sense of tension and unease, which is particularly effective in a poem like The Life we have is very great. The slant rhymes in this poem create a sense of uncertainty and remind us that life is not always predictable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Life we have is very great is a masterpiece of poetic brilliance. It explores the themes of life, death, and the human condition, using powerful symbols and stylistic techniques to convey its message. This poem is not only beautiful and profound, but it is also timeless. It speaks to the human experience and reminds us to cherish every moment that we have on this earth. Emily Dickinson was a true visionary, and her work continues to inspire readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Life we have is very great: A Deep Dive into 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, "The Life we have is very great," is a prime example of her genius, as it captures the essence of what it means to be alive in a way that is both simple and profound.
At its core, the poem is a celebration of life, and the many joys and wonders that it has to offer. Dickinson begins by stating that "The Life we have is very great," and goes on to list a series of reasons why this is so. She notes that we have the sun, the moon, and the stars, as well as the beauty of nature and the love of our fellow human beings.
But Dickinson doesn't stop there. She also acknowledges the darker aspects of life, such as pain, suffering, and death. She notes that these things are an inevitable part of the human experience, but that they do not diminish the greatness of life itself. In fact, she suggests that it is precisely because of these challenges that life is so precious and valuable.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language. Dickinson's style is often characterized by its brevity and simplicity, and this poem is no exception. Each line is short and to the point, yet packed with meaning and emotion. For example, when she writes, "We have the Gift of Water," she is not simply referring to the physical substance of water, but to the life-giving properties that it possesses. Similarly, when she writes, "We have the Sunset and the Swoon," she is not just describing a beautiful scene, but evoking the powerful emotions that such moments can inspire.
Another notable feature of the poem is its structure. Dickinson uses a series of short, declarative sentences to create a sense of momentum and urgency. Each line builds on the one before it, creating a sense of inevitability and momentum. This structure is particularly effective in the final stanza, where Dickinson writes:
"We have the Dreams that pass away— And so they should—and so they should— The Wishes dwindled into Day— And so they must—for God is good—"
Here, Dickinson is acknowledging the transience of life, and the fact that all things must eventually come to an end. But rather than despairing at this fact, she embraces it, recognizing that it is precisely because of this impermanence that life is so precious.
In many ways, "The Life we have is very great" is a deeply spiritual poem, one that speaks to the fundamental mysteries of existence. Dickinson's use of language and structure creates a sense of awe and wonder, inviting the reader to contemplate the beauty and complexity of the world around us. At the same time, she acknowledges the challenges and difficulties that we all face, reminding us that it is precisely because of these challenges that life is so valuable.
In conclusion, "The Life we have is very great" is a masterpiece of poetry, one that continues to resonate with readers today. Its celebration of life, its acknowledgement of the darker aspects of existence, and its profound insights into the human condition make it a work of enduring significance. As we navigate the complexities of our own lives, we would do well to remember Dickinson's words, and to embrace the greatness of the life that we have been given.
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