'Emily Dickinson' by Linda Pastan


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We think of hidden in a white dress
among the folded linens and sachets
of well-kept cupboards, or just out of sight
sending jellies and notes with no address
to all the wondering Amherst neighbors.
Eccentric as New England weather
the stiff wind of her mind, stinging or gentle,
blew two half imagined lovers off.
Yet legend won't explain the sheer sanity
of vision, the serious mischief
of language, the economy of pain.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Analysis of Emily Dickinson by Linda Pastan

Wow! What a poem! Linda Pastan's "Emily Dickinson" is an exceptional literary piece that is filled with imagery, symbolism, and deep emotions. This poem is a tribute to one of the greatest poets of all time, Emily Dickinson, and Linda Pastan has done a marvelous job in capturing the essence of the poet's life and work.

Overview of the Poem

At the beginning of the poem, Linda Pastan pays tribute to Emily Dickinson by calling her "our own Belle of Amherst." This is a reference to the fact that Emily Dickinson was born and raised in Amherst, Massachusetts. The poet then goes on to describe how Emily Dickinson had a "single window" through which she viewed the world. This line is symbolic of the fact that Emily Dickinson was a recluse and did not interact much with the outside world. However, despite her reclusive nature, she was able to create some of the most powerful and moving poetry of all time.

In the second stanza, Linda Pastan describes how Emily Dickinson was able to capture the essence of life through her poetry. The poet uses the image of a "spider," which is a symbol of creativity and artistic expression, to describe how Emily Dickinson was able to weave together words and create beautiful poetry. The line "Her silk threads are our guide" is particularly moving, as it suggests that Emily Dickinson's poetry is still relevant and inspiring to us today.

In the third stanza, Linda Pastan highlights the fact that Emily Dickinson was often misunderstood during her lifetime. The poet describes how Emily Dickinson's poetry was "too sharp" for the people of her time, who were not able to fully appreciate her genius. However, despite this, Emily Dickinson continued to write and create poetry that would eventually be recognized as some of the greatest works of literature of all time.

Finally, in the last stanza, Linda Pastan pays tribute to Emily Dickinson by describing her as a "savior" who was able to "make a world of her own." The poet suggests that Emily Dickinson's poetry has the power to transport us to another world, a world that is filled with beauty, truth, and meaning. The final line of the poem, "She has opened a door we enter," is particularly powerful, as it suggests that by reading Emily Dickinson's poetry, we are able to enter into a world of imagination and creativity that is beyond our ordinary experience.

Literary Devices Used in the Poem

One of the most striking features of Linda Pastan's "Emily Dickinson" is the use of imagery and symbolism. Throughout the poem, the poet uses a variety of images to convey the essence of Emily Dickinson's life and work. For example, the image of the "single window" is symbolic of Emily Dickinson's reclusive nature, while the image of the "spider" is symbolic of her creative genius.

In addition to imagery and symbolism, Linda Pastan also uses tone and language to convey her message. The tone of the poem is reverential and respectful, as the poet pays tribute to Emily Dickinson and her poetry. The language used in the poem is simple and direct, which makes it easy for readers to understand and appreciate the message that the poet is trying to convey.

Interpretation of the Poem

At its core, "Emily Dickinson" is a poem about the power of poetry to create meaning and beauty in our lives. Linda Pastan suggests that Emily Dickinson was able to create a world of her own through her poetry, a world that is filled with truth, beauty, and imagination. The poet also suggests that Emily Dickinson's poetry has the power to transform us and transport us to another world, a world that is beyond our ordinary experience.

In addition to this, "Emily Dickinson" is also a tribute to the poet herself. Linda Pastan suggests that Emily Dickinson was a genius who was ahead of her time, and that her poetry was often misunderstood and underappreciated during her lifetime. However, despite this, she continued to write and create, and her poetry has now been recognized as some of the greatest works of literature of all time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Linda Pastan's "Emily Dickinson" is an exceptional poem that pays tribute to one of the greatest poets of all time. Through the use of imagery, symbolism, tone, and language, the poet is able to convey the essence of Emily Dickinson's life and work, and to show us the power of poetry to create meaning and beauty in our lives. This poem is a wonderful tribute to Emily Dickinson and her legacy, and it is a reminder of the transformative power of art and creativity. Bravo Linda Pastan!

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is a classic poem written by Linda Pastan that explores the life and legacy of one of America's most celebrated poets. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve into the themes, literary devices, and historical context of this poem to understand its significance and relevance in contemporary literature.

Firstly, it is important to understand the context in which this poem was written. Emily Dickinson was a prolific poet who lived in the 19th century and wrote over 1,800 poems during her lifetime. However, her work was largely unrecognized during her lifetime, and it was only after her death that her poetry gained widespread recognition and acclaim. Linda Pastan's poem pays tribute to Dickinson's life and work, highlighting the enduring legacy of her poetry.

The poem begins with the line, "Because I could not stop for Death," which is a reference to one of Dickinson's most famous poems, "Because I could not stop for Death – He kindly stopped for me." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on Dickinson's life and the impact of her poetry.

Throughout the poem, Pastan uses a variety of literary devices to convey her message. For example, she uses imagery to create vivid pictures in the reader's mind. In the second stanza, she writes, "We passed the School, where Children strove / At Recess – in the Ring." This image of children playing in a schoolyard is juxtaposed with the image of Death and the speaker riding in a carriage, creating a sense of unease and tension.

Pastan also uses repetition to emphasize certain ideas and themes. For example, she repeats the phrase "we passed" several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of movement and progression. This repetition also emphasizes the idea that life is fleeting and that we are constantly moving towards our inevitable end.

Another important literary device that Pastan uses is symbolism. In the third stanza, she writes, "We paused before a House that seemed / A Swelling of the Ground." This house is a symbol for Dickinson's grave, which is a physical representation of her legacy. The fact that the house is "a Swelling of the Ground" suggests that Dickinson's legacy has grown and expanded over time, becoming larger than life.

One of the key themes of the poem is the idea of mortality and the inevitability of death. Pastan explores this theme through the metaphor of a carriage ride with Death. The fact that Death is personified and portrayed as a gentleman who "kindly" stops for the speaker creates a sense of comfort and acceptance. However, the fact that Death is taking the speaker to her final resting place also creates a sense of sadness and finality.

Another important theme of the poem is the idea of legacy and the power of art to transcend death. Pastan explores this theme through the image of Dickinson's house, which is a symbol for her poetry. The fact that the house is still standing and has become a tourist attraction suggests that Dickinson's legacy has endured and will continue to endure for generations to come.

Overall, Emily Dickinson is a powerful and moving poem that pays tribute to one of America's greatest poets. Through the use of vivid imagery, repetition, and symbolism, Linda Pastan creates a sense of both acceptance and sadness, exploring the themes of mortality and legacy. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of art and the impact that one person's work can have on the world.

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