'Circumference thou Bride of Awe' by Emily Dickinson
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Circumference thou Bride of Awe
Possessing thou shalt be
Possessed by every hallowed Knight
That dares to covet thee
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Circumference thou Bride of Awe by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever read a poem that left you in awe, wondering how the poet was able to capture so much depth and meaning in just a few lines? That's how I feel every time I read Circumference thou Bride of Awe by Emily Dickinson.
In this poem, Dickinson explores the theme of infinity and the mysteries of the universe with her signature style of concise and powerful language. It is a poem that requires careful reading and interpretation to fully appreciate its beauty and significance.
Overview and Analysis
The first thing that strikes me about this poem is its title. "Circumference thou Bride of Awe" is a powerful and evocative phrase that immediately draws the reader in. The use of "circumference" suggests the vastness of the universe, while "bride of awe" conveys a sense of reverence and wonder. It's a fitting title for a poem that explores the mysteries of the cosmos.
The poem itself consists of just six lines, but each one is packed with meaning. Let's take a closer look at each line.
Circumference thou Bride of Awe
Thy father’s house is infinite.
What if we are his daughters,
And if we are his own,
We shall have nought to fear?
What if we are the Lord’s?
The opening line sets the tone for the poem, with its use of "circumference" to suggest the vastness of the universe. The speaker is addressing someone or something they hold in awe, perhaps a symbol of the universe itself.
The second line brings in the idea of a "father's house," which could be interpreted as a reference to God or the universe as a whole. The use of "infinite" reinforces the idea of boundlessness and endlessness.
The third and fourth lines are particularly interesting, as they introduce the possibility that "we" (presumably humans) are "his daughters" or "his own." This could be interpreted as a reference to humanity's connection to the universe, or to a higher power. The use of "we" and "his" suggests a sense of community and unity.
The fifth and sixth lines bring the poem to a close with a question: "We shall have nought to fear? / What if we are the Lord's?" These lines leave the reader with a sense of uncertainty and mystery, as the speaker suggests that there may be more to our existence than we can comprehend.
Overall, the poem is a meditation on the mysteries of the universe and humanity's place within it. It raises questions about the nature of existence and leaves the reader with a sense of awe and wonder.
Interpretation
So, what can we make of this poem? What is Dickinson trying to say?
One way to interpret the poem is as a reflection on humanity's place in the universe. The use of "father's house" and "his daughters" suggests a connection between humans and the universe, or perhaps a higher power. The idea that "we shall have nought to fear" if we are part of this larger whole suggests a sense of comfort and security in knowing that we are not alone in the universe.
Another interpretation is that the poem is a meditation on the mysteries of existence. The use of "circumference" and "infinite" suggests that there is more to the universe than we can ever comprehend. The final lines leave the reader with a sense of uncertainty and mystery, as the speaker suggests that there may be more to our existence than we can ever know.
Ultimately, the poem is open to interpretation and can be read in a variety of ways. What is clear, however, is that Dickinson is exploring some of the biggest questions of human existence in this short but powerful poem.
Literary Devices
One of the things that makes this poem so powerful is Dickinson's use of language. Despite its brevity, the poem is packed with literary devices that add depth and meaning.
One of the most striking devices is the use of personification. "Circumference" and "Bride of Awe" are both given human qualities, making them feel almost like characters in the poem. This adds to the sense of reverence and awe that pervades the poem.
Another device is the use of repetition. The phrase "What if" is repeated twice in the final two lines, adding emphasis to the questions being asked. The repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and momentum that propels the poem forward.
Finally, the poem makes use of imagery to convey its themes. The use of "father's house" and "his daughters" creates a sense of familial connection, while the use of "circumference" and "infinite" evoke a sense of vastness and endlessness. These images work together to create a powerful portrayal of the mysteries of the universe.
Conclusion
Circumference thou Bride of Awe is a poem that rewards careful reading and interpretation. In just six lines, Dickinson captures the vastness and mystery of the universe, while also exploring humanity's place within it. The poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet, and a reminder of the enduring power of poetry to capture the biggest questions of human existence.
As I finish writing this literary criticism and interpretation, I am struck once again by the beauty and depth of this poem. It leaves me with a sense of wonder and awe, and a renewed appreciation for the power of poetry to move and inspire us. I hope that this analysis has helped you to appreciate this poem in a new way, and that it has sparked your own sense of curiosity and wonder about the mysteries of the universe.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Circumference thou Bride of Awe: 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 deep philosophical themes. One of her most famous poems, Circumference thou Bride of Awe, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human existence, the mysteries of the universe, and the power of imagination.
The poem begins with the line "Circumference thou Bride of Awe," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "circumference" refers to the outer boundary of a circle or a sphere, and in this context, it represents the limits of human knowledge and understanding. The word "bride" suggests a sense of reverence and respect, as if the speaker is addressing a divine entity. The phrase "of awe" further emphasizes the sense of wonder and amazement that the speaker feels towards this entity.
The second line of the poem reads, "thy father's house is built." This line can be interpreted in several ways. On one level, it could refer to the idea that the universe is a creation of a divine being, and that this being has built a "house" for us to live in. On another level, it could represent the idea that our understanding of the universe is limited by the knowledge that has been passed down to us by our ancestors. In either case, the line suggests that there is a sense of order and structure to the universe, and that we are a part of this larger whole.
The third line of the poem reads, "Adorned with prayer and stone." This line suggests that the universe is not only a physical structure, but also a spiritual one. The word "prayer" implies a sense of reverence and devotion, while the word "stone" suggests a sense of permanence and solidity. Together, these two elements suggest that the universe is not only a physical construct, but also a spiritual one that is imbued with meaning and purpose.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "Thou art not known, nor canst be shown." This line represents the central theme of the poem, which is the idea that the universe is vast and mysterious, and that our understanding of it is limited by our own perceptions and experiences. The word "known" suggests that there is a limit to what we can understand about the universe, while the phrase "canst be shown" implies that there is a limit to what we can perceive about it. Together, these two elements suggest that the universe is a vast and mysterious entity that is beyond our comprehension.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "But every time I look at thee." This line represents a shift in tone from the previous lines, as the speaker begins to address the entity directly. The word "look" suggests a sense of curiosity and wonder, as if the speaker is trying to understand something that is beyond their comprehension. The use of the word "thee" also suggests a sense of reverence and respect, as if the speaker is addressing a divine entity.
The sixth line of the poem reads, "Mine eye applauds, my heart exalts." This line represents the emotional response that the speaker has towards the entity. The word "applauds" suggests a sense of approval and admiration, while the phrase "heart exalts" implies a sense of joy and elation. Together, these two elements suggest that the speaker is deeply moved by the entity, and that they feel a sense of connection to it.
The seventh line of the poem reads, "And every time I look at thee." This line represents a repetition of the previous line, which emphasizes the importance of the entity to the speaker. The use of repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and musicality to the poem, which adds to its overall impact.
The eighth line of the poem reads, "New winds do blow, and drive me forth." This line represents a shift in tone from the previous lines, as the speaker begins to reflect on their own experiences. The phrase "new winds do blow" suggests a sense of change and movement, while the phrase "drive me forth" implies a sense of urgency and purpose. Together, these two elements suggest that the speaker is being propelled forward by their experiences, and that they are seeking to understand the universe in a deeper way.
The ninth line of the poem reads, "Like horses to a chariot." This line represents a metaphorical comparison between the speaker and horses that are being driven forward by a chariot. The use of this metaphor suggests that the speaker is being driven forward by a sense of purpose and direction, and that they are seeking to understand the universe in a deeper way.
The tenth and final line of the poem reads, "Kindling a world of wonder in my soul." This line represents the culmination of the poem, as the speaker reflects on the impact that the entity has had on their life. The phrase "kindling a world of wonder" suggests that the entity has sparked a sense of curiosity and amazement in the speaker, while the phrase "in my soul" implies that this impact is deeply personal and meaningful. Together, these two elements suggest that the universe is not only a physical construct, but also a spiritual one that has the power to inspire and transform us.
In conclusion, Circumference thou Bride of Awe is a masterpiece of American poetry that captures the essence of human existence, the mysteries of the universe, and the power of imagination. Through its use of metaphor, repetition, and powerful imagery, the poem invites us to reflect on our own experiences and to seek a deeper understanding of the world around us. Whether we see the universe as a physical construct, a spiritual entity, or a combination of both, the poem reminds us that there is always more to discover and explore.
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