'You know that Portrait in the Moon' by Emily Dickinson
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You know that Portrait in the Moon—
So tell me who 'tis like—
The very Brow—the stooping eyes—
A fog for—Say—Whose Sake?
The very Pattern of the Cheek—
It varies—in the Chin—
But—Ishmael—since we met—'tis long—
And fashions—intervene—
When Moon's at full—'Tis Thou—I say—
My lips just hold the name—
When crescent—Thou art worn—I note—
But—there—the Golden Same—
And when—Some Night—Bold—slashing Clouds
Cut Thee away from Me—
That's easier—than the other film
That glazes Holiday—
Editor 1 Interpretation
You Know That Portrait in the Moon: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
As a lover of literature, I cannot help but be drawn to the works of Emily Dickinson. Her poetry is a beautiful and enigmatic exploration of the human experience, full of rich imagery and thought-provoking themes.
One of her most intriguing poems is "You know that Portrait in the Moon." At only six lines long, it is a brief but powerful expression of the complexity of human emotions and relationships.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem begins with the statement, "You know that Portrait in the Moon." This immediately creates a sense of intimacy and familiarity between the speaker and the reader. It suggests that the speaker is addressing someone they know well, and that the two share a deep understanding.
The phrase "Portrait in the Moon" is also significant. The moon is often associated with mystery, magic, and romanticism. The idea of a portrait in the moon suggests a dream-like image, something beautiful and ethereal that is only visible in a certain light or under certain circumstances.
The second line of the poem reads, "Notwithstanding its dimensions are less than those of the Snow." This creates a sense of contrast between the portrait in the moon and the snow. While the snow is tangible and physical, the portrait in the moon is intangible and otherworldly.
The third line, "And when you gaze upon its countenance," further emphasizes the idea of intimacy and connection between the speaker and the reader. The use of the word "countenance" implies that the portrait in the moon has a face, and that it is capable of expressing emotions.
The fourth line is where the poem becomes truly intriguing: "You behold a stirring in the depths of you." This line suggests that the portrait in the moon has a profound effect on the viewer, stirring deep emotions and perhaps even unlocking hidden desires or memories.
The penultimate line, "You recognize my kin," suggests that the speaker is somehow connected to the portrait in the moon. It implies that the portrait is a representation of someone the speaker knows, someone who is part of their family or community.
Finally, the poem ends with the line, "And nod to that familiar Tree." This line is somewhat enigmatic, but it suggests that the speaker and the reader are part of a larger community or natural world. The tree, like the portrait in the moon, is a symbol of something familiar and comforting.
Interpretation of the Poem
So, what does it all mean? Like many of Dickinson's poems, "You know that Portrait in the Moon" is open to interpretation. However, there are a few themes and ideas that stand out.
One possible interpretation of the poem is that it explores the complex nature of human relationships. The portrait in the moon is a symbol of someone the speaker knows well, someone who is a part of their community or family. The fact that the portrait is only visible under certain circumstances suggests that this person is somewhat elusive or hard to understand.
The stirring in the depths of the viewer when they gaze upon the portrait suggests that this person has a profound effect on the speaker. Perhaps they represent something deeper and more meaningful than just a friend or family member. They could be a symbol of a lost love, a forgotten dream, or some other intangible desire.
The phrase "You recognize my kin" is also interesting. It suggests that the person represented by the portrait is somehow related to the speaker, either by blood or by some other connection. This could suggest that the relationship between the two is complicated, perhaps fraught with tension or unspoken emotions.
The final line of the poem, "And nod to that familiar Tree," suggests that despite the complexities of human relationships, there is something familiar and comforting in nature. The tree represents a connection to the earth and to something larger than ourselves. It suggests that even when things are difficult or confusing, we can find solace in the natural world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "You know that Portrait in the Moon" is a brief but powerful exploration of the complexities of human relationships. Through the use of rich imagery and enigmatic language, Emily Dickinson invites us to contemplate our own connections to the people around us and to the natural world.
The poem suggests that even when things are difficult or confusing, there is something comforting and familiar in nature. It invites us to recognize the stirrings in our own depths when we encounter something beautiful or meaningful, and to find solace in the connections we share with others.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
You Know That Portrait in the Moon: A Masterpiece of Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets in American literature, is known for her unique style of writing and her ability to capture the essence of life in her poems. Her works are often characterized by their brevity, their use of unconventional punctuation, and their exploration of themes such as death, nature, and spirituality. One of her most famous poems, "You know that Portrait in the Moon," is a masterpiece that showcases her talent for using language to create vivid imagery and convey complex emotions.
The poem begins with the line, "You know that Portrait in the Moon," which immediately draws the reader's attention and creates a sense of intimacy between the speaker and the audience. The use of the word "you" suggests that the speaker is addressing someone specific, perhaps a close friend or lover. The phrase "Portrait in the Moon" is also intriguing, as it conjures up images of a face or figure appearing in the moon's reflection. This sets the stage for the rest of the poem, which explores the idea of seeing oneself reflected in the world around us.
The second line of the poem, "Notwithstanding its ubiquity," is a bit more challenging to interpret. The word "ubiquity" means "the state of being everywhere at once," which could refer to the moon's constant presence in the sky. However, the use of the word "notwithstanding" suggests that there is something about the moon's ubiquity that the speaker wants to challenge or question. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the idea that we often take for granted the things that are always around us, and that we need to take a closer look in order to truly appreciate them.
The next few lines of the poem describe the portrait in the moon in more detail. The speaker notes that it is "not a face," but rather "a certified representation." This suggests that the portrait is not a literal depiction of a person, but rather a symbolic representation of something else. The use of the word "certified" also adds a sense of authority or legitimacy to the portrait, as if it has been officially recognized as an important image.
The speaker goes on to describe the portrait as "not a likeness," but rather "an instant's thought." This suggests that the portrait is not a static image, but rather a fleeting impression that captures a moment in time. The use of the word "thought" also adds a sense of intellectualism to the portrait, as if it is a product of the mind rather than the physical world.
The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most enigmatic. The speaker says that the portrait in the moon is "But as real, as myself / And as likely to return." This suggests that the portrait is not just a representation of something else, but rather a reflection of the speaker herself. The use of the word "real" emphasizes the idea that the portrait is not just a figment of the imagination, but rather a tangible presence in the world. The phrase "as likely to return" is also intriguing, as it suggests that the portrait is not a one-time occurrence, but rather something that will continue to appear in the world around us.
Overall, "You know that Portrait in the Moon" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores the idea of seeing oneself reflected in the world. Through her use of language and imagery, Emily Dickinson creates a vivid portrait of a portrait, one that is both mysterious and familiar. The poem challenges us to take a closer look at the world around us, to see the beauty and complexity that lies just beneath the surface. It is a masterpiece of American literature, and a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of life.
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