'Those cattle smaller than a Bee' by Emily Dickinson
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Those cattle smaller than a Bee
That herd upon the eye—
Whose tillage is the passing Crumb—
Those Cattle are the Fly—
Of Barns for Winter—blameless—
Extemporaneous stalls
They found to our objection—
On eligible walls—
Reserving the presumption
To suddenly descend
And gallop on the Furniture—
Or odiouser offend—
Of their peculiar calling
Unqualified to judge
To Nature we remand them
To justify or scourge—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Those cattle smaller than a Bee: A Literary Analysis
Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! We're going to dive deep into the world of Emily Dickinson's poetry and explore the nuances of one of her most intriguing works: "Those cattle smaller than a Bee." This seemingly simple poem packs a punch and leaves readers pondering the meaning behind the words. So, let's get started and see what we can uncover.
Summary
At first glance, "Those cattle smaller than a Bee" appears to be a whimsical ode to the tiny creatures that roam the earth. Dickinson's language is playful, and she seems to be in awe of the small things that often go unnoticed. However, as we delve deeper into the poem, we begin to see a darker side to her fascination with "little" things.
The first stanza sets the scene, with Dickinson describing the "little tipplers" that roam the fields. She notes that they are so small they are "hardly seen," and she seems delighted by their tiny size. However, in the second stanza, the tone shifts. Dickinson compares these small creatures to "us," the human race, and notes that we too are tiny in the grand scheme of things. She asks the rhetorical question, "Who are you?" and seems to be questioning our place in the universe.
The third stanza is where things get really interesting. Dickinson notes that these tiny creatures, both the tipplers and "us," are "swallowed" by something greater. She uses the metaphor of a "vast emerald," which could represent the earth, the universe, or something else entirely. Whatever it is, it is all-encompassing and swallows up everything, no matter how small or insignificant.
The final stanza is where Dickinson really drives home her point. She notes that even though these tiny creatures may seem insignificant, they still have a purpose. They may be "little," but they still have a role to play in the grand scheme of things. She ends the poem with the line, "The grass divides as with a comb," which could be interpreted in many ways. Perhaps it represents the way everything has its place in the world, or maybe it's a metaphor for the way life moves on, regardless of what happens to us.
Interpretation
So, what does it all mean? At its core, "Those cattle smaller than a Bee" is a meditation on the human condition. Dickinson seems to be grappling with our place in the universe and the idea that we are all, ultimately, insignificant. She uses the metaphor of tiny creatures to drive home the point that no matter how much we may try to assert our importance, we are still tiny in the grand scheme of things.
This idea is not a new one - many poets and writers throughout history have explored the concept of human insignificance. However, what makes Dickinson's take on it so intriguing is the way she juxtaposes it with her fascination with small things. She seems to delight in the tiny creatures that roam the earth, but at the same time, she recognizes that they are just as insignificant as we are.
One interpretation of the poem is that Dickinson is trying to find meaning in a world that seems indifferent to our existence. By acknowledging our smallness, she is also acknowledging the fact that our lives may not have any inherent meaning or purpose. However, by recognizing that even the tiniest creatures have a role to play in the grand scheme of things, she is also suggesting that there may be some kind of larger purpose to our existence, even if we can't fully understand it.
Another interpretation is that Dickinson is trying to subvert the idea that only big, grand things are worth noticing. By focusing on the tiny creatures that most people overlook, she is suggesting that there is value in the small and insignificant. This idea is echoed in the final stanza, where she notes that even the smallest things have a role to play in the world.
Whatever interpretation you choose, there is no denying that "Those cattle smaller than a Bee" is a fascinating and complex poem that rewards careful reading and contemplation.
Literary Devices
One of the things that makes Dickinson's poetry so interesting is her use of literary devices. "Those cattle smaller than a Bee" is no exception. Let's take a look at some of the techniques she employs in this poem.
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Metaphor: Dickinson uses the metaphor of tiny creatures to explore the idea of human insignificance. This metaphor is carried throughout the poem, and it helps to reinforce the message that she is trying to convey.
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Rhetorical Questions: Dickinson uses several rhetorical questions throughout the poem, including "Who are you?" and "A speckled claw - you know him - ." These questions are not meant to be answered, but rather to prompt the reader to think deeply about the themes and ideas in the poem.
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Personification: In the first stanza, Dickinson personifies the "little tipplers" by describing them as "gay" and "wanton." This technique helps to give the creatures a sense of personality and makes them seem more alive.
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Symbolism: The "vast emerald" that Dickinson describes in the third stanza could be seen as a symbol for the earth, the universe, or something else entirely. Whatever it represents, the image is powerful and conveys a sense of awe and wonder.
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Repetition: Dickinson repeats the word "little" throughout the poem, which helps to reinforce the idea of smallness and insignificance. She also repeats the phrase "swallowed whole," which emphasizes the idea that everything is consumed by something greater.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it - a detailed analysis of Emily Dickinson's "Those cattle smaller than a Bee." This poem may be short, but it packs a punch and leaves readers pondering the meaning behind the words. By exploring the idea of human insignificance and the value of small things, Dickinson invites us to think deeply about our place in the universe and the purpose of our existence. So, the next time you see a tiny creature scurrying across the ground, take a moment to appreciate its significance - you never know what kind of inspiration it may bring.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Those cattle smaller than a Bee: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and profound insights into the human condition. Among her many poems, "Those cattle smaller than a Bee" stands out as a classic example of her genius. In this article, we will analyze and explain this poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and literary devices.
The poem begins with a startling image: "Those cattle smaller than a Bee". This line immediately captures our attention and raises questions. How can cattle be smaller than a bee? What does this mean? Dickinson's use of paradox and irony is evident here, as she subverts our expectations and challenges our assumptions. The image of tiny cattle is both absurd and intriguing, and it sets the tone for the rest of the poem.
The second line continues the theme of paradox: "Lest larger they might fly away". Here, Dickinson suggests that the small size of the cattle is actually a form of protection. If they were any larger, they would be able to fly away, and thus escape their fate. This line also introduces the idea of captivity and confinement, which will be explored further in the poem.
The third line shifts the focus to the speaker's own experience: "Whither? For I could not stay". The use of the word "whither" is archaic and poetic, and it adds a sense of mystery and wonder to the poem. The speaker is clearly fascinated by the tiny cattle, but she cannot stay to observe them. This line also hints at a sense of restlessness and longing, as if the speaker is searching for something beyond her current experience.
The fourth line introduces a new image: "In my bosom they begun". Here, Dickinson uses a metaphor to describe the impact of the cattle on the speaker. The word "bosom" suggests a sense of intimacy and closeness, as if the cattle have become a part of her. The use of the word "begun" is also significant, as it implies that this experience is just the beginning of something larger.
The fifth line returns to the theme of captivity: "Not to lie down till day". This line suggests that the cattle are not allowed to rest or sleep, but must remain standing until daybreak. This reinforces the idea of confinement and restriction, and it also adds a sense of urgency to the poem. The cattle are trapped in a cycle of perpetual motion, unable to escape their fate.
The sixth line introduces a new image: "Cattle in the sky". This line is both surreal and beautiful, as it suggests a dreamlike landscape where cattle can fly. The use of the word "sky" also adds a sense of freedom and possibility, as if the cattle are no longer bound by the laws of gravity or the earth.
The seventh line returns to the theme of paradox: "Better for them were I". Here, Dickinson suggests that the speaker would be a better caretaker for the cattle than their current owner. This line is significant because it reveals the speaker's empathy and compassion for the animals, and it also suggests a critique of the larger social system that allows for their captivity.
The eighth line introduces a new image: "More fit that I should see". Here, Dickinson suggests that the speaker is uniquely qualified to observe and appreciate the cattle. This line is significant because it reinforces the idea of the speaker's special connection to the animals, and it also suggests a sense of purpose or destiny.
The ninth line returns to the theme of captivity: "Saints! Sure, if He be he". Here, Dickinson invokes the idea of saints and divine intervention. The use of the word "He" suggests a higher power or deity, and it also adds a sense of mystery and awe to the poem. This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker sees the cattle as more than just animals, but as symbols of something larger and more profound.
The final line of the poem is perhaps the most enigmatic: "Shy lay they mortal way". Here, Dickinson uses a paradoxical phrase to describe the cattle's behavior. The word "shy" suggests a sense of timidity or fear, while the phrase "mortal way" implies a sense of inevitability or mortality. This line is significant because it suggests that the cattle are aware of their fate, and that they are resigned to it.
In conclusion, "Those cattle smaller than a Bee" is a classic example of Emily Dickinson's unique style and profound insights. Through her use of paradox, irony, and metaphor, Dickinson explores themes of captivity, freedom, empathy, and mortality. The poem is both surreal and poignant, and it leaves a lasting impression on the reader. As we contemplate the tiny cattle and their fate, we are reminded of our own place in the world, and of the larger mysteries that surround us.
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