'They leave us with the Infinite' by Emily Dickinson
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They leave us with the Infinite.
But He—is not a man—
His fingers are the size of fists—
His fists, the size of men—
And whom he foundeth, with his Arm
As Himmaleh, shall stand—
Gibraltar's Everlasting Shoe
Poised lightly on his Hand,
So trust him, Comrade—
You for you, and I, for you and me
Eternity is ample,
And quick enough, if true.
Editor 1 Interpretation
They leave us with the Infinite by Emily Dickinson: A Deep Dive into the Mysteries of Existence
If there is one thing that Emily Dickinson is known for, it is her ability to capture the mysteries of existence in her poetry. In "They leave us with the Infinite," she takes on the ultimate mystery: death. In this poem, Dickinson explores what happens to us when we die and what it means to live on after we are gone.
The Structure of the Poem
Before diving into the poem itself, it is important to note its structure. "They leave us with the Infinite" is divided into three stanzas, each with four lines. The first and third stanzas are nearly identical, while the second stanza shifts slightly in tone and content. This structure creates a sense of symmetry and balance, which is appropriate given the poem's themes of life and death.
The Meaning of the Poem
So, what does "They leave us with the Infinite" actually mean? At its core, this poem is about the way we remember and commemorate those who have passed away. Dickinson seems to be saying that even though our loved ones may no longer be with us physically, they leave behind something eternal, something infinite.
In the first stanza, Dickinson describes the physical remains of the deceased: "The stone's too great for us to lift." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing the weight and permanence of death. But then, in the second stanza, Dickinson shifts her focus to the intangible legacy that the dead leave behind: "Their breathless mouths/ Persuade us unto peace." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that even though our loved ones are no longer alive, their memories and influence can bring us comfort and solace.
The third stanza is a repetition and expansion of the first, but with an added emphasis on the idea of continuity. Dickinson states that "Their left us bound and sold," implying that the dead have left us with a responsibility to carry on their legacies. And yet, despite this weighty responsibility, Dickinson ends the poem on a note of hope and affirmation: "Eternal is their buoyancy." Here, she suggests that the influence of the dead is not something to be feared or mourned, but rather something that can lift us up and give us strength.
The Use of Imagery
As always, Dickinson's poetry is rich with imagery and symbolism. One of the most striking images in "They leave us with the Infinite" is the stone mentioned in the first stanza. This stone represents the physical weight of death and the finality of our mortal existence. But then, in the second stanza, we have the image of the "breathless mouths" that "persuade us unto peace." This image is a stark contrast to the cold, hard stone of the first stanza. Here, Dickinson is suggesting that even though our physical bodies may die, our spirits can live on through our words and actions.
Another powerful image in the poem is the idea of being "bound and sold." This phrase suggests a kind of servitude or obligation to the dead, and yet it also implies a sense of continuity and connection. We are bound to the dead through our shared experiences and memories, and in carrying on their legacies, we are continuing the chain of existence.
The Importance of Dickinson's Themes
At its core, "They leave us with the Infinite" is a meditation on the mysteries of existence. Dickinson is grappling with the biggest questions of life and death, and yet she does so in a way that is both subtle and profound. By emphasizing the eternity of the dead's influence and the importance of continuity, she is suggesting that even though our physical bodies may die, our spirits can live on through our words and actions.
In a world that often seems chaotic and unpredictable, Dickinson's themes of connection and continuity are more important than ever. They remind us that even though we may feel small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things, we are part of something much larger and more enduring than ourselves.
Conclusion
"They leave us with the Infinite" is a stunning example of Emily Dickinson's ability to capture the deepest mysteries of existence in her poetry. Through powerful imagery and subtle symbolism, she explores what it means to live on after we are gone, and the ways in which our loved ones continue to influence us even after they have passed away. Ultimately, Dickinson's message is one of hope and affirmation, reminding us that even in the face of death, there is something eternal and infinite that connects us all.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
They leave us with the Infinite: A Poem by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems is "They leave us with the Infinite," a powerful and thought-provoking piece that explores the nature of death and the afterlife. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and symbolism.
The poem begins with the line "They leave us with the Infinite," immediately setting the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "they" refers to those who have passed away, and the phrase "the Infinite" suggests that they have gone on to a place beyond our understanding. This sets up the central theme of the poem, which is the idea that death is not an end, but rather a transition to a new state of being.
The second line of the poem reads, "But He is not a man," introducing the idea that the afterlife is not a physical place, but rather a spiritual one. The use of the word "He" suggests a divine presence, and the fact that this presence is not a man implies that it is something beyond our human understanding. This reinforces the idea that the afterlife is a place of mystery and wonder, beyond the limits of our mortal existence.
The third line of the poem reads, "They are but infinite," which further emphasizes the idea that those who have passed on have entered into a state of infinite existence. This suggests that death is not a limitation, but rather a liberation from the constraints of our physical bodies. The use of the word "but" also implies that this infinite existence is something to be celebrated, rather than feared or mourned.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "But we, poor, finite, creatures," which contrasts the infinite nature of the afterlife with our own limited existence. This line acknowledges the fact that we are mortal beings, with a finite lifespan and limited understanding of the world around us. However, it also suggests that our mortality is not a weakness, but rather a part of what makes us human.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "Are left with the finite," which reinforces the idea that our existence is limited and temporary. This line also suggests that we are left with the task of making the most of our time on earth, and that we should strive to live our lives to the fullest.
The sixth and final line of the poem reads, "But infinite is better," which brings the poem full circle and reinforces the central theme of the afterlife as a place of infinite existence. This line suggests that while our time on earth may be limited, there is something beyond this life that is greater and more enduring. It also implies that death is not something to be feared, but rather a natural part of the cycle of life.
Overall, "They leave us with the Infinite" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of death and the afterlife. Through its use of imagery and symbolism, the poem suggests that death is not an end, but rather a transition to a new state of being. It also emphasizes the idea that our mortality is not a weakness, but rather a part of what makes us human. Ultimately, the poem suggests that while our time on earth may be limited, there is something beyond this life that is greater and more enduring.
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