'This was a Poet—It is That' by Emily Dickinson
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This was a Poet—It is That
Distills amazing sense
From ordinary Meanings—
And Attar so immense
From the familiar species
That perished by the Door—
We wonder it was not Ourselves
Arrested it—before—
Of Pictures, the Discloser—
The Poet—it is He—
Entitles Us—by Contrast—
To ceaseless Poverty—
Of portion—so unconscious—
The Robbing—could not harm—
Himself—to Him—a Fortune—
Exterior—to Time—
Editor 1 Interpretation
This Was a Poet-It is That: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Wow! Just wow! That's what comes to my mind when I think of Emily Dickinson's poem, "This was a Poet-It is That." This masterpiece has been a subject of interpretation and criticism for over a century, and yet its true essence remains elusive.
In this 24-line poem, Dickinson captures the essence of poetry and its enduring nature. She plays with language, structure, and imagery to create a complex and thought-provoking piece that has stood the test of time.
So, let's delve into the poem and explore its themes, form, and symbolism in detail.
Themes
The central theme of the poem is the endurance of poetry. Dickinson argues that poetry is not just an art form but a living entity that transcends time and space. She epitomizes poetry as a "living personality," and the poet as an "immortal" being.
The poem also touches upon the idea of identity and transformation. Dickinson highlights the continuity between the past and the present and how the poet's work continues to live on even after their death. The title of the poem, "This was a Poet-It is That," emphasizes the idea of transformation, where the poet's legacy lives on through their work.
Another theme that runs through the poem is the power of language and its ability to create a lasting impact. Dickinson paints a vivid picture of the poet's work as something that "sings" and "speaks" to us, even after many years have passed.
Form
Dickinson's unconventional use of punctuation is one of the hallmarks of her poetic style, and this poem is no exception. The poem is structured as a single stanza made up of 24 lines. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABCBDEFE, and each line is written in iambic tetrameter, with four stressed and four unstressed syllables.
The poem's structure is simple, yet effective, as it allows Dickinson to focus on the poem's central theme and emphasize the enduring nature of poetry.
Symbolism
The poem is rich in symbolism, and each image used by Dickinson contributes to the poem's overall meaning.
The first two lines of the poem serve as a metaphor for the poet's work. Dickinson compares the work of a poet to a bird that "sings" and "soars" into the air. This image emphasizes the beauty and freedom of poetry and how it can transcend physical boundaries.
The line "This is the hour of lead" is symbolic of the poet's struggle to find inspiration and create something new. The "hour of lead" is a metaphor for the weight of creativity and how it can be a burden for the poet.
The image of the "brain" and the "distance" in the sixth and seventh lines of the poem is symbolic of the poet's ability to create something that can transcend time and space. The poet's work can connect with people across different eras and cultures, and this connection is what makes poetry enduring.
Dickinson's use of the words "Immortal" and "Estate" in the eighth and ninth lines of the poem is symbolic of the poet's legacy. The poet's work becomes their "estate" and lives on even after their death. The poet becomes "immortal" through their work, and their legacy continues to inspire future generations of poets.
The final line of the poem, "This is the Hour of Lead-Remembered, if outlived," is symbolic of the power of poetry to endure beyond the physical realm. The poet's work can be "remembered" and revered even after many years have passed.
Interpretation
So, what does all of this symbolism and imagery mean? Well, the poem can be interpreted in several ways, depending on the reader's perspective.
One interpretation of the poem is that it is a reflection on the power of poetry to transcend time and space. Dickinson argues that poetry is not just an art form but a living entity that can connect with people across different eras and cultures. The poet's work becomes their "estate," and their legacy lives on even after they have passed away.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the creative process. Dickinson portrays the poet's struggle to find inspiration and create something new as a burden that the poet must bear. The "hour of lead" is a metaphor for the weight of creativity and how it can be a challenge for the poet.
Yet another interpretation of the poem is that it is a reflection on the nature of identity and transformation. Dickinson emphasizes the continuity between the past and the present and how the poet's work continues to live on even after their death. The title of the poem, "This was a Poet-It is That," emphasizes the idea of transformation, where the poet's legacy lives on through their work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "This was a Poet-It is That" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its enduring nature. The poem's themes, form, and symbolism work together to create a complex and thought-provoking piece that has stood the test of time.
Dickinson's use of language, imagery, and structure is masterful, and the poem's unconventional structure and use of punctuation contribute to its overall meaning. The poem is a reflection on the power of poetry to transcend time and space, a commentary on the creative process, and a reflection on the nature of identity and transformation.
This poem is not just a piece of literature but a work of art that continues to inspire and captivate readers even after many years have passed. It is a testament to the enduring nature of poetry and its ability to connect with people across different eras and cultures.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
This Was a Poet—It is That: A Masterpiece of 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. Among her many masterpieces, "This Was a Poet—It is That" stands out as a powerful and thought-provoking piece that showcases Dickinson's unique style and perspective.
At its core, "This Was a Poet—It is That" is a meditation on the nature of poetry and the role of the poet in society. The poem begins with the line "This was a Poet—It is That," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the past tense in the first half of the line suggests that the poet in question is no longer alive, while the use of the present tense in the second half implies that the poet's work lives on.
From there, Dickinson goes on to describe the poet's work in vivid detail. She writes that the poet "made his way" by "treading his path" and "wearing the path by feet." This imagery suggests that the poet was a trailblazer, someone who forged a new path in the world of poetry and left a lasting mark on the literary landscape.
The poem then takes a more introspective turn, as Dickinson asks, "Was this a Poet? It is That." This line suggests that the poet's identity is not fixed or immutable, but rather something that is constantly evolving and changing. The use of the word "That" instead of "he" or "she" also suggests that the poet's identity is not tied to their physical body, but rather to their work and their legacy.
Dickinson then goes on to describe the poet's work in more detail, writing that they "sang to the wide world" and "sang to the narrow." This suggests that the poet's work was both universal and personal, speaking to the experiences of all people while also reflecting the poet's own unique perspective.
The poem then takes a more philosophical turn, as Dickinson asks, "Was this a Poet? It is That." This line suggests that the poet's work is not just a product of their own individual genius, but rather something that is connected to a larger, more universal truth. The use of the word "That" instead of "he" or "she" also suggests that the poet's work is not just a product of their own individual identity, but rather something that is connected to a larger, more universal identity.
The poem then concludes with the lines, "Did the tilting of the earth / Make him look up?" This imagery suggests that the poet's work is not just a product of their own individual efforts, but rather something that is connected to the larger forces of nature and the universe. The use of the word "him" instead of "her" or "them" also suggests that the poet's work is not just a product of their own individual identity, but rather something that is connected to a larger, more universal identity.
Overall, "This Was a Poet—It is That" is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that showcases Emily Dickinson's unique style and perspective. Through her use of vivid imagery and philosophical musings, Dickinson invites readers to reflect on the nature of poetry and the role of the poet in society. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply appreciate great literature, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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