'A Clock stopped' by Emily Dickinson
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A Clock stopped—
Not the Mantel's—
Geneva's farthest skill
Can't put the puppet bowing—
That just now dangled still—
An awe came on the Trinket!
The Figures hunched, with pain—
Then quivered out of Decimals—
Into Degreeless Noon—
It will not stir for Doctors—
This Pendulum of snow—
This Shopman importunes it—
While cool—concernless No—
Nods from the Gilded pointers—
Nods from the Seconds slim—
Decades of Arrogance between
The Dial life—
And Him—
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Clock stopped by Emily Dickinson: A Deeper Look
Have you ever read a poem that left you with more questions than answers? Emily Dickinson's "A Clock stopped" is one of those poems that can leave the reader feeling puzzled, yet intrigued. At first glance, the poem seems to be a simple observation of a clock that has stopped working. However, a closer examination reveals a deeper meaning behind those five short stanzas. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in "A Clock stopped" and how they contribute to the poem's overall meaning.
Theme: Mortality
One of the most prominent themes in "A Clock stopped" is mortality. Dickinson uses the clock as a metaphor for human life and how it inevitably comes to an end. The first stanza sets the tone for the entire poem:
A Clock stopped — Not the Mantel's — Geneva's farthest skill Can't put the puppet bowing — That just now dangled still —
The sudden stop of the clock is an interruption in the natural flow of time, much like death is an interruption in the natural flow of life. The mention of Geneva's "farthest skill" emphasizes that even the most advanced technology cannot prevent the inevitability of death. The clock is personified as a "puppet" that has stopped "bowing," suggesting that it has lost its life force or its ability to function properly.
The second stanza builds on the theme of mortality:
The ambient exhalation Of Death's Volcano, muffled — Cardinals, on the spire Proclaim "Annihilation!"
The "ambient exhalation" could be interpreted as the breath of death, which is now "muffled" because the clock has stopped. The "Cardinals" are likely a reference to the ornamental birds that sit atop church spires, and their proclamation of "Annihilation!" is a ominous reminder of the finality of death.
The third stanza continues with the theme of mortality, but also introduces a new element:
How pompous theses Dead have been! How important is their Will! No more is mine, the only witness Any other would be well —
The use of "Dead" (with a capital 'D') suggests that Dickinson is referring to something more than just physical death. It could also be interpreted as a reference to those who have passed on and are now in the afterlife. The "pompousness" of the Dead could be seen as a commentary on how people often become self-important during their lifetime, but in death, they lose that sense of self-importance. The mention of Dickinson's own will is a reminder that even though she may be gone, her words will live on as a witness to her existence.
The final two stanzas bring the theme of mortality full circle:
They'd put us to our Pink — What Quarrels — one can die — They'd sharpen our Ginseng — And only add the Worm —
The Gulf behind was not — Death was not of the Mortal hue — A little passing Boat — Ingulfed — amid the sea —
"They'd put us to our Pink" could be interpreted as a reference to burial practices, where bodies are often buried in pink or white clothing. The mention of "Quarrels" could suggest that arguments and disagreements are trivial in the face of death. The use of "Ginseng" (a medicinal plant) could be seen as a metaphor for the futile attempts to prolong life. The final line of the stanza, "And only add the Worm," is a reminder that even in death, we are not immune to the natural order of life and decay.
The final stanza is perhaps the most poignant:
To die — takes just a little while — They say it doesn't hurt — It's only fainter — by degrees — And then — it's out of sight —
A passive perfection Attends some to the Bier — As calm — as we — on ours — The different Shrines — here —
Detail — we neither know — Nor tell — But SEQUENCE — is Divine —
No Blank — and no Interval — Pause — in Eternity —
The first two lines of the stanza could be interpreted as either reassuring or terrifying, depending on one's perspective. The idea that death "doesn't hurt" could be comforting, but the fact that it's "only fainter — by degrees" suggests a gradual slipping away of consciousness. The final line of the stanza, "And then — it's out of sight," is a reminder that death is not something that can be witnessed or experienced by the living.
The mention of "passive perfection" and "calm" could be interpreted as a reference to a peaceful death, where the dying person has accepted their fate and is ready to move on. The "different Shrines" could be a reference to the various beliefs and religions that people hold about the afterlife. The final two lines of the stanza suggest that while the details of death are unknown and unknowable, the "SEQUENCE" of life and death is part of a larger, divine plan. The idea that there is "No Blank — and no Interval — Pause — in Eternity" reinforces the idea that death is not an end, but rather a continuation of the natural order of things.
Literary Devices
In addition to the themes explored in "A Clock stopped," Dickinson also employs several literary devices to enhance the poem's meaning.
One of the most notable devices is the use of metaphor. The clock is used as a metaphor for human life, with its sudden stop representing the end of life. The "ambient exhalation" is a metaphor for the breath of death, and the "Cardinals" are a metaphor for the proclamation of death. The use of metaphor throughout the poem adds depth and complexity to the themes explored.
Another literary device used in the poem is personification. The clock is personified as a "puppet" that has lost its life force, emphasizing the idea that life is a force that animates us. The use of personification adds a layer of emotion and humanity to the poem.
Dickinson also employs the use of imagery to enhance the reader's understanding of the themes explored. The "ambient exhalation" and the "Gulf behind" are vivid images that evoke a sense of finality and separation. The use of imagery throughout the poem adds depth and texture to the themes explored.
Conclusion
In "A Clock stopped," Emily Dickinson explores the theme of mortality through the use of metaphor, personification, and imagery. The sudden stop of the clock is a metaphor for the end of human life, and the "ambient exhalation" is a metaphor for the breath of death. The clock is personified as a "puppet" that has lost its life force, and the use of imagery throughout the poem adds depth and texture to the themes explored. Through her use of literary devices, Dickinson creates a poem that is both complex and thought-provoking. "A Clock stopped" is a reminder that death is an inevitable part of life, and that our time on this earth is fleeting.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Clock Stopped by Emily Dickinson: A Timeless Exploration of Mortality
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated American poets of the 19th century, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, nature, and spirituality. Her poem "A Clock Stopped" is a prime example of her ability to capture the essence of life and death in just a few lines of verse.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "A clock stopped—not the mantel's." This opening line immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that something has come to an end. The use of the word "stopped" is significant, as it implies that time has ceased to exist. This idea is reinforced in the next line, which reads, "Geneva's farthest skill / Can't put the puppet bowing."
Here, Dickinson is referring to the fact that even the most advanced clockmakers of her time could not repair the clock that has stopped. The use of the word "puppet" is also significant, as it suggests that the clock is no longer in control of its own movements. Instead, it is being controlled by an external force, which is likely death.
The third and fourth lines of the poem read, "That just now dangled from / The wrist of Mistress Life." Here, Dickinson is personifying life as a woman who wears a wristwatch. The use of the word "Mistress" is significant, as it suggests that life is in control of time. However, the fact that the watch has stopped suggests that life has come to an end.
The fifth and sixth lines of the poem read, "No more to mend—no more / To wear." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that once life has ended, there is no way to repair it. The use of the word "wear" is also significant, as it suggests that life is something that can be worn like a piece of clothing. Once it has been worn out, there is no way to replace it.
The final two lines of the poem read, "So pure the work, so fine / The blessing, it is done." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that life is a work of art that has been completed. The use of the word "pure" is significant, as it suggests that life is something that is untainted and uncorrupted. The use of the word "blessing" is also significant, as it suggests that life is something that is sacred and holy.
Overall, "A Clock Stopped" is a powerful exploration of mortality that captures the essence of life and death in just a few lines of verse. Dickinson's use of personification, symbolism, and metaphor all contribute to the poem's overall message, which is that life is something that is precious and fleeting. The fact that the clock cannot be repaired suggests that once life has ended, there is no way to bring it back. However, the fact that life is described as a work of art that is pure and blessed suggests that it is something that should be cherished and celebrated while it lasts.
In conclusion, "A Clock Stopped" is a timeless poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its exploration of mortality is both poignant and powerful, and its use of language and imagery is both beautiful and evocative. Whether read as a meditation on life and death or simply as a work of art, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who encounter it.
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