'Of Paradise' existence' by Emily Dickinson


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1411

Of Paradise' existence
All we know
Is the uncertain certainty—
But its vicinity infer,
By its Bisecting
Messenger—

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

Of Paradise's Existence by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most enigmatic and intriguing poets of the 19th century. Her poetry is characterized by an intense focus on the inner life, as well as a fascination with death and the afterlife. "Of Paradise's Existence" is a poem that encapsulates many of these themes, as Dickinson explores the possibility of a heavenly realm that exists beyond our earthly existence. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the many layers of meaning in this poem, and attempt to unravel some of its mysteries.

Form and Structure

Before we delve into the meaning of the poem, it is important to consider its form and structure. "Of Paradise's Existence" is a short poem, consisting of only three stanzas. Each stanza is four lines long, and the poem is written in iambic tetrameter. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, which gives the poem a sense of unity and coherence.

The brevity of the poem is deceptive, however. Despite its short length, "Of Paradise's Existence" is a complex and multi-layered work. Dickinson uses a variety of poetic techniques to create a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty, which adds to the enigmatic quality of the poem.

Interpretation

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the work. Dickinson asks a simple question: "Is there a Paradise?" This question is deceptively simple, however, as it raises a number of philosophical and theological issues. What is Paradise? Where is it located? Who or what created it? These are all questions that have been debated for centuries, and Dickinson does not attempt to answer them directly. Instead, she leaves these questions open-ended, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions.

The second stanza of the poem is perhaps the most enigmatic. Dickinson writes:

Is there an Art in Heaven
So bright you can't perceive it?
And is there a music, bubbling up
From a spring you can't conceive it?

Here, Dickinson seems to be suggesting that there is something beyond our earthly existence that is so beautiful and sublime that we cannot even begin to comprehend it. The use of the word "Art" suggests that this beauty is something that has been created, while the reference to "music" suggests that it is something that can be experienced. However, the fact that this beauty is "so bright you can't perceive it" and "bubbling up from a spring you can't conceive it" suggests that it is something that is beyond our ability to fully grasp.

The final stanza of the poem offers a glimmer of hope. Dickinson writes:

Is there a tiny little Figleaf
Picked up by the Fallen One
All that remains of Paradise?
Dare we presume to own?

The reference to the "Fallen One" suggests that Paradise was lost at some point in the past, perhaps through the actions of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The fact that only a "tiny little Figleaf" remains of Paradise suggests that it is something that has been irretrievably lost. However, the fact that this Figleaf still exists offers a glimmer of hope. Perhaps Paradise is not completely beyond our reach. Perhaps there is still a way to regain what has been lost.

Analysis

So what can we make of all this? What is Dickinson trying to say with this poem? As with many of her works, "Of Paradise's Existence" is open to multiple interpretations. Here are a few possible readings:

1. Dickinson is expressing a sense of wonder and awe at the possibility of a heavenly realm that exists beyond our earthly existence.

This interpretation is supported by the language used in the poem. The use of words like "bright," "music," and "bubbling up" suggests a sense of joy and wonder at the possibility of something beyond our current understanding. The fact that Dickinson leaves many of the key questions unanswered (such as what Paradise is, where it is located, and who or what created it) suggests that she is more interested in exploring the emotions that the idea of Paradise evokes than in providing concrete answers.

2. Dickinson is expressing a sense of frustration at our inability to fully understand the nature of Paradise.

This interpretation is supported by the fact that Dickinson repeatedly emphasizes the idea that Paradise is beyond our ability to fully grasp. The use of words like "bright you can't perceive it" and "spring you can't conceive it" suggests a sense of frustration at our limited understanding of the world around us. This interpretation suggests that Dickinson is grappling with the limitations of human knowledge, and the sense of longing that arises from the knowledge that there may be something beyond our reach.

3. Dickinson is exploring the idea of loss and redemption.

This interpretation is supported by the final stanza of the poem, which suggests that Paradise has been lost but that there may still be a way to regain what has been lost. The reference to the "Fallen One" suggests that this loss was not accidental, but rather the result of human actions. This interpretation suggests that Dickinson is grappling with the idea of sin and redemption, and the possibility of regaining what has been lost through some act of redemption or forgiveness.

Conclusion

"Of Paradise's Existence" is a complex and enigmatic poem that offers multiple layers of meaning. Whether read as an expression of wonder and awe, a sense of frustration at the limitations of human knowledge, or an exploration of the themes of loss and redemption, the poem offers a glimpse into the rich and complex inner world of Emily Dickinson. Despite its brevity, the poem lingers in the reader's mind long after it has been read, leaving behind a sense of mystery and ambiguity that is characteristic of Dickinson's work.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Of Paradise's Existence: A Poetic Journey into the Afterlife

Emily Dickinson's poem "Of Paradise's Existence" is a beautiful and thought-provoking exploration of the afterlife. In this poem, Dickinson invites us to consider the possibility of a paradise beyond this world, a place where our souls can find eternal rest and peace.

The poem begins with the speaker asking a question: "Is there a paradise beyond the stars?" This question sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker embarks on a journey of exploration and discovery. The use of the word "paradise" is significant here, as it evokes images of a perfect and idyllic place, a place where all our dreams and desires can be fulfilled.

As the poem continues, the speaker describes the journey to this paradise. She speaks of "golden gates" and "crystal streams," painting a vivid picture of a place that is both beautiful and serene. The use of these images is powerful, as they evoke a sense of wonder and awe in the reader. We can almost imagine ourselves standing at the gates of this paradise, gazing out at the crystal streams and feeling a sense of peace and tranquility.

But the poem is not just about the beauty of this paradise. It is also about the journey to get there. The speaker describes the "toil" and "sorrow" that must be endured in order to reach this place. This is an important reminder that paradise is not something that can be easily attained. It requires hard work and perseverance, and it is often only through struggle and hardship that we can truly appreciate the beauty of the destination.

The poem also touches on the idea of death and the afterlife. The speaker asks if this paradise is "where the souls of the faithful go," suggesting that it is a place where those who have lived a good and virtuous life can find eternal rest. This is a comforting thought, as it suggests that death is not the end, but rather a transition to a new and better existence.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson's use of language is both beautiful and powerful. She uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of this paradise, and her use of repetition and rhyme creates a sense of rhythm and flow that draws the reader in. The poem is also full of symbolism, with the golden gates and crystal streams representing the beauty and perfection of the afterlife.

In conclusion, "Of Paradise's Existence" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that invites us to consider the possibility of a paradise beyond this world. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Dickinson takes us on a journey of exploration and discovery, reminding us that paradise is not something that can be easily attained, but rather something that requires hard work and perseverance. Ultimately, the poem is a reminder that death is not the end, but rather a transition to a new and better existence, a place where our souls can find eternal rest and peace.

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