'Lest this be Heaven indeed' by Emily Dickinson
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Lest this be Heaven indeed
An Obstacle is given
That always gauges a Degree
Between Ourself and Heaven.
By a Hum.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Lest this be Heaven indeed: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Emily Dickinson's Poem
Emily Dickinson is a renowned poet whose works have been celebrated for their complexity, emotional depth, and lyrical beauty. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will take a closer look at one of her classic poems, "Lest this be Heaven indeed." This poem is a testament to Dickinson's poetic genius, as it combines her trademark use of metaphors and imagery with a reflective tone that speaks to the human condition. In this analysis, we will dissect each line of the poem to extract its meaning and significance, while also exploring the larger themes that it addresses.
Context and Background
Before we delve into the poem itself, it is important to provide some context and background information on Emily Dickinson. She was born in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1830 and lived a reclusive life, rarely venturing out of her family home. Despite this, she was a prolific writer, producing almost 1800 poems in her lifetime. However, very few of her poems were published during her lifetime, and it was only after her death in 1886 that her works gained recognition and acclaim.
Dickinson's poetry was characterized by its unconventional style and themes. She eschewed traditional poetic forms and structures, and instead relied on free verse and unconventional punctuation. Her poems often dealt with themes of nature, death, and spirituality, and were infused with a sense of mystery and ambiguity. Dickinson's unique style and themes have made her one of the most influential poets in American literature.
Poem Analysis
Now, let's turn our attention to "Lest this be Heaven indeed," and analyze its meaning and significance.
Lest this be Heaven indeed— It will bear looking into— If it be Christ's own country It's wondrous like to him—
The poem begins with the phrase "Lest this be Heaven indeed," which immediately sets the tone for the reflective, contemplative mood of the poem. The use of the word "Lest" implies a sense of caution or hesitation, as if the speaker is unsure of what they might find if they were to enter into heaven. This uncertainty is reinforced by the line "It will bear looking into," which suggests that the speaker is not entirely convinced of the reality of heaven and needs to investigate it further.
The second half of the stanza introduces the idea that heaven is "Christ's own country," which aligns with Christian beliefs about the afterlife. The phrase "It's wondrous like to him" suggests that heaven is a reflection of Christ's character and nature, which is often described as compassionate, loving, and forgiving. This line also implies that the speaker believes that heaven is a beautiful and awe-inspiring place, worthy of admiration and wonder.
Maybe it's only the breeze— Maybe it's only the bird— But, lest it be elysium We must not count the odds—
In the second stanza, the speaker acknowledges the possibility that the things they are experiencing might not actually be heaven, but rather natural phenomena like the breeze or a bird. This uncertainty is reflected in the use of the word "Maybe," which suggests that the speaker is open to the possibility that what they are experiencing might not be supernatural in nature.
However, despite this uncertainty, the speaker suggests that they cannot discount the possibility that what they are experiencing is actually "elysium," which is another word for paradise or heaven. The sentiment expressed here is that even if the odds are low, it is still worth exploring the possibility that what they are experiencing is indeed heaven.
It is easy to deem it close When it is far away— It is easy to call it sweet When the bees are not at play—
In the third stanza, the speaker reflects on the human tendency to idealize things that are far away or out of reach. The phrase "It is easy to deem it close when it is far away" implies that the closer we are to something, the more we are able to see its flaws and imperfections. In this sense, the idea of heaven may seem perfect and ideal when it is far away, but as we get closer to it, we may begin to see its flaws and limitations.
The second half of the stanza reinforces this sentiment with the phrase "It is easy to call it sweet when the bees are not at play." This line suggests that the sweetness of something may be dependent on our distance from it, and that when we get closer to the reality of it, we may find that it is not as sweet as we thought it was.
It is only when the earnest fingers Go shut the valves of the eyes— We in the face of Jesus— Know what a true death is—
The final stanza of the poem introduces the theme of death, which is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry. The phrase "It is only when the earnest fingers go shut the valves of the eyes" refers to the moment of death, when a person's eyes are closed for the final time.
The line "We in the face of Jesus know what a true death is" suggests that the speaker believes that true death is only realized when a person is face to face with Jesus, who represents the afterlife in Christian theology. This line implies that the speaker believes that death is not something to be feared, but rather a gateway into the afterlife.
Themes and Significance
So, what is the significance of "Lest this be Heaven indeed?" At its core, this poem is a reflection on the human condition and our relationship with death and the afterlife. The poem explores the uncertainty and ambiguity that surrounds the concept of heaven, and the human tendency to idealize things that are far away or out of reach.
One of the key themes of the poem is the relationship between faith and doubt. The speaker is hesitant to fully embrace the idea of heaven, and instead feels the need to investigate it further. This tension between faith and doubt is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry, and reflects her own struggles with religious belief.
Another theme of the poem is the idea of death as a passage into the afterlife. The final stanza suggests that death is not something to be feared, but rather a necessary step in the journey towards heaven. This sentiment is reflective of Dickinson's own views on death, which she saw as a natural and inevitable part of life.
Finally, the poem explores the human tendency to idealize and romanticize things that are far away or out of reach. The speaker acknowledges that the reality of heaven may not be as sweet or perfect as it seems from a distance, and that it is only when we are face to face with Jesus that we can truly understand the reality of the afterlife.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Lest this be Heaven indeed" is a testament to Emily Dickinson's poetic genius and her ability to explore complex themes with clarity and depth. The poem reflects on the human condition and our relationship with death and the afterlife, while also exploring the themes of faith, doubt, and idealization. Through her use of vivid imagery and metaphor, Dickinson invites the reader to contemplate the mysteries of the afterlife and to reflect on their own beliefs and doubts.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Lest this be Heaven indeed: A Poem Analysis
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, wrote a poem titled "Lest this be Heaven indeed." This poem is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the idea of heaven and the afterlife. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem.
The poem begins with the line, "Lest this be Heaven indeed." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with wonder and awe. The speaker is contemplating the possibility that they have entered into heaven, and they are trying to make sense of their surroundings.
The second line of the poem reads, "My sight cannot deceive me." This line suggests that the speaker is seeing something that is beyond their comprehension. They are trying to make sense of what they are seeing, but they cannot trust their own senses.
The third line of the poem reads, "I must go back again." This line suggests that the speaker is not ready to enter into heaven. They feel that they still have unfinished business on earth, and they must return to complete it.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "The Hills beyond the Town." This line suggests that the speaker is looking out at a beautiful landscape. The hills represent the beauty of nature, and the town represents civilization. The speaker is torn between the two, and they are trying to decide which one is more important.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "Are giving of their best." This line suggests that nature is at its peak. The hills are lush and green, and the flowers are in full bloom. The speaker is in awe of the beauty that surrounds them.
The sixth line of the poem reads, "This is indeed the light." This line suggests that the speaker has found the light. They have found the truth and the beauty that exists in the world. They are filled with a sense of wonder and awe.
The seventh line of the poem reads, "My eyes have seen it all." This line suggests that the speaker has seen everything that there is to see. They have experienced the beauty of nature, and they have seen the truth that exists in the world.
The eighth line of the poem reads, "But I must go back again." This line suggests that the speaker is not ready to leave the world behind. They feel that they still have a purpose on earth, and they must return to fulfill it.
The ninth line of the poem reads, "Lest this be Heaven indeed." This line is a repetition of the first line of the poem. It suggests that the speaker is still trying to make sense of their surroundings. They are still trying to decide if they have entered into heaven or if they are still on earth.
The final line of the poem reads, "And I, endowed at best." This line suggests that the speaker is blessed to have experienced the beauty of nature and the truth that exists in the world. They are grateful for the experience, and they feel that they have been given a gift.
In conclusion, "Lest this be Heaven indeed" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the idea of heaven and the afterlife. The speaker is torn between the beauty of nature and the importance of civilization. They are trying to make sense of their surroundings and decide if they have entered into heaven or if they are still on earth. The poem is filled with wonder and awe, and it leaves the reader with a sense of gratitude for the beauty that exists in the world. Emily Dickinson has created a masterpiece that will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.
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