'It is an honorable thought,' by Emily Dickinson
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It is an honorable thought,
And makes one lift one's hat,
As one encountered gentlefolk
Upon a daily street,
That we've immortal place,
Though pyramids decay,
And kingdoms, like the orchard,
Flit russetly away.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Emily Dickinson's It is an honorable thought: A Critical Analysis
Emily Dickinson's poems may be small in size, but they always pack a punch, and "It is an honorable thought" is no exception. In just four stanzas, Dickinson explores themes of mortality, honor, and legacy, leaving the reader with much to ponder. This literary analysis will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in the poem, and interpret the meaning behind Dickinson's words.
The Poem
It is an honorable thought, And makes one lift one's hat, As one encountered gentlefolk Upon a daily street,
That we've immortal place, Though pyramids decay, And kingdoms, like the orchard, Flit russetly away.
Themes
The poem's main theme is the transience of human existence in contrast to the idea of immortality. Dickinson meditates on the fleeting nature of human life, using symbols like the pyramids and orchards to convey the idea of impermanence. The poem also explores the concept of honor and how it is bestowed upon certain individuals. Dickinson suggests that there is an inherent nobility in recognizing the impermanence of life and the legacy that one leaves behind.
Symbols
Dickinson uses several symbols to convey her themes. The first symbol is the idea of encountering "gentlefolk" on the street. This symbolizes the idea of meeting individuals who are considered esteemed or honorable in society. The image of lifting one's hat is a sign of respect and honor, highlighting the importance of recognizing and admiring those who have achieved greatness.
The second symbol is the pyramids. Dickinson suggests that even these monumental structures, which were built to last for eternity, are ultimately subject to decay. This symbolizes the fleeting nature of human existence and the idea that no matter how grand our accomplishments may seem, they will eventually crumble to dust.
The third symbol is the orchard, which Dickinson describes as "flit[ting] russetly away." The orchard symbolizes the impermanence of life and the fact that everything eventually fades and disappears. This symbol emphasizes the idea that there is no escaping the inevitability of death and that even the most beautiful things in life are fleeting.
Literary Devices
One of the most striking literary devices used in the poem is Dickinson's use of enjambment. The poem is structured in short lines that often spill over into the next, creating a sense of urgency and momentum. This technique also mimics the idea of life rushing forward, moving relentlessly towards its inevitable end.
The poem also employs repetition to emphasize certain ideas. The phrase "It is an honorable thought" is repeated twice, highlighting the importance of recognizing the nobility in confronting mortality. The repetition of the word "flit" also emphasizes the idea of fleetingness and the inevitability of change.
Dickinson's use of metaphor is also noteworthy. The pyramids are described as "decay[ing]" and the orchard as "flit[ting] russetly away." These metaphors create vivid images that emphasize the transience of life and the fleeting nature of human existence.
Interpretation
Dickinson's poem can be interpreted in several ways, but at its core, it is a meditation on the inevitability of death and the legacy that one leaves behind. The poem suggests that it is honorable to recognize the fleeting nature of life and to admire those who have achieved greatness despite their impermanence.
The poem also highlights the importance of recognizing the beauty and transience of life. The image of the orchard "flitting russetly away" is a reminder that even though life is fleeting, it is still beautiful and worth appreciating.
Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a call to action. Dickinson suggests that it is honorable to recognize the impermanence of life and to strive to leave a lasting legacy. By doing so, one can achieve a sense of immortality, even in the face of death.
Conclusion
Emily Dickinson's "It is an honorable thought" is a short but powerful poem that explores the transience of human existence and the idea of immortality. Through the use of symbols, literary devices, and vivid imagery, Dickinson creates a meditation on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of leaving a lasting legacy. The poem is a reminder to appreciate the beauty of life, even in the face of death, and to strive for greatness in order to achieve a sense of immortality.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her work continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems is "It is an honorable thought," a short but powerful piece that explores the nature of honor and the importance of living a life that is true to oneself.
At its core, "It is an honorable thought" is a meditation on the nature of honor and what it means to live a life that is worthy of respect and admiration. The poem begins with the line "It is an honorable thought to be embraced by all," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson is suggesting that there is something inherently noble and admirable about being embraced by others, and that this is something that we should all strive for in our own lives.
However, the poem quickly takes a turn, with Dickinson acknowledging that this is not always possible. She writes, "The honored live in pain; their privilege is their pain." Here, she is suggesting that those who are truly honorable often suffer for their beliefs and their actions. They may be ostracized or persecuted for standing up for what they believe in, but this is a necessary part of the path to true honor.
Despite this, Dickinson remains optimistic about the power of honor to inspire and uplift us. She writes, "Better to suffer in the cause that brings us joy, than to live a barren life in vain." This line is a powerful reminder that living a life of honor is not always easy, but it is ultimately more fulfilling and meaningful than living a life that is devoid of purpose and passion.
One of the most striking things about "It is an honorable thought" is the way that Dickinson uses language to convey her ideas. The poem is written in a simple, straightforward style, with short lines and a clear, direct message. However, there is a depth and complexity to the language that belies its simplicity. Dickinson uses repetition and alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and musicality, and she employs metaphor and imagery to evoke powerful emotions and ideas.
For example, in the line "The honored signalize their shore," Dickinson uses the metaphor of a shore to represent the endpoint of a journey. The idea of "signalizing" this shore suggests that those who are truly honorable have a clear sense of purpose and direction in their lives, and that they are able to navigate the challenges and obstacles that they encounter along the way.
Similarly, in the line "The honorable is the path / Where children run in dreams," Dickinson uses the image of children running in dreams to represent the innocence and purity of a life lived with honor. The idea of a path suggests that this is something that we can all strive for, and that it is a journey that is open to anyone who is willing to put in the effort and dedication required.
Overall, "It is an honorable thought" is a powerful and inspiring poem that speaks to the importance of living a life that is true to oneself and one's beliefs. Through her use of language and imagery, Dickinson is able to convey a sense of hope and optimism that is both uplifting and inspiring. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply looking for some inspiration in your own life, this poem is sure to resonate with you and leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.
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