'Witchcraft was hung, in History' by Emily Dickinson
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Witchcraft was hung, in History,
But History and I
Find all the Witchcraft that we need
Around us, every Day-
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry Analysis: Witchcraft was hung, in History by Emily Dickinson
Are you ready to delve into the enchanting world of Emily Dickinson's poetry? "Witchcraft was hung, in History," is a hauntingly beautiful piece that explores the persecution of witches in history. In this literary criticism, we will analyze the themes, literary devices, and poetic techniques used by Emily Dickinson to convey the message of this poem.
Themes
The central theme of this poem is the persecution of witches and the fear that accompanies it. Dickinson takes us on a journey through history to show us how witches were regarded as evil, and how they were punished for their alleged crimes. The narrator describes the hanging of witches and the fear that gripped society at the time. She paints a picture of a world where people are afraid of the unknown and are willing to do anything to protect themselves.
Another theme in this poem is the power of language. The narrator uses language to describe the persecution of witches and the fear that accompanied it. She shows us how words can be used to manipulate people and create fear. The poem is a reminder that words have power, and we must be careful how we use them.
Literary Devices
Dickinson uses several literary devices to convey the themes of the poem. One of the most prominent devices is imagery. The narrator uses vivid imagery to describe the hanging of witches and the fear that accompanied it. The reader can almost feel the tension in the air as the accused women are led to the gallows.
Another literary device used in this poem is repetition. The narrator repeats the phrase "witchcraft was hung" several times throughout the poem. This repetition creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the central theme of the poem.
The use of personification is also evident in this poem. The narrator personifies "History" as if it were a person who witnessed the events firsthand. This personification creates a sense of intimacy between the narrator and the reader, as if they are both witnessing the events together.
Poetic Techniques
One of the most striking poetic techniques used in this poem is the use of enjambment. Dickinson uses enjambment to create a sense of fluidity in the poem. The lines flow seamlessly into each other, creating a sense of movement that mirrors the historical events described in the poem.
Another poetic technique used in this poem is the use of caesura. Dickinson uses caesura to create pauses in the poem, which allows the reader to reflect on the events described. The pauses also create a sense of tension, as if the reader is waiting for something to happen.
The use of rhyme in this poem is also significant. Dickinson uses rhyme to create a sense of unity and to tie the poem together. The rhyme scheme is AABBCCDDD, which creates a sense of order and structure in the poem.
Interpretation
"Witchcraft was hung, in History," is a powerful poem that explores the themes of persecution and fear. Dickinson uses vivid imagery and repetition to create a sense of urgency and emphasize the central theme of the poem. The use of literary devices such as enjambment, caesura, and rhyme, create a sense of movement, tension, and unity in the poem.
The poem can be interpreted as a commentary on the power of language and how it can be used to manipulate people. Dickinson shows us how words have been used throughout history to create fear and hysteria, and how this fear has led to the persecution of innocent people.
The poem can also be interpreted as a warning. Dickinson warns us of the dangers of fear and ignorance, and how they can lead to the persecution of those who are different. The poem is a reminder that we must be careful how we use our words, and that we must always be willing to fight against injustice and tyranny.
Conclusion
"Witchcraft was hung, in History," is a hauntingly beautiful poem that explores the themes of persecution and fear. Dickinson uses literary devices such as imagery, repetition, and personification, to create a sense of urgency and emphasize the central theme of the poem. The poem can be interpreted as a commentary on the power of language and a warning of the dangers of fear and ignorance. It is a reminder that we must be careful how we use our words, and that we must always be willing to fight against injustice and tyranny.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson’s poem, “Witchcraft was hung, in History,” is a haunting and evocative exploration of the power of language and the way that history is shaped by those who write it. Through her use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Dickinson creates a world in which the past is alive and present, and the words we use to describe it have the power to shape our understanding of it.
At its core, “Witchcraft was hung, in History” is a meditation on the way that language can be used to control and manipulate people. The poem begins with the image of a witch being hung, a brutal and violent act that is meant to serve as a warning to others. But as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the real target of this violence is not the witch herself, but the language that she represents.
In the second stanza, Dickinson writes, “’Twas not her blameless breast did feel / The anguish, but the tool / That pierced her soul – to write a verse / That might create a fool.” Here, the “tool” that Dickinson refers to is not the rope or the gallows, but the pen. The witch is not being punished for any crime she has committed, but for the power of her words. Her ability to write poetry is seen as a threat to the established order, and so she must be silenced.
This idea is further developed in the third stanza, where Dickinson writes, “The scaffold was high – and higher – / And the penitent sky / Was scarlet with signifieds.” Here, the “signifieds” are the symbols and meanings that are attached to words. The sky is “penitent” because it is complicit in the violence that is being done to the witch. It is scarlet because it is stained with the blood of the language that has been silenced.
Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses vivid and evocative imagery to convey the power of language and the way that it can be used to control and manipulate people. In the fourth stanza, she writes, “’Twas not the cruelest sting of all / But this was it – she missed it – / That when the sentence – skilled – unfurled / Its venom in the air / Terror took hold of her alone / And she was sentenced – there.” Here, the “sentence” that Dickinson refers to is not the punishment that the witch receives, but the words that are used to describe her. The “venom” that is unfurled is the language that is used to demonize and dehumanize her.
Despite the bleakness of its subject matter, “Witchcraft was hung, in History” is ultimately a hopeful poem. Dickinson suggests that even though language can be used to control and manipulate people, it also has the power to liberate them. In the final stanza, she writes, “The truth – is shorter than the tale / That topples from the lip – / Love is the fellow of the jail / No warder can forget.” Here, Dickinson suggests that the truth is more powerful than the lies that are used to control people. Love, she suggests, is the key to unlocking the power of language and using it for good.
In conclusion, “Witchcraft was hung, in History” is a powerful and evocative exploration of the power of language and the way that it can be used to control and manipulate people. Through her use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Dickinson creates a world in which the past is alive and present, and the words we use to describe it have the power to shape our understanding of it. Despite its bleak subject matter, the poem ultimately suggests that the truth is more powerful than the lies that are used to control people, and that love is the key to unlocking the power of language and using it for good.
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