'Which is the best-the Moon or the Crescent?' by Emily Dickinson

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Which is the best-the Moon or the Crescent?
Neither-said the Moon-
That is best which is not-Achieve it-
You efface the Sheen.Not of detention is Fruition-
Shudder to attain.
Transport's decomposition follows-
He is Prism born.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dickinson's Delightful Diction: An Exciting Critique of "Poetry: Which is the best – the Moon or the Crescent?"

Is it possible to compare the beauty of the moon to that of the crescent? Does the crescent represent a fleeting moment of beauty, while the moon embodies a constant source of wonder? These are the questions that Emily Dickinson explores in her charming poem, "Poetry: Which is the best – the Moon or the Crescent?"

At the heart of this poem is the idea of the eternal versus the temporary, and Dickinson's language is a delight to explore in order to fully understand her interpretation of these concepts. From the opening line, she employs a playful tone that sets the stage for the whimsical journey that follows:

Poetry: Which is the best – the Moon or the Crescent? Lest I ask too soon – Without a word of boasting – Or like a Haughty Tune –

The use of the word "boasting" creates an immediate sense of humility on the part of the speaker, while the comparison to a "haughty tune" suggests a warning against arrogance. Dickinson's choice of words is both deliberate and effective, as she invites the reader to consider the question at hand without any preconceived notions or biases.

As the poem progresses, Dickinson continues to use language that is both playful and profound. Consider the following lines:

Better than the Eider Duck's Deep Pillow to have shared – Only the Wrestlers – And the Seamen – know –

This stanza is particularly interesting because it uses a comparison to nature to illustrate the idea of companionship. Dickinson suggests that the "Eider Duck's Deep Pillow" is a place of comfort and safety, much like the bond between two individuals. However, she also suggests that this bond is only truly understood by those who have faced the struggles and challenges of life – "the Wrestlers and the Seamen." This is a beautiful and poignant metaphor, one that speaks to the universal experiences of human existence.

Another example of Dickinson's knack for playful language can be found in the following lines:

Better than the Beads of Blood The Bear – encounter – beads – When He – with He – meets – Sick – Transit – Gloria –

Here, Dickinson uses a clever metaphor to illustrate the concept of mortality. The "beads of blood" represent the individual moments of life, strung together to create a larger picture. However, the encounter with death is like the meeting of two bears, where the "beads" are scattered and lost. The final line, "Sick – Transit – Gloria," is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the passage to the afterlife is both painful and glorious.

Ultimately, Dickinson's use of language in "Poetry: Which is the best – the Moon or the Crescent?" is a testament to her skill as a poet. She is able to use playful language to explore profound ideas, creating a work that is both enjoyable and thought-provoking. Whether one believes that the moon or the crescent is the "best" is ultimately up to interpretation, but Dickinson's poem serves as a reminder that sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and stir the soul. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "Which is the best-the Moon or the Crescent?" by Emily Dickinson. This classic poem is a beautiful exploration of the beauty and mystery of the moon and the crescent. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the poem's meaning, symbolism, and literary devices.

The poem begins with a simple question, "Which is the best-the Moon or the Crescent?" This question sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a contemplation of the beauty and mystery of these celestial bodies. The speaker of the poem is not interested in finding a definitive answer to this question but rather in exploring the different qualities of the moon and the crescent.

The moon is a symbol of beauty and mystery in many cultures. In this poem, the moon is described as "pale" and "cold." These words evoke a sense of otherworldliness and mystery. The moon is also described as "majestic," which suggests that it is a powerful force in the universe. The moon's beauty is further emphasized by the use of the word "pearl" to describe it. This word conjures up images of something precious and rare, adding to the moon's allure.

On the other hand, the crescent is described as "faint" and "dim." These words suggest that the crescent is not as powerful or majestic as the moon. However, the crescent is also described as "sweet" and "fair." These words suggest that the crescent has a delicate beauty that is different from the moon's. The crescent is also described as "young," which suggests that it is a symbol of new beginnings and fresh starts.

The poem's exploration of the moon and the crescent is not just a contemplation of their physical qualities but also a reflection on their symbolic meanings. The moon is often associated with femininity and the goddess, while the crescent is associated with Islam and the symbol of the new moon. The poem's exploration of these symbols adds depth and complexity to its meaning.

The poem's use of literary devices also adds to its beauty and meaning. The poem is written in quatrains, which gives it a structured and rhythmic feel. The use of rhyme also adds to the poem's musicality. For example, the rhyme scheme in the first stanza is ABAB, which creates a sense of symmetry and balance.

The poem's use of imagery is also noteworthy. The moon is described as "pale as a pearl" and "majestic as a queen." These images create a sense of grandeur and beauty. The crescent is described as "sweet as a smile" and "fair as a dream." These images create a sense of delicacy and fragility. The use of imagery in the poem helps to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind and adds to the poem's emotional impact.

The poem's exploration of the moon and the crescent can also be seen as a metaphor for the human experience. The moon, with its cold and majestic beauty, can be seen as a symbol of the challenges and hardships that we face in life. The crescent, with its sweet and delicate beauty, can be seen as a symbol of the hope and new beginnings that we can find in life. The poem's exploration of these symbols suggests that both the challenges and the hope are necessary parts of the human experience.

In conclusion, "Which is the best-the Moon or the Crescent?" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the beauty and mystery of the moon and the crescent. The poem's use of symbolism, literary devices, and imagery creates a vivid and emotional picture in the reader's mind. The poem's exploration of these symbols can also be seen as a metaphor for the human experience, suggesting that both the challenges and the hope are necessary parts of life. This classic poem by Emily Dickinson is a testament to the power of poetry to evoke emotions and stir the soul.

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