'Unto the Whole-how add?' by Emily Dickinson

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Unto the Whole-how add?
Has "All" a further realm-
Or Utmost an Ulterior?
Oh, Subsidy of Balm!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry that Speaks to the Soul: An Interpretation of Emily Dickinson's "Unto the Whole - how add?"

Emily Dickinson is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets in American literature. Her poetry is known for its unconventional style, enigmatic themes, and profound insights into the human condition. One of her most celebrated poems is "Unto the Whole - how add?" which is a meditation on the nature of identity, individuality, and the interconnectedness of all things. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the meaning and significance of this poem, and why it continues to resonate with readers today.

The Poem: "Unto the Whole - how add?"

Unto the Whole - how add? Subtract the Thing's enormity And you will guess the size of it Large - dwindled - play Help Thrones - and Glove - and Boy Bidding the Past farewell Gently - o'er Time's distaff - The very Fiberal

Analysis

"Unto the Whole - how add?" is a poem that examines the relationship between the individual and the universe. The poem begins with the question "Unto the Whole - how add?" which suggests a desire to understand how the self can be integrated into the larger whole. The poem then goes on to suggest that in order to understand the size and significance of the self, one must subtract its enormity. This is a paradoxical statement, as the self is often associated with grandiosity and importance, but Dickinson suggests that it is only by subtracting this sense of self-importance that one can gain a true understanding of its size and place in the world.

Dickinson then goes on to describe the self as both "Large" and "dwindled." This suggests that the self is simultaneously grand and insignificant, which further underscores the paradoxical nature of identity. The self is large in the sense that it is unique and complex, but it is also dwindled in the sense that it is just one tiny part of the larger whole. This paradox is further emphasized in the next line, where Dickinson suggests that the self is a "play." This suggests that the self is not a fixed, immutable entity, but rather something that is constantly in flux and subject to change.

The poem then goes on to describe three objects: thrones, gloves, and boys. These objects are all associated with power, authority, and youth, which suggests that they are symbols of the self. Dickinson suggests that these objects "help" the self, which implies that they are necessary for the self to function and thrive in the world. However, she also suggests that the self must bid the past farewell and move forward into the future. This suggests that the self is constantly evolving and must adapt to changing circumstances in order to survive.

The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most enigmatic. Dickinson describes the self as "The very Fiberal" which is a play on the word "Fiber" and suggests that the self is a fundamental part of the universe. This suggests that the self is not separate from the universe, but rather an integral part of it. The image of the distaff is also significant, as it is a tool used for spinning yarn. This suggests that the self is something that is created and shaped over time, just as yarn is created through the process of spinning.

Interpretation

"Unto the Whole - how add?" is a poem that speaks to the soul. It is a meditation on the nature of identity and the interconnectedness of all things. The poem suggests that the self is a paradoxical entity, simultaneously grand and insignificant, fixed and fluid, unique and universal. It suggests that the self is not separate from the universe, but rather an integral part of it. This is a profound insight into the human condition, as it suggests that we are not isolated individuals, but rather part of a larger whole.

The poem also suggests that the self is not a fixed entity, but rather something that is constantly evolving and subject to change. This is a liberating idea, as it suggests that we are not bound by our past or our present circumstances, but rather have the power to shape our own futures. This is a message of hope and empowerment, as it suggests that we are not victims of fate, but rather architects of our own destiny.

Finally, the poem suggests that the self is something that is created and shaped over time. This suggests that we are not born with a fixed identity, but rather create our own identities through the choices we make and the experiences we have. This is a comforting idea, as it suggests that we have the power to shape our own lives and become the people we want to be.

Conclusion

"Unto the Whole - how add?" is a masterpiece of American poetry. It is a profound meditation on the nature of identity and the interconnectedness of all things. It suggests that the self is a paradoxical entity, simultaneously grand and insignificant, fixed and fluid, unique and universal. It is a liberating and empowering message of hope, suggesting that we are not victims of fate but rather architects of our own destiny. It is a comforting and inspiring message of self-creation and self-discovery, suggesting that we have the power to shape our own lives and become the people we want to be. It is a poem that speaks to the soul and continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Unto the Whole-how add? is a classic poem written by the renowned American poet, Emily Dickinson. This poem is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the nature of poetry and its relationship with the world. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this poem, exploring its themes, structure, and language.

The poem begins with the line, "Poetry unto the whole-how add?" This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it poses a question that is both simple and complex. The question is essentially asking how poetry can be made accessible to everyone, how it can be shared with the world in a way that is meaningful and impactful.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson explores the idea of poetry as a means of communication. She suggests that poetry has the power to connect people, to bridge gaps between different cultures and languages. She writes, "When language fails, and men are dumb, / How eloquent is silence!" Here, she is suggesting that sometimes words are not enough to convey the depth of our emotions and experiences. In these moments, poetry can serve as a powerful tool for expressing ourselves and connecting with others.

The poem also touches on the idea of poetry as a form of transcendence. Dickinson writes, "The soul should always stand ajar, / That if the heaven inquire, / He will not be obliged to wait, / Or shy of troubling her." Here, she is suggesting that poetry can help us to transcend our earthly limitations and connect with something greater than ourselves. Through poetry, we can reach out to the divine and explore the mysteries of the universe.

One of the most striking aspects of this poem is its structure. Dickinson uses a unique form of punctuation and capitalization that is characteristic of her writing style. She capitalizes certain words that are not typically capitalized, such as "Whole" and "Silence," and she uses dashes to create pauses and breaks in the text. This creates a sense of rhythm and flow that is both musical and poetic.

The language of the poem is also noteworthy. Dickinson uses a variety of metaphors and images to convey her ideas. For example, she writes, "The sun proceeds unmoved, / To measure off another day, / For an approving God." Here, she is using the image of the sun as a symbol of the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life. This metaphor helps to reinforce the idea that poetry can help us to connect with something greater than ourselves.

Overall, Poetry Unto the Whole-how add? is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of poetry and its relationship with the world. Through her use of language, structure, and imagery, Dickinson creates a powerful and evocative piece that speaks to the human experience. This poem reminds us of the importance of poetry in our lives and the ways in which it can help us to connect with ourselves, with others, and with the divine.

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