'To see her is a Picture-' by Emily Dickinson
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To see her is a Picture-
To hear her is a Tune-
To know her an Intemperance
As innocent as June-
To know her not-Affliction-
To own her for a Friend
A warmth as near as if the Sun
Were shining in your Hand.
Editor 1 Interpretation
To See Her Is a Picture by Emily Dickinson: A Masterpiece of Poetic Imagery
As a lover of poetry, I have always been drawn to Emily Dickinson's unique and evocative style. Her poems are filled with rich imagery and profound insights into the human experience, and one of my personal favorites is "To See Her Is a Picture." In this poem, Dickinson explores the power of visual art to capture the essence of a person, and the ways in which our perceptions of others are shaped by our own perspectives and biases.
At its core, "To See Her Is a Picture" is a meditation on the nature of beauty and the limitations of our perceptions. The poem begins with the speaker describing a portrait of a woman, marveling at how the image captures her subject's unique qualities and personality:
To see her is a Picture—
The Smallest in the Place—
Unqualified to teach a Child—
The Artist—recollects—
Going to draw her Awe with Him—
And worshiping the Grace—
He passes—adjusted in his Hand—
To visit Emily—
Right away, Dickinson sets the stage for a powerful and thought-provoking reflection on the nature of art and beauty. The woman in the portrait is described as "the Smallest in the Place," suggesting that she is not physically imposing or conventionally beautiful. However, the artist is drawn to her nonetheless, recognizing her unique qualities and "worshiping the Grace" that he sees in her.
As the poem continues, we see the speaker reflecting on her own relationship to the woman in the portrait. She acknowledges that her view of the woman is shaped by her own biases and preconceptions:
I read my sentence—steadily—
Reviewed it with my eyes,
Took courage from the Scroll away,
And chastened my replies—
Earlier,—a Phosphorus,—
Unrecognized—of Morn—
Then Noon,—burned brighter—a Vampire
Consecrated—of the Dawn—
In these lines, Dickinson suggests that our perceptions of others are constantly shifting and evolving, influenced by our own experiences and emotions. The speaker acknowledges that her initial view of the woman in the portrait was limited and incomplete, much like the "Phosphorus" that burns brightly in the morning but fades as the day goes on. However, as she continues to reflect on the portrait, she begins to see the woman in a new light, recognizing the "Grace" that the artist saw in her.
Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses vivid and evocative imagery to bring her themes to life. The woman in the portrait is described in terms of her physical appearance, but also her emotional and spiritual qualities:
A light exists in Spring
Not present on the Year
At any other period—
When March is scarcely here
A Color stands abroad
On Solitary Fields
That Science cannot overtake
But Human Nature feels.
In these lines, Dickinson suggests that there is something ineffable and mysterious about the woman in the portrait, a quality that cannot be fully captured in words or images. The "light" and "Color" that she describes are not tangible or measurable, but rather represent the intangible qualities that make us who we are.
As the poem comes to a close, Dickinson returns to the theme of perception and the limitations of our understanding:
So when we stand in the Door—
Dismissal—sustain—
And possibly—adieu—
But shall not kiss—again—
Quite different, is the Interior
Upon the Window pane—
Which none observe—And few perceive—
—A Color stands alone—
Here, Dickinson suggests that our perceptions of others are always limited by our own perspectives and biases. The woman in the portrait may be seen as "small" or unremarkable by some, but to the artist and others who are able to see beyond surface appearances, she is a source of beauty and inspiration. Ultimately, Dickinson reminds us that our understanding of beauty and the world around us is always evolving and incomplete, and that there is always more to be seen and understood.
In conclusion, "To See Her Is a Picture" is a masterful exploration of the nature of beauty and perception. Through vivid imagery and profound insights, Emily Dickinson invites us to reflect on the ways in which our own biases and perspectives shape our perceptions of the world around us, and the ways in which art can help us to see beyond surface appearances and glimpse the deeper qualities that make us who we are. This poem is a true masterpiece of poetic imagery and a testament to Dickinson's enduring legacy as one of the greatest poets of all time.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and create vivid images in the minds of its readers. Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of all time, was a master at this craft. Her poem "To see her is a Picture" is a perfect example of her ability to use words to paint a picture in the reader's mind.
The poem begins with the line "To see her is a Picture," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is describing someone they have seen, and the way they describe this person is as if they were looking at a painting. This comparison is significant because it suggests that the person the speaker is describing is not just beautiful but also has a certain quality that makes them worthy of being immortalized in a painting.
The second line of the poem, "To hear her is a Tune," further emphasizes the idea that this person is not just visually stunning but also has a captivating voice. The use of the word "tune" suggests that the person's voice is not just pleasant to listen to but also has a musical quality to it. This line also creates a sense of harmony between the visual and auditory aspects of the person the speaker is describing.
The third line of the poem, "To know her an Intemperance," is where the poem takes a turn. The word "intemperance" suggests excess or lack of restraint, which is an interesting choice of words to describe someone. It suggests that the person the speaker is describing is not just beautiful and charming but also has a certain wildness or unpredictability to them. This line also suggests that the speaker is not just admiring this person from afar but has a personal connection to them.
The fourth line of the poem, "What metric Passes--show," is perhaps the most enigmatic line in the poem. The word "metric" suggests a system of measurement, which could be interpreted as a reference to the way we measure beauty or value in society. The word "passes" suggests that this system of measurement is not enough to capture the essence of the person the speaker is describing. The word "show" suggests that the speaker is trying to convey something about this person that cannot be measured or quantified.
The fifth and final line of the poem, "Or Pioneer be," is a call to action. The word "pioneer" suggests someone who is exploring new territory or breaking new ground. This line suggests that the person the speaker is describing is not just beautiful and charming but also has a certain quality that inspires others to take action or explore new possibilities. It also suggests that the speaker is not just admiring this person but is also inspired by them.
Overall, "To see her is a Picture" is a beautiful and enigmatic poem that captures the essence of Emily Dickinson's unique style. The poem uses vivid imagery and metaphor to create a sense of beauty and mystery around the person the speaker is describing. It also suggests that there is something about this person that cannot be captured by traditional systems of measurement or value. Finally, the poem ends with a call to action, suggesting that the person the speaker is describing is not just beautiful but also has a certain quality that inspires others to explore new possibilities.
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