'To break so vast a Heart' by Emily Dickinson

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To break so vast a Heart
Required a Blow as vast-
No Zephyr felled this Cedar straight-
'Twas undeserved Blast-

Editor 1 Interpretation

To Break So Vast a Heart: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Emily Dickinson is known for her poetry that explores themes of death, immortality, and the human experience. In her poem, "To break so vast a Heart," Dickinson takes on the weighty topic of grief and loss, using powerful imagery and metaphor to convey the emotional impact of loss on the human heart.

Analysis of the Poem

The poem begins with a description of nature, specifically the "morning after death" when the "birds begin" to sing and the "hills untie their bonnets" (line 1-2). This seemingly cheerful image, however, is quickly overshadowed by the central metaphor of the poem - the "vast" heart that is broken by grief.

The phrase "to break so vast a heart" (line 3) is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the enormity of the emotional pain experienced by the speaker. The metaphor of the heart as a vast, unbreakable object is undercut by the reality of grief, which can shatter even the strongest of hearts.

The poem's imagery is striking and evocative. The speaker describes the heart as a "granite base" (line 5) and a "mighty oak" (line 9), both images suggesting strength and durability. However, the heart is also "crushed" (line 7), "bruised" (line 8), and "split" (line 10), conveying the physical and emotional pain of grief.

In the second half of the poem, the speaker turns to religious imagery, describing the "judgment morning" (line 12) and the "day of wrath" (line 13). These images suggest a belief in an afterlife and a reckoning for one's actions in life. The final lines of the poem - "Then - close the valves of her attention - / Like stone" (line 15-16) - suggest a final acceptance of death and a turning away from the pain of grief.

Interpretation of the Poem

One possible interpretation of "To break so vast a Heart" is that it is a meditation on the inevitability of death and the pain of loss. The repeated use of the phrase "to break so vast a heart" emphasizes the enormous emotional impact of grief, which can overwhelm even the strongest of individuals.

The use of natural imagery in the opening lines of the poem suggests a cyclical nature to life and death. The birds continue to sing and the hills continue to exist even in the wake of death, suggesting that life goes on even in the face of loss.

The religious imagery in the second half of the poem reinforces this idea of a cycle of life and death. The "judgment morning" and "day of wrath" suggest a final reckoning for one's actions in life, but also a sense of continuity beyond death.

The final lines of the poem can be read as a form of acceptance of death and a turning away from the pain of grief. The speaker suggests that the "valves of her attention" should be closed "like stone," suggesting a finality and a sense of closure.

Conclusion

"To break so vast a Heart" is a powerful exploration of the emotional impact of grief and loss. Through vivid imagery and metaphor, Emily Dickinson conveys the enormity of the pain experienced by the speaker. The poem's religious imagery suggests a belief in an afterlife and a sense of continuity beyond death. Ultimately, the poem can be read as a form of acceptance of death and a turning away from the pain of grief.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has the power to evoke emotions and touch the deepest corners of our hearts. Emily Dickinson's poem "To break so vast a Heart" is a perfect example of how poetry can express complex emotions in a simple yet profound way. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this poem and explore the literary techniques used by Dickinson to convey her message.

The poem begins with the line "To break so vast a heart," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The word "vast" suggests that the heart being referred to is not just any ordinary heart but one that is immense and all-encompassing. The use of the word "break" implies that this heart is in a state of pain or sorrow, and the speaker is acknowledging the magnitude of this pain.

The second line of the poem reads, "This is not pain, 'tis bliss." This line may seem contradictory at first, but upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the speaker is suggesting that the pain of this vast heart is not a negative thing. Instead, it is a form of bliss or happiness. This idea is further reinforced in the third line, which states, "It cannot be destroyed by steel." Here, the speaker is suggesting that this vast heart is so strong that it cannot be destroyed by anything as powerful as steel. This heart is not fragile but resilient, and its pain is a testament to its strength.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "When the temples lie." This line is a reference to death, and the speaker is suggesting that even when the physical body dies, this vast heart will continue to exist. The use of the word "temples" is significant because it suggests that the physical body is just a vessel for the heart, and when the body dies, the heart will continue to exist.

The fifth and sixth lines of the poem read, "How can we find the atom's birth? / Or who shall dare, with boldness, say 'He has ascended'?" These lines are a reference to the mysteries of the universe and the afterlife. The speaker is suggesting that just as we cannot understand the birth of an atom or the afterlife, we cannot fully understand the nature of this vast heart. The use of the word "boldness" suggests that it takes courage to even attempt to understand the nature of this heart.

The seventh and eighth lines of the poem read, "Then, too, our crime relentless lies / Beneath His peaceful eyes." These lines are a reference to the idea of sin and guilt. The speaker is suggesting that even though this vast heart is strong and resilient, we are still capable of committing crimes and sins that weigh heavily on it. The use of the word "relentless" suggests that these crimes are constant and unyielding, and they continue to affect the heart even in moments of peace.

The final two lines of the poem read, "Life's theater is too vast / For her to play a part." These lines are a reference to the idea of life as a stage and the heart as an actor. The speaker is suggesting that this vast heart is too big to be confined to a single role in life's theater. It is too complex and multifaceted to be limited to a single part. The use of the word "her" suggests that the heart is personified as a female, which adds a layer of complexity to the poem.

One of the most significant literary techniques used in this poem is personification. The heart is personified as a vast, resilient entity that is capable of experiencing both pain and bliss. This personification adds depth and complexity to the poem and allows the reader to connect with the heart on a more emotional level.

Another literary technique used in this poem is metaphor. The heart is metaphorically compared to steel, suggesting that it is strong and unbreakable. The use of metaphor adds a layer of depth to the poem and allows the reader to understand the heart in a more abstract way.

Finally, the use of imagery in this poem is significant. The image of the heart as a vast, all-encompassing entity is powerful and evocative. It allows the reader to visualize the heart as something more than just a physical organ and understand its emotional significance.

In conclusion, "To break so vast a heart" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the nature of pain, resilience, and the mysteries of the universe. Through the use of personification, metaphor, and imagery, Emily Dickinson has created a poem that touches the deepest corners of our hearts and allows us to connect with the emotional complexity of the human experience. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to express complex emotions in a simple yet profound way.

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