'The Spider as an Artist' by Emily Dickinson
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The Spider as an Artist
Has never been employed-
Though his surpassing Merit
Is freely certifiedBy every Broom and Bridget
Throughout a Christian Land-
Neglected Son of Genius
I take thee by the Hand-
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Spider as an Artist: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
Emily Dickinson's poem "The Spider as an Artist" is a masterpiece of literary art that has endured for generations. This poetic work, like many of her other poems, is a cryptic and enigmatic exploration of the nature of the creative process. The poem is a meditation on the spider as an artist, and it raises important questions about the nature of creativity, the role of the artist in society, and the metaphysical significance of art. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the many layers of meaning in "The Spider as an Artist" and examine the ways in which Dickinson uses language, imagery, and symbolism to create a powerful and haunting work of art.
The Spider as an Artist: Literary Analysis
The poem begins with a simple observation: "The spider as an artist / Has never been employed." On the surface, this seems like a straightforward statement of fact, but as we read on, we realize that Dickinson is using the spider as a metaphor for the creative process. The spider, like the artist, creates something out of nothing, using its own resources and ingenuity.
As the poem continues, Dickinson describes the spider's artistry in detail. She notes the spider's "unwinding / His cinctures light as frost / On every wind unfurled." Here, Dickinson is using language to create a vivid and sensory image of the spider at work. The use of the word "unwinding" suggests a slow, deliberate process of creation, while the phrase "cinctures light as frost" creates an image of delicate, intricate webs.
Dickinson goes on to describe the spider's web as a work of art, noting that it is "a geometrical delight." This phrase is significant because it suggests that the spider's artistry is not simply a matter of instinct or biology, but rather a conscious and deliberate act of creation. The spider, like the artist, is aware of the beauty and elegance of its work and takes pride in it.
As the poem continues, Dickinson shifts her focus to the spider's relationship to the world around it. She notes that the spider's web "is of dust and cobweb made," suggesting that the spider is using the materials at hand to create something new and beautiful. This idea of transformation is central to the poem, and it speaks to the power of the artist to take the raw materials of life and turn them into something transcendent.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most profound. Dickinson writes, "Like the ingredients of a witch's broth / A snow-drop spider, a flower like a froth, / And dead wings carried like a paper kite, / What had that flower to do with being white?" Here, Dickinson is asking a rhetorical question about the nature of beauty and art. What is it that makes something beautiful? Is it the materials used, the skill of the artist, or something else entirely?
Interpretation
At its core, "The Spider as an Artist" is a meditation on the nature of creativity and the role of the artist in society. Dickinson is suggesting that the artist, like the spider, is a creature of instinct and imagination, who creates something out of nothing using the resources at hand. The spider's web, like the artist's work, is a thing of beauty and wonder that speaks to the transformative power of art.
Dickinson is also exploring the idea of beauty and its relationship to the world around us. In the final stanza of the poem, she asks a rhetorical question about the nature of beauty and what it means to be beautiful. She suggests that beauty is not simply a matter of appearance or form, but something deeper and more mysterious.
Finally, "The Spider as an Artist" speaks to the metaphysical significance of art. Dickinson is suggesting that the artist is engaged in a kind of alchemy, transforming the raw materials of life into something transcendent and eternal. The spider's web, like the artist's work, is a thing of wonder and beauty that speaks to something greater than ourselves.
Conclusion
In "The Spider as an Artist," Emily Dickinson has created a powerful and haunting work of art that speaks to the nature of creativity, the role of the artist in society, and the metaphysical significance of art. Through her use of language, imagery, and symbolism, Dickinson has created a work that is both profound and enigmatic, challenging us to think deeply about the nature of beauty, creativity, and the human spirit.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Spider as an Artist: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, was known for her unique style of writing that often explored themes of nature, love, and death. Among her many works, "The Spider as an Artist" stands out as a masterpiece that captures the beauty and intricacy of nature through the eyes of a spider.
In this poem, Dickinson portrays the spider as an artist, weaving its web with precision and skill. The spider's web is compared to a work of art, with its delicate threads forming a pattern that is both beautiful and functional. The poem is a celebration of the spider's creativity and ingenuity, and a reminder of the wonders of the natural world.
The poem begins with the line, "The spider as an artist has never been employed," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson is suggesting that the spider's artistry is not recognized or appreciated by humans, who often view spiders as pests or nuisances. However, she goes on to describe the spider's web as a "symmetrical miracle," highlighting the spider's ability to create something that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Dickinson's use of language in this poem is particularly striking. She describes the spider's web as "a geometrical delight," using words that evoke a sense of wonder and admiration. The spider's web is not just a functional tool for catching prey, but a work of art that is worthy of appreciation in its own right.
The poem also explores the idea of the spider's web as a metaphor for life. Dickinson writes, "The spider spins its own world wide, / Swings out in space its airy net," suggesting that the spider's web is a reflection of its own existence. The spider creates its own world, just as we create our own lives, and the web serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things.
One of the most striking aspects of this poem is the way in which Dickinson portrays the spider as a creative and intelligent being. She writes, "Not symphony nor poem fair / Ever beat that ecstatic sound," suggesting that the spider's artistry is on par with that of human artists. This is a powerful statement, as it challenges the notion that humans are the only beings capable of creating beauty and meaning in the world.
Overall, "The Spider as an Artist" is a masterpiece of poetry that celebrates the beauty and intricacy of nature. Through her portrayal of the spider as an artist, Dickinson challenges our preconceptions about the natural world and invites us to see the beauty in even the smallest and most overlooked creatures. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet and her deep appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.
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