'The Opening and the Close' by Emily Dickinson

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The Opening and the Close
Of Being, are alike
Or differ, if they do,
As Bloom upon a Stalk.That from an equal Seed
Unto an equal Bud
Go parallel, perfected
In that they have decayed.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Opening and the Close by Emily Dickinson: A Detailed Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Introduction

The poetry of Emily Dickinson, an American poet, is widely recognized for its unique style, use of language, and themes of death and immortality. Her poetry often reflects her interest in the metaphysical and the spiritual, and her unique perspective of the world around her. One of her most popular poems, "The Opening and the Close," is a reflection on the cycle of life and death, and the mystery of what comes after.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will analyze the themes, symbolism, and poetic devices used in "The Opening and the Close," and provide a deeper understanding of Dickinson's view on the cycle of life and death.

Analysis

Themes

Death and immortality are the primary themes in "The Opening and the Close." Dickinson explores the idea that death is not an end, but rather a new beginning. Through the use of symbolism and poetic devices, she suggests that death is a transition to a new state of being, and that the cycle of life and death is ongoing.

Symbolism

Dickinson uses several symbols in "The Opening and the Close" to convey her message about death and immortality. One of the most prominent symbols is the "door," which represents the transition from life to death. The door is described as being "ajar," suggesting that death is not a complete closure, but rather a transition to another state of being.

Another important symbol is the "key," which represents the mystery of what lies beyond death. The key is described as being "in the lock," suggesting that the answer to this mystery is within reach, but not yet revealed.

Poetic Devices

Dickinson's use of poetic devices, such as metaphor and imagery, adds to the overall effect of the poem. One of the most powerful metaphors in the poem is the comparison between life and a "fading flower." This metaphor suggests that life is temporary, but also beautiful and meaningful.

The use of imagery in the poem is also significant. The image of the "sunset" represents the end of life, while the image of the "morning sun" represents the beginning of a new day, or a new life. This imagery reinforces the idea that death is not an end, but rather a transition to a new state of being.

Structure

The structure of "The Opening and the Close" is also significant. The poem is divided into two stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza describes the "opening" of life, while the second stanza describes the "close" of life. This structure reinforces the idea that life is cyclical, and that death is not an end, but rather a new beginning.

Language and Tone

Dickinson's use of language and tone in "The Opening and the Close" is also significant. The language is simple and direct, yet also powerful and evocative. The tone is introspective and reflective, suggesting that the poem is a personal meditation on the cycle of life and death.

Interpretation

Through the use of symbolism, poetic devices, and structure, Dickinson suggests that death is not an end, but rather a new beginning. The door symbolizes the transition from life to death, and the key represents the mystery of what lies beyond. The metaphor of the fading flower suggests that life is temporary, but also beautiful and meaningful. The imagery of the sunset and the morning sun reinforces the idea that death is a cyclical part of life.

Dickinson's use of language and tone suggests that "The Opening and the Close" is a personal meditation on the cycle of life and death. It is a reflection on the mystery of what comes after, and a reminder that death is not an end, but rather a transition to a new state of being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Opening and the Close" is a powerful reflection on the cycle of life and death. Through the use of symbolism, poetic devices, and structure, Dickinson suggests that death is not an end, but rather a new beginning. The poem is a personal meditation on the mystery of what lies beyond, and a reminder that death is a cyclical part of life. Dickinson's unique perspective and use of language make "The Opening and the Close" a timeless work of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, and her poem "The Opening and the Close" is a masterpiece that showcases her unique style and poetic genius. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's ability to use language to convey complex emotions and ideas in a simple and direct way. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem "The Opening and the Close" consists of two stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza describes the opening of a flower, while the second stanza describes the closing of the flower. However, the poem is not just about a flower; it is a metaphor for life and death, and the cyclical nature of existence.

The opening stanza begins with the line "The opening and the close of being." This line sets the tone for the entire poem, as it establishes the theme of life and death. The word "being" refers to existence, and the phrase "opening and the close" refers to the beginning and end of life. The use of the word "and" suggests that these two events are connected, and that one cannot exist without the other.

The second line of the stanza reads, "are but one." This line reinforces the idea that life and death are interconnected, and that they are part of the same cycle. The use of the word "one" suggests that there is a unity to existence, and that everything is connected.

The third line of the stanza describes the opening of a flower. Dickinson writes, "Sorrowful seed, to reap but thorn." This line is a metaphor for the pain and suffering that is inherent in life. The "sorrowful seed" represents the beginning of life, and the "thorn" represents the difficulties and challenges that we must face. The use of the word "reap" suggests that these challenges are inevitable, and that we must accept them as part of the cycle of life.

The final line of the stanza reads, "Pleasures lay in furrowed hours." This line is a contrast to the previous line, as it suggests that there is also joy and happiness to be found in life. The phrase "furrowed hours" refers to the passage of time, and suggests that we must work hard and persevere in order to find happiness.

The second stanza of the poem describes the closing of the flower. Dickinson writes, "Opening and closing the same bud." This line is a repetition of the theme established in the first stanza, and reinforces the idea that life and death are part of the same cycle.

The second line of the stanza reads, "Blowing and dying is but a breath." This line is a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life. The words "blowing and dying" refer to the beginning and end of life, while the phrase "but a breath" suggests that life is short and transitory.

The third line of the stanza describes the closing of the flower. Dickinson writes, "One a frankincense, the other myrrh." This line is a reference to the gifts that were brought to the baby Jesus by the wise men. Frankincense was a symbol of divinity, while myrrh was a symbol of mortality. The use of these two symbols suggests that life is both divine and mortal, and that we must accept both aspects of our existence.

The final line of the stanza reads, "Dying's but a different kind of living." This line is a powerful statement about the nature of death. It suggests that death is not an end, but a transition to a different kind of existence. The use of the word "living" suggests that there is still life after death, and that we should not fear it.

In terms of literary devices, Dickinson uses a number of techniques to convey her ideas and emotions. One of the most prominent is metaphor, as she uses the image of a flower to represent life and death. She also uses repetition, as she repeats the phrase "opening and closing" in both stanzas. This repetition reinforces the idea that life and death are part of the same cycle.

Another literary device that Dickinson uses is allusion, as she references the gifts of the wise men in the second stanza. This allusion adds depth and complexity to the poem, as it connects the themes of life and death to the story of the birth of Jesus.

In conclusion, "The Opening and the Close" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of life and death, and the cyclical nature of existence. Through the use of metaphor, repetition, and allusion, Emily Dickinson creates a work of art that is both profound and beautiful. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's poetic genius, and a reminder of the power of language to convey complex emotions and ideas.

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