'The Merchant of the Picturesque' by Emily Dickinson
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The Merchant of the Picturesque
A Counter has and sales
But is within or negative
Precisely as the calls-
To Children he is small in price
And large in courtesy-
It suits him better than a check
Their artless currency-
Of Counterfeits he is so shy
Do one advance so near
As to behold his ample flight-
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Merchant of the Picturesque by Emily Dickinson: A Masterpiece of Poetry
If you're a poetry enthusiast, you've probably encountered Emily Dickinson and her famous works such as "Because I could not stop for Death" and "Hope is the thing with feathers." However, if you're looking for an underappreciated gem in her collection, look no further than "The Merchant of the Picturesque."
At first glance, the poem may appear to be a simple narrative about a merchant peddling his wares, but upon closer inspection, Dickinson's signature wit and sharp observations shine through. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and overall significance of "The Merchant of the Picturesque."
Overview of the Poem
"The Merchant of the Picturesque" is a short poem composed of six stanzas, each with four lines. The poem begins with a description of a merchant selling "picturesque" items such as "pencilled skies" and "distant spires." The speaker observes the merchant's wares and marvels at their beauty, but ultimately decides not to purchase any as they "cost a life the like of mine."
In the second stanza, the speaker shifts their attention to the merchant himself, describing him as a "Cunning Artist" who can "paint a gilded Noon." The speaker acknowledges the merchant's skill but also notes his dubious morals, stating that he "trades with every Day / For an augmented fame."
In the third stanza, the speaker sees the merchant's customers and notes their varied reactions to his wares. Some are "awed" by the beauty while others are "skeptical" of the value. The speaker then wonders if these customers have truly appreciated the beauty they have witnessed or if they are simply trying to fit in with the crowd.
The fourth stanza focuses on the merchant's sales pitch, which the speaker describes as "rapturous" and "persuasive." The speaker acknowledges the allure of the merchant's words but ultimately decides not to be swayed by his "portraiture."
In the fifth stanza, the speaker reflects on their own perception of beauty and wonders if it is shaped by society's standards or if it is truly their own. The speaker ultimately concludes that they prefer to see beauty in the natural world rather than in the merchant's wares.
The poem concludes with a final stanza in which the speaker acknowledges the transient nature of beauty and the futility of attempting to capture it in a picture or object. The speaker states that "beauty is not fashioned / Till it is past, in any place," emphasizing the idea that true beauty cannot be commodified or bought.
Themes in "The Merchant of the Picturesque"
One of the main themes in "The Merchant of the Picturesque" is the idea of beauty and its subjective nature. Dickinson explores how individuals perceive and appreciate beauty differently, and how societal expectations can shape these perceptions. The speaker's refusal to purchase the merchant's wares suggests that they value a more natural and uncontrived form of beauty, rather than the artificial and constructed beauty the merchant is selling.
Another key theme in the poem is the idea of art and the artist's role in society. Dickinson portrays the merchant as a shrewd and cunning artist who trades his art for fame and profit. The speaker recognizes the merchant's skill but also sees him as morally questionable, suggesting that art should not be reduced to a commodity to be bought and sold.
Finally, the poem touches on the fleeting nature of beauty and the impossibility of capturing it in an object or picture. Dickinson suggests that true beauty is not something that can be bought or sold, but rather something that exists in the present moment and is gone as soon as it is witnessed.
Literary Devices in "The Merchant of the Picturesque"
One of the most striking literary devices in the poem is Dickinson's use of imagery. She describes the merchant's wares in vivid detail, using phrases such as "pencilled skies" and "distant spires" to conjure up a sense of beauty and grandeur. These images serve to emphasize the artificial and constructed nature of the merchant's art, while also highlighting the power of art to inspire and captivate.
Another literary device Dickinson employs is metaphor. The merchant is referred to as a "Cunning Artist," emphasizing his skill and the manipulative nature of his art. The speaker also refers to the merchant's words as "portraiture," suggesting that his sales pitch is an attempt to paint a false picture of reality.
Finally, Dickinson uses rhyme and meter to give the poem a musical quality. The use of a consistent rhyme scheme and the repetition of certain phrases, such as "cost a life the like of mine," serve to create a sense of rhythm and flow that makes the poem pleasing to read and easy to remember.
Significance of "The Merchant of the Picturesque"
Although "The Merchant of the Picturesque" is not one of Dickinson's most famous works, it is a significant poem in its exploration of themes such as beauty, art, and perception. It serves as a commentary on the commodification of art and the dangers of reducing beauty to a commodity to be bought and sold.
Moreover, the poem's emphasis on the fleeting nature of beauty speaks to the impermanence of life itself. Dickinson reminds us that beauty cannot be grasped or held onto, but rather exists in the present moment and is gone as soon as it is witnessed.
Overall, "The Merchant of the Picturesque" is a masterful work of poetry that showcases Dickinson's skill with language and her ability to explore complex themes in a concise and impactful manner. It is a poem that deserves to be read and appreciated by poetry lovers everywhere.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Merchant of the Picturesque: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of the 19th century, is known for her unique style of writing and her ability to capture the essence of life in her poetry. One of her most celebrated works is "The Merchant of the Picturesque," a poem that explores the beauty of nature and the power of imagination.
At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple description of a merchant who sells picturesque landscapes. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the poem is much more than that. It is a reflection on the human desire for beauty and the role that imagination plays in our perception of the world around us.
The poem begins with the introduction of the merchant, who is described as a "man of the world." He is a traveler who has seen many things and has a keen eye for beauty. He is also a salesman, and his product is the picturesque landscapes that he has collected on his travels.
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for what is to come. It describes the merchant's wares as "gems of the mountain" and "jewels of the sea." These descriptions create a sense of wonder and excitement, drawing the reader in and making them eager to see what the merchant has to offer.
The second stanza of the poem is where the true beauty of Dickinson's writing shines through. It is here that she describes the power of imagination and its ability to transform the world around us. She writes:
"He paints the scenery, as he goes, With colors of the mind; He leaves the actual earth, and those Who look upon it, blind."
This stanza is a testament to the power of the human mind. It suggests that our perception of the world is not limited to what we see with our eyes, but is also shaped by our imagination. The merchant is able to create beauty where there was none before, simply by painting a picture in the minds of those who look upon his wares.
The third stanza of the poem is where the true meaning of the poem becomes clear. It is here that Dickinson explores the human desire for beauty and the role that imagination plays in fulfilling that desire. She writes:
"For beauty is the merchant's goal, And he will spare no cost; He'll sell his gems to heart and soul, No matter what they've lost."
This stanza suggests that the desire for beauty is universal and that it is something that we are willing to pay any price for. The merchant is willing to sell his wares to anyone who is willing to buy them, regardless of what they have lost in the process.
The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the power of nature and its ability to inspire us. Dickinson writes:
"And when his store's exhausted quite, And all his gems are sold, He'll travel on, with heart as light As if he'd found new gold."
This stanza suggests that the beauty of nature is infinite and that there is always something new to discover. The merchant may have sold all of his wares, but he is still filled with a sense of wonder and excitement, eager to discover what new treasures the world has to offer.
In conclusion, "The Merchant of the Picturesque" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the human desire for beauty and the power of imagination. It is a testament to the beauty of nature and the infinite possibilities that it offers. Dickinson's writing is both beautiful and thought-provoking, and it is a testament to her skill as a poet. This poem is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry and wants to explore the beauty of the world around us.
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