'The long sigh of the Frog' by Emily Dickinson

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The long sigh of the Frog
Upon a Summer's Day
Enacts intoxication
Upon the Revery-
But his receding Swell
Substantiates a Peace
That makes the Ear inordinate
For corporal release-

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Long Sigh of the Frog: A Detailed Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Are you ready for a journey into the world of Emily Dickinson's poetry? Buckle up, for we are about to embark on an adventure to unravel the intricate layers of "The Long Sigh of the Frog." With its whimsical title and enigmatic nature, this poem invites us to explore the nuances of life and death, love and loss, and the complexities of the human psyche.

Context and Background

Before we delve into the poem itself, let's take a moment to understand the context in which Emily Dickinson wrote it. Born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, Dickinson is considered one of the greatest American poets of all time. Despite her literary genius, she was notoriously reclusive and only published a handful of poems during her lifetime. Dickinson's poetry is known for its unconventional style, use of slant rhyme and dashes, and its exploration of themes such as death, nature, and spirituality.

"The Long Sigh of the Frog" was written in 1861, during a tumultuous time in American history. The country was on the brink of a civil war, and Dickinson's personal life was also marked by loss and grief. Her father had recently suffered a stroke, and she was dealing with the death of several close friends and family members. It is in this context that we must approach this poem, as a reflection of Dickinson's own experiences and emotions.

Interpretation

Let's now turn our attention to the poem itself. Here is the text in its entirety:

*The long sigh of the Frog
Upon a summer's day,
Enacts intoxication
Upon the Revery.

But his receding Swell
Substantiates a Peace
That makes the Listener adieu,
Forgetful of his size.

The Voice that carried him
Away from Calvary,
To tortures and the Heaving of the Sea—
Is buried, like his tongue,
In Silence—among the Amphibians,
Avoidless as the Grave
Unto the ecstasy
Of Death's own privacy.*

At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple description of a frog's croak on a summer's day. However, as we read on, we realize that there is much more going on beneath the surface.

The first stanza sets the scene: the frog's long sigh is described as an act of "intoxication" upon the "Revery." The use of the word "Revery" is significant here, as it suggests a state of dream-like contemplation or meditation. The frog's croak is not just a sound, but an experience that transports the listener to a different realm of consciousness.

The second stanza is where things get more complex. The frog's "receding Swell" is described as substantiating a peace that makes the listener forgetful of his size. This line is particularly intriguing, as it suggests that the listener is somehow transformed or transcended by the frog's croak. The use of the word "peace" also hints at a sense of calm and tranquility, perhaps even a release from pain or suffering.

The third stanza is where the poem takes a darker turn. We learn that the frog's voice carried him "Away from Calvary," a reference to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The frog's voice was also subjected to "tortures and the Heaving of the Sea," which suggests a sense of violence and suffering. The use of the word "buried" in the next line is significant, as it implies a sense of finality and closure. The frog's voice, like his tongue, is now silenced and buried among the other amphibians.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with a powerful statement about the ecstasy of death's own privacy. This line is particularly striking, as it suggests that death is not just an end, but a state of being that is filled with its own unique pleasures and experiences. The use of the word "privacy" is also significant, as it suggests a sense of isolation and detachment from the outside world.

Themes and Symbolism

Now that we have explored the poem's interpretation, let's turn our attention to its themes and symbolism.

One of the central themes of "The Long Sigh of the Frog" is the idea of transformation. The frog's croak is not just a sound, but an experience that transforms the listener into a different state of consciousness. This transformation is also reflected in the second stanza, where the listener is described as forgetful of his size. This suggests a sense of expansion and release from the constrictions of the physical world.

Another important theme is the idea of death and rebirth. The frog's voice is described as being buried among the other amphibians, which suggests a sense of finality and closure. However, the final stanza hints at a sense of rebirth and renewal, as death is described as having its own unique pleasures and experiences.

The use of symbolism is also significant in this poem. The frog itself can be seen as a symbol of transformation and change, as it undergoes a metamorphosis from a tadpole to an adult. The reference to Calvary in the third stanza is also symbolic, as it suggests a sense of sacrifice and suffering.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Long Sigh of the Frog" is a complex and nuanced poem that invites us to explore the deeper themes and symbolism of life and death, transformation and rebirth. Through its use of language and imagery, Emily Dickinson takes us on a journey into the mysteries of the human psyche, where the boundaries between reality and dream are blurred. As we listen to the frog's croak, we are transported to a different realm of consciousness, where we are free to explore the depths of our own souls.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Long Sigh of the Frog: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poetry

Emily Dickinson is a name that is synonymous with poetry. Her works have been studied, analyzed, and celebrated for over a century. One of her most famous poems is "The Long Sigh of the Frog." This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style and her ability to capture the essence of nature in her writing.

At first glance, "The Long Sigh of the Frog" seems like a simple poem. It is only four lines long, and the language is straightforward. However, upon closer inspection, the poem reveals a deeper meaning and a complex structure.

The poem begins with the line, "The long sigh of the Frog." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The word "sigh" implies a sense of sadness or longing. It suggests that the frog is not content with its current situation. The use of the word "long" emphasizes the depth of the frog's emotion. It is not just a passing feeling; it is something that has been building up inside the frog for a long time.

The second line of the poem is, "At dusk." This line sets the scene for the poem. It tells us that the frog is making this long sigh at a specific time of day. Dusk is a time of transition, a time when the day is ending, and the night is beginning. This transition is significant because it mirrors the frog's own sense of transition. The frog is not content with its current state, and it is longing for something more.

The third line of the poem is, "The chill dew." This line is significant because it adds to the sense of melancholy that the poem creates. The word "chill" suggests a sense of coldness or emptiness. It implies that the frog is feeling alone and isolated. The word "dew" suggests a sense of fragility. It is a delicate substance that can be easily destroyed. This fragility mirrors the frog's own sense of vulnerability. The frog is not strong or powerful; it is fragile and delicate.

The final line of the poem is, "Ages pass." This line is significant because it suggests that the frog's longing is not new. It is something that has been building up inside the frog for a long time. The use of the word "ages" emphasizes the depth of the frog's emotion. It is not just a passing feeling; it is something that has been building up inside the frog for generations.

When we look at the structure of the poem, we can see that it is divided into two parts. The first part of the poem consists of the first three lines. These lines set the scene and create a sense of melancholy. The second part of the poem consists of the final line. This line provides a sense of resolution. It suggests that the frog's longing is not new, but it is something that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Overall, "The Long Sigh of the Frog" is a powerful poem that captures the essence of nature and the human experience. It is a perfect example of Emily Dickinson's unique style and her ability to create complex and meaningful works of art. The poem's use of language, imagery, and structure all work together to create a sense of melancholy and longing. It is a poem that will continue to be studied and celebrated for generations to come.

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