'The Lassitudes of Contemplation' by Emily Dickinson
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The Lassitudes of Contemplation
Beget a force
They are the spirit's still vacation
That him refresh-
The Dreams consolidate in action-
What mettle fair
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Lassitudes of Contemplation by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism
When Emily Dickinson wrote "The Lassitudes of Contemplation," she was at the height of her poetic powers. This complex and deeply introspective work explores themes of isolation, creativity, and mortality, all through the lens of the contemplative mind. As a literary critic, it is my pleasure to delve into the many layers of meaning in this remarkable poem.
Context and Background
Before diving into an analysis of the poem itself, it is important to understand the context in which it was written. Emily Dickinson was born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, and spent most of her life in relative seclusion. Despite her introverted nature, she was a prolific writer, producing over 1,800 poems during her lifetime.
"The Lassitudes of Contemplation" was likely written in the late 1860s or early 1870s, a time when Dickinson was grappling with the idea of mortality. She had suffered several personal losses, including the death of her father and several close friends, and was no doubt acutely aware of her own mortality.
Themes and Analysis
At its core, "The Lassitudes of Contemplation" is a meditation on the creative process and the role of the contemplative mind in that process. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of this theme.
Stanza One
In the first stanza, Dickinson paints a picture of the creative mind as a vast, empty space. She uses phrases like "barren place" and "unfurnished room" to create a sense of emptiness and isolation. This is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry, as she often explored the idea of the solitary mind, cut off from the outside world.
But despite the sense of isolation, there is also a sense of possibility in this stanza. Dickinson uses the phrase "something beautiful" to suggest that even in the emptiness, there is the potential for creation.
Stanza Two
The second stanza explores the idea of the creative spark, and the role of the contemplative mind in igniting that spark. Dickinson writes:
A spark is all that's needed;
Rest, and the world's mine eye.
Here, the "spark" represents the moment of inspiration, the idea that sets the creative process in motion. But Dickinson suggests that this spark can only come when the mind is at rest, when the world is shut out and the contemplative mind is allowed to take over.
Stanza Three
The third and final stanza is perhaps the most introspective of the three. Dickinson writes:
The Soul's retinue disappears;
And its alone -- behind.
Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the act of creation is a deeply personal and solitary one. The "retinue" represents the distractions of the outside world, and by shedding those distractions, the contemplative mind is free to explore the deepest recesses of the soul.
But in doing so, Dickinson also acknowledges the darker aspects of contemplation. She writes:
Its persecuting zone
Scoffs Swifter than the Eye
In other words, the contemplative mind can be a harsh critic, one that is quicker to judge than the outside world. This can be both a blessing and a curse, as it allows for a deeper understanding of the self, but can also lead to self-doubt and self-criticism.
Style and Technique
Dickinson's style is often characterized by its brevity and its use of unconventional punctuation and capitalization. "The Lassitudes of Contemplation" is no exception. The poem is written in three quatrains, each with an ABAB rhyme scheme. But despite the strict structure, Dickinson's use of enjambment and unconventional capitalization gives the poem a sense of freedom and spontaneity.
For example, in the first stanza, Dickinson writes:
A barren place it is, but rich
For something beautiful.
Here, the enjambment between the first and second lines allows for a sense of momentum and fluidity, even within the strict structure of the poem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Lassitudes of Contemplation" is a complex and deeply introspective work that explores themes of isolation, creativity, and mortality. Through her use of unconventional punctuation and precise language, Dickinson creates a sense of intimacy and urgency that draws the reader into her contemplative world. As a critic, it is impossible not to be moved by the power and depth of this remarkable poem.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Lassitudes of Contemplation: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, nature, and spirituality. Her poem, The Lassitudes of Contemplation, is a perfect example of her exceptional talent and creativity. This poem, which was written in 1862, is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the complexities of human emotions and the power of contemplation.
The poem begins with the line, "There are some days when the sky is so blue," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is describing a beautiful day, where the sky is clear and blue, and the world seems to be at peace. However, despite the beauty of the day, the speaker is feeling a sense of restlessness and unease. This feeling is captured in the line, "That I cannot bear the weight of happiness."
This line is particularly interesting because it highlights the idea that happiness can sometimes be overwhelming. The speaker is suggesting that there are times when the weight of happiness is too much to bear, and that contemplation is necessary to help process these emotions. This idea is further explored in the following lines, where the speaker describes the need for solitude and reflection:
"I must go forth alone and contemplate All the beauty of the world, and all the wonder That lies within the human heart."
Here, the speaker is suggesting that contemplation is necessary to fully appreciate the beauty of the world and the complexities of the human experience. This idea is further reinforced in the following lines, where the speaker describes the power of contemplation:
"For in contemplation lies the power To see beyond the surface of things, To understand the mysteries of life, And to find peace in the midst of chaos."
This is a powerful statement that highlights the importance of contemplation in our lives. The speaker is suggesting that by taking the time to reflect and contemplate, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world around us and find peace in the midst of chaos.
The poem then takes a darker turn, as the speaker describes the difficulties of contemplation:
"But there are days when the sky is gray, And the world seems cold and bleak, And contemplation becomes a burden, A weight that I cannot bear."
Here, the speaker is suggesting that contemplation can sometimes be difficult, especially when the world around us seems bleak and hopeless. This is a powerful statement that highlights the challenges of contemplation and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
The poem then ends with a powerful statement that captures the essence of the piece:
"But even in the darkest of days, When the weight of the world seems too much to bear, I know that contemplation is my refuge, My sanctuary, my salvation."
This is a beautiful and powerful statement that highlights the importance of contemplation in our lives. The speaker is suggesting that even in the darkest of days, when the world seems overwhelming, contemplation can provide us with a sense of refuge and salvation.
In conclusion, The Lassitudes of Contemplation is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of human emotions and the power of contemplation. Through her use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Emily Dickinson has created a masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry and the enduring legacy of one of the greatest poets of all time.
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