'The Clock strikes one that just struck two-' by Emily Dickinson

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The Clock strikes one that just struck two-
Some schism in the Sum-
A Vagabond for Genesis
Has wrecked the Pendulum-

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Clock Strikes One That Just Struck Two: An Interpretation

Emily Dickinson's "The Clock Strikes One That Just Struck Two" is a curious poem that seems to evoke a sense of unease and confusion. At first glance, it appears to be a simple description of the sounds of a clock striking, but upon closer examination, it becomes clear that there is more to this poem than meets the eye. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the imagery, themes, and language of the poem to uncover its deeper meaning.

Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its vivid imagery. Dickinson's use of language paints a picture of a dark and eerie night, with the clock serving as a constant reminder of the passage of time. The clock is personified, with its "accent strikingly" and its "tongue" that "gave a stir." The repetition of the phrase "That just struck two" further emphasizes the relentless ticking of the clock, as if it is counting down to some inevitable event.

The imagery of the poem is both haunting and beautiful. The "melancholy strain" of the clock's chimes creates a sense of sadness and loss, while the "murmuring" of the wind outside adds an element of mystery and intrigue. The moon is described as "ghostly," adding to the eerie atmosphere of the poem. The juxtaposition of these different elements creates a complex and layered image of the world in which the poem takes place.

Themes

There are several themes that can be gleaned from Dickinson's poem. One of the most prominent is the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The clock serves as a reminder that time waits for no one, and that every moment is fleeting. The repetition of the phrase "That just struck two" emphasizes the relentless march of time, and the sense that every moment is slipping away.

Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of loneliness and isolation. The speaker is alone in the room with the clock, and there is a sense that they are disconnected from the world outside. The wind outside is described as "murmuring," as if it is speaking a language that the speaker cannot understand. This creates a sense of alienation that is echoed throughout the poem.

Finally, there is a sense of uncertainty and ambiguity that underlies the poem. The clock's chimes are described as a "melancholy strain," but it is not clear what this sadness is directed towards. The wind outside is "murmuring," but it is not clear what it is saying. This ambiguity creates a sense of unease, as if something is not quite right in the world of the poem.

Language

Dickinson's use of language is both simple and complex at the same time. The poem is written in short, staccato sentences that create a sense of urgency and tension. The repetition of the phrase "That just struck two" creates a rhythm that echoes the ticking of the clock. The use of personification and vivid imagery creates a rich and complex world that draws the reader in.

At the same time, there is a sense of ambiguity and mystery that pervades the poem. The language is often vague and open to interpretation, with phrases like "murmuring wind" and "melancholy strain" that could be interpreted in a variety of ways. This ambiguity creates a sense of unease and excitement, as the reader is left to fill in the gaps and imagine what might be happening beyond the words on the page.

Interpretation

So what does it all mean? What is the deeper message that Dickinson is trying to convey through this poem?

At its core, "The Clock Strikes One That Just Struck Two" is a meditation on the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The clock serves as a constant reminder that every moment is fleeting, and that we are all hurtling towards some unknown future. The wind outside represents the forces of change and uncertainty that are always present in our lives, but which we cannot control.

At the same time, the poem is a reflection on the human experience of loneliness and isolation. The speaker is alone in the room with the clock, and there is a sense that they are disconnected from the world outside. This is a feeling that many of us can relate to, particularly in the age of social media and digital communication, where we are more connected than ever before, but often feel more alone.

Finally, there is a sense of ambiguity and mystery that underlies the poem. The language is often vague and open to interpretation, creating a sense of unease and excitement as the reader is left to fill in the gaps and imagine what might be happening beyond the words on the page. This ambiguity is perhaps the most powerful aspect of the poem, as it allows each reader to bring their own experiences and interpretations to the text, creating a unique and personal reading experience.

Conclusion

"The Clock Strikes One That Just Struck Two" is a complex and powerful poem that explores themes of time, change, loneliness, and ambiguity. Through vivid imagery, simple yet complex language, and a sense of mystery and unease, Dickinson creates a world that is both haunting and beautiful. As we read the poem, we are reminded of our own mortality, our own loneliness, and our own ability to find meaning in a world that is often bewildering and confusing. It is a poem that stays with us long after we have put it down, a testament to the enduring power of great literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Clock Strikes One That Just Struck Two: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poetry

Emily Dickinson is one of the most renowned poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems is "The Clock strikes one that just struck two," which is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that has been analyzed and interpreted in many different ways over the years. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and explore its meaning and significance.

First, let's examine the poem itself. "The Clock strikes one that just struck two" is a short, four-line poem that is written in Dickinson's signature style of short, concise lines and unconventional punctuation. The poem reads as follows:

The Clock strikes one that just struck two— Some schism in the Sum— A Vesper’s, howling, bonnetless— The wind—some Joy—of whom?

At first glance, the poem may seem cryptic and difficult to understand. However, upon closer examination, we can begin to unravel its meaning and significance.

The first line of the poem, "The Clock strikes one that just struck two," sets the scene and establishes the central theme of time. The clock is a symbol of the passage of time, and the fact that it strikes one that just struck two suggests a sense of disorientation and confusion. This idea of time being fluid and uncertain is further reinforced in the second line, which refers to "some schism in the Sum." The word "schism" suggests a division or separation, and the word "Sum" could be interpreted as a reference to the totality of time. Thus, the line suggests that there is some sort of disruption or division in the flow of time.

The third line of the poem introduces a new image: "A Vesper's, howling, bonnetless." A vesper is a type of evening prayer, and the fact that it is howling and bonnetless suggests a sense of wildness and freedom. This image could be interpreted as a symbol of the human spirit, which is free and untamed, even in the face of the strictures of time.

Finally, the last line of the poem poses a question: "The wind—some Joy—of whom?" This line is perhaps the most enigmatic of the poem, and its meaning is open to interpretation. Some readers have suggested that the wind represents the passage of time, while others have suggested that it represents the human spirit. The phrase "some Joy" suggests a sense of happiness or contentment, and the question "of whom?" suggests that this joy is somehow connected to the other images in the poem.

So what does all of this mean? At its core, "The Clock strikes one that just struck two" is a meditation on the nature of time and the human spirit. The poem suggests that time is not a fixed and immutable force, but rather something that is fluid and subject to change. The image of the howling, bonnetless vesper suggests that the human spirit is similarly free and untamed, and that it is capable of transcending the strictures of time.

The poem also suggests a sense of mystery and ambiguity. The question "The wind—some Joy—of whom?" is never fully answered, and the poem leaves us with a sense of uncertainty and wonder. This ambiguity is a hallmark of Dickinson's style, and it is one of the reasons why her poetry continues to captivate readers to this day.

In conclusion, "The Clock strikes one that just struck two" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of time and the human spirit. Through its use of vivid imagery and enigmatic language, the poem invites us to contemplate the mysteries of existence and to embrace the freedom and wildness of the human spirit. It is a testament to Dickinson's genius as a poet, and it continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.

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