'Summer has two Beginnings-' by Emily Dickinson


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Summer has two Beginnings-
Beginning once in June-
Beginning in October
Affectingly again-Without, perhaps, the Riot
But graphicker for Grace-
As finer is a going
Than a remaining Face-Departing then-forever-
Forever-until May-
Forever is deciduous
Except to those who die-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Summer Has Two Beginnings: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poem

When we think of summer, we often associate it with warmth, sunshine, and lazy days. However, Emily Dickinson's poem "Summer has two Beginnings" challenges this traditional view of the season. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism of the poem, and analyze Dickinson's unique perspective on summer.

Background Information

Emily Dickinson was an American poet who lived from 1830 to 1886. She is known for her unconventional style and themes, and is considered one of the greatest poets in American literature. Dickinson lived a reclusive life, rarely leaving her home in Amherst, Massachusetts. During her lifetime, only a small number of her poems were published, but after her death, her family discovered over 1,800 poems in her room. Dickinson's poetry has since become widely recognized for its depth, complexity, and ability to capture the human experience.

Poem Analysis

Title

The title of the poem, "Summer has two Beginnings," immediately captures the reader's attention. The use of the word "beginnings" suggests that there is more than one way to view the season of summer. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which challenges traditional views of summer.

Stanza 1

The first stanza of the poem describes the beginning of summer as a "crimson-cushioned" day. This imagery suggests a warm and cozy atmosphere, but the use of the word "crimson" also implies a sense of danger or warning. The following lines, "That takes the forest prisoner," further emphasize this idea of danger. The forest, which is typically seen as a place of refuge and peace, is being held captive by the heat and intensity of the sun.

Stanza 2

In the second stanza, Dickinson describes a different beginning of summer. This one is marked by "the auroral excitement" of the dawn. Here, we see a contrast to the first stanza. Instead of warmth and coziness, the beginning of summer is associated with excitement and energy. The use of the word "auroral" suggests the colors of the sunrise, and the idea of a new day dawning. This is further emphasized in the next line, "The expectation of the hymn." This line refers to the anticipation of a new beginning, and the sense of hope that comes with it.

Stanza 3

The third stanza of the poem brings together the two beginnings of summer. Dickinson writes, "Our earliest and our latest day/ Are the beginning of our close." Here, she suggests that the beginning and end of summer are connected. This idea is further elaborated on in the next line, "In the fulness of the fancy/ Which in youth we hold." The "fulness of the fancy" refers to the endless possibilities and dreams that we have in our youth. It is a time when anything is possible, and the future is full of hope and promise.

Stanza 4

The final stanza of the poem brings the themes of danger and hope together. Dickinson writes, "And yet, it is not the summer,/ It is the land that holds." Here, we see that the season of summer is not as important as the place where it takes place. The land represents a sense of stability and security, while the summer represents change and uncertainty. The poem ends with the lines, "They cherish an ideal/ As we, strive to fold." This suggests that everyone has their own idea of what summer should be, and that we are all striving to bring our own vision of summer to life.

Interpretation

"Summer has two Beginnings" is a complex poem that challenges traditional views of summer. Dickinson's use of imagery and symbolism creates a sense of danger and uncertainty in the season, which is typically associated with warmth and relaxation. The poem suggests that there are different ways to view summer, and that everyone has their own ideal vision of the season.

One interpretation of the poem could be that it is a commentary on the fleeting nature of youth. The "fulness of the fancy" that is mentioned in the third stanza could represent the dreams and aspirations that we have when we are young. As we grow older, these dreams may fade away, and we are left with the reality of our lives. The two beginnings of summer could represent the choices that we make in life, and the uncertainty and danger that comes with these choices.

Another interpretation of the poem could be that it is a commentary on the role of nature in our lives. The forest that is "taken prisoner" in the first stanza could represent the natural world, which is often at the mercy of human activity. The land that "holds" in the final stanza could represent the importance of preserving nature and the environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "Summer has two Beginnings" is a complex and thought-provoking work that challenges traditional views of the season. Through her use of imagery and symbolism, Dickinson creates a sense of danger and uncertainty in the season, and suggests that everyone has their own ideal vision of summer. The poem can be interpreted in many different ways, but ultimately, it speaks to the fleeting nature of youth and the importance of nature in our lives. Dickinson's unique perspective on summer continues to captivate readers today, and her poetry remains a testament to her talent as a writer.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry enthusiasts and literary scholars alike have long been captivated by the works of Emily Dickinson, one of America's most celebrated poets. Among her many masterpieces is the classic poem "Summer has two Beginnings," a piece that has been analyzed and interpreted by countless individuals over the years. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of this poem, exploring its themes, structure, and language to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.

First, let us examine the poem's structure. "Summer has two Beginnings" is a short, four-line poem that follows a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. The poem's brevity and simplicity are characteristic of Dickinson's style, which often eschewed traditional poetic conventions in favor of a more direct and personal approach. Despite its simplicity, however, the poem is rich in meaning and symbolism, as we shall see.

The first line of the poem, "Summer has two Beginnings," sets the stage for the rest of the piece. At first glance, this line may seem straightforward enough, but upon closer examination, it reveals a deeper layer of meaning. Summer, of course, is a season that is traditionally associated with warmth, growth, and abundance. However, the fact that it has "two beginnings" suggests that there is more to this season than meets the eye. This line hints at the idea that there are multiple ways to experience and interpret summer, and that its true nature may be more complex than we initially assume.

The second line of the poem, "The one when Solstice passed," reinforces this idea by introducing the concept of the summer solstice. The solstice, which occurs around June 21st each year, marks the longest day of the year and is often seen as a turning point in the seasonal cycle. By referencing the solstice, Dickinson is emphasizing the idea that summer is a time of transition and change, and that its true nature may be revealed only after this pivotal moment has passed.

The third line of the poem, "The other when the Birds go down," introduces another layer of symbolism. The phrase "when the Birds go down" is a reference to the end of the day, when birds return to their nests and the world begins to quiet down. This line suggests that there is a second beginning to summer, one that occurs in the evening or at night. This idea is reinforced by the use of the word "other," which implies that this second beginning is distinct from the first and may have its own unique qualities and characteristics.

The final line of the poem, "Some day, perhaps, the two will be one," is perhaps the most enigmatic of all. This line suggests that there is a possibility that the two beginnings of summer may one day merge into a single, unified experience. This idea is both tantalizing and elusive, leaving the reader to wonder what such a merger might look like and whether it is even possible.

So what is the deeper meaning behind "Summer has two Beginnings"? At its core, this poem is about the complexity and ambiguity of human experience. Dickinson is suggesting that there are multiple ways to interpret and experience the world around us, and that our understanding of reality is always in flux. The two beginnings of summer represent two different perspectives or ways of experiencing the season, and the possibility of their merger suggests that there may be a way to reconcile these different perspectives and arrive at a more complete understanding of the world.

The language and imagery used in the poem reinforce this idea of complexity and ambiguity. The use of the word "perhaps" in the final line suggests that the possibility of a merger between the two beginnings of summer is uncertain and contingent upon a variety of factors. The reference to the solstice and the birds going down also suggest a sense of transience and impermanence, as if the true nature of summer is always just out of reach.

At the same time, however, there is a sense of hope and possibility in the poem. The fact that there are two beginnings to summer suggests that there is always more to discover and explore, and that our understanding of the world is never complete. The possibility of a merger between the two beginnings suggests that there is a way to reconcile different perspectives and arrive at a more complete understanding of reality.

In conclusion, "Summer has two Beginnings" is a classic poem that explores the complexity and ambiguity of human experience. Through its use of symbolism, language, and imagery, the poem suggests that there are multiple ways to interpret and experience the world around us, and that our understanding of reality is always in flux. At the same time, however, there is a sense of hope and possibility in the poem, as if the true nature of the world is always just out of reach, waiting to be discovered and explored.

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