'Opinion is a flitting thing' by Emily Dickinson

AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay

Opinion is a flitting thing,
But Truth, outlasts the Sun-
If then we cannot own them both-
Possess the oldest one-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Opinion is a flitting thing: A literary interpretation of Emily Dickinson's poem

Introduction

Emily Dickinson is a renowned American poet whose works have elicited diverse interpretations from scholars, critics, and readers alike. One of her most famous poems, "Opinion is a Flitting Thing," has been analyzed from different angles, with critics exploring the complex themes and literary devices used by the poet to convey her message. As we delve into this poem, we will seek to explore the various interpretations and insights that can be gleaned from Dickinson's work.

Overview of the poem

"Opinion is a Flitting Thing" is a short, four-stanza poem that explores the nature of opinion and the impact it has on people's lives. In the poem, Dickinson compares opinion to a "bird" that "soars" and "whispers" in people's ears, but just as quickly "flies away." The poem is characterized by Dickinson's signature style, with its irregular meter, use of dashes, and vivid imagery.

Analysis of the poem

The poem's first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the work, as Dickinson compares opinion to a bird that flits from person to person. The bird is a metaphor for the fleeting nature of opinion, which can change at a moment's notice. The use of the word "soars" suggests that opinion has the power to uplift people, while "whispers" implies that it can be insidious and covert. The line "And not a soul to tell" underscores the personal and subjective nature of opinion, which can be difficult to express to others.

In the second stanza, Dickinson continues to explore the theme of opinion, describing how it can "perch" on a person's head and "sing" in their ear. The use of the word "sing" suggests that opinion can be seductive and alluring, like a siren's song. However, the bird quickly flies away, leaving the person alone with their thoughts. The use of the phrase "perched upon the soul" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that opinion can have a profound impact on a person's sense of self.

The third stanza introduces a new element to the poem, as Dickinson compares opinion to a seed that is planted in the ground. This metaphor implies that opinion can take root and grow, just like a plant. However, just as quickly, the seed can be uprooted and taken away, leaving the person with nothing. The use of the word "bereft" underscores the pain and loss that can come with having one's opinion taken away.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant, as Dickinson describes how opinion can be like a "ship" that sails away, leaving the person behind. The line "Lost in distant seas" is particularly evocative, suggesting that once an opinion is formed, it can be difficult to change or reclaim. The use of the word "lone" in the final line of the poem underscores the isolating nature of opinion, which can leave a person feeling alone and adrift.

Interpretation of the poem

"Opinion is a Flitting Thing" is a complex poem that can be interpreted in many different ways. One possible interpretation is that Dickinson is warning against the dangers of being too attached to one's opinions. The use of the bird metaphor suggests that opinions are fleeting and can change at any moment. The poem suggests that people should be open to new ideas and perspectives, rather than clinging to their own opinions.

Another interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the subjective nature of truth. Dickinson implies that everyone's opinion is different and that there is no objective truth that can be universally agreed upon. The line "And not a soul to tell" suggests that opinions are personal and can be difficult to express to others.

Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a reflection on the power dynamics of opinion. The use of the phrase "perched upon the soul" suggests that opinion can be imposed on a person and can have a profound impact on their sense of self. The use of the word "bereft" suggests that having one's opinion taken away can be a deeply painful experience.

Conclusion

"Opinion is a Flitting Thing" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the complex nature of opinion and its impact on people's lives. Through her use of vivid imagery and complex metaphors, Dickinson invites readers to explore the various interpretations and insights that can be gleaned from her work. Whether one interprets the poem as a reflection on the subjective nature of truth or a warning against the dangers of being too attached to one's opinions, the poem remains a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Opinion is a Flitting Thing: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with her unique style and thought-provoking poems. Among her many works, "Poetry Opinion is a Flitting Thing" stands out as a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its elusive nature. In this essay, we will delve into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices to understand why it continues to resonate with readers today.

The poem begins with the line, "Poetry opinion is a flitting thing," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "flitting" suggests something that is fleeting and transient, and this is precisely what Dickinson is trying to convey about poetry. She is saying that our opinions about poetry are constantly changing, and what we think about a poem today may not be the same as what we think about it tomorrow.

The second line of the poem, "It rests and then it flies," further emphasizes this idea of poetry being a fleeting thing. Dickinson is saying that our opinions about poetry may rest for a while, but they will eventually fly away and be replaced by new opinions. This is a powerful statement about the nature of poetry and how it can be interpreted in different ways by different people.

The third line of the poem, "Around a pivot of a hair," is a metaphor that adds depth to the poem. Dickinson is saying that our opinions about poetry can change with the slightest movement, just like a pivot of a hair. This metaphor is a testament to the fragility of our opinions and how easily they can be swayed.

The fourth line of the poem, "The brain has not a door," is a powerful statement about the human mind and its capacity for imagination. Dickinson is saying that our minds are open to all kinds of interpretations and ideas, and there is no limit to what we can imagine. This line is a reminder that poetry is not just about the words on the page but also about the reader's interpretation and imagination.

The fifth line of the poem, "Except its own," is a statement about the autonomy of poetry. Dickinson is saying that poetry has its own identity and cannot be controlled by anyone else. This line is a reminder that poetry is an art form that is meant to be appreciated and interpreted by the reader, not dictated by the author.

The sixth line of the poem, "Begging at the portal," is a metaphor that adds a sense of urgency to the poem. Dickinson is saying that our opinions about poetry are constantly begging for entrance into our minds, and we must be open to them. This line is a reminder that poetry is not just about the words on the page but also about the reader's willingness to engage with it.

The seventh line of the poem, "Begging for admittance, but hopeless now to win," is a powerful statement about the futility of trying to control our opinions about poetry. Dickinson is saying that our opinions about poetry are constantly changing, and there is no point in trying to control them. This line is a reminder that poetry is an art form that is meant to be appreciated and interpreted by the reader, not dictated by the author.

The eighth line of the poem, "Straws is all the brain receives," is a metaphor that adds a sense of humility to the poem. Dickinson is saying that our opinions about poetry are like straws, insignificant and easily swayed. This line is a reminder that poetry is not just about the words on the page but also about the reader's willingness to be humble and open to new interpretations.

The ninth line of the poem, "Since many and many a phrase," is a statement about the vastness of poetry. Dickinson is saying that there are countless phrases and interpretations of poetry, and we can never fully grasp its meaning. This line is a reminder that poetry is an art form that is meant to be appreciated and interpreted by the reader, not dictated by the author.

The tenth and final line of the poem, "Must go in at the ear," is a reminder that poetry is meant to be heard and not just read. Dickinson is saying that we must be open to the sounds and rhythms of poetry, as they are just as important as the words themselves. This line is a reminder that poetry is an art form that is meant to be experienced and not just analyzed.

In terms of structure, "Poetry Opinion is a Flitting Thing" is a ten-line poem with a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. The simplicity of the structure allows the poem's message to shine through without any distractions. The poem's brevity also adds to its power, as it is a concise and potent statement about the nature of poetry.

In terms of literary devices, "Poetry Opinion is a Flitting Thing" is full of metaphors that add depth and meaning to the poem. The metaphor of poetry as a flitting thing is the most prominent, but there are also metaphors about the pivot of a hair, the brain as a door, and straws as the brain's reception of poetry. These metaphors add layers of meaning to the poem and make it more than just a simple statement about the nature of poetry.

In conclusion, "Poetry Opinion is a Flitting Thing" is a masterpiece by Emily Dickinson that captures the essence of poetry and its elusive nature. Through its metaphors and simple structure, the poem reminds us that our opinions about poetry are constantly changing and that we must be open to new interpretations. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to inspire and challenge us.

Editor Recommended Sites

Learn AWS: AWS learning courses, tutorials, best practice
Analysis and Explanation of famous writings: Editorial explanation of famous writings. Prose Summary Explanation and Meaning & Analysis Explanation
Crypto Rank - Top Ranking crypto alt coins measured on a rate of change basis: Find the best coins for this next alt season
Graphdb Taxonomy: Graph Database Taxonomy and Ontology Management
Roleplay Community: Wiki and discussion board for all who love roleplaying

Recommended Similar Analysis

A Litany in Time of Plague by Thomas Nashe analysis
We like march, his shoes are purple, by Emily Dickinson analysis
Insomnia by Elizabeth Bishop analysis
Not Waving But Drowning by Stevie Smith analysis
Pain by Sarah Teasdale analysis
Mystification by Edgar Allen Poe analysis
Sonnet On Hearing The Dies Ira Sung In The Sistine Chapel by Oscar Wilde analysis
GRACE FOR A CHILD by Robert Herrick analysis
By The Bivouac's Fitful Flame by Walt Whitman analysis
Persimmons by Li-Young Lee analysis