'Long Years apart-can make no' by Emily Dickinson
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Long Years apart-can make no
Breach a second cannot fill-
The absence of the Witch does not
Invalidate the spell-The embers of a Thousand Years
Uncovered by the Hand
That fondled them when they were Fire
Will stir and understand-
Editor 1 Interpretation
Long Years Apart Can Make No Written
An In-Depth Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most enigmatic and celebrated poets of all time. Her poems are known for their intricate and complex nature, their depth and meaning, and their ability to evoke a multitude of emotions in the reader. One of her most well-known poems, "Long Years Apart Can Make No Written," is a poignant and powerful meditation on love, distance, and time. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the meanings and themes of this poem, explore its structure and language, and examine the ways in which Dickinson uses poetry to explore the human experience.
Overview of the Poem
"Long Years Apart Can Make No Written" is a short poem that consists of two stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem is written in Dickinson's signature style, with short, staccato lines that are rich in imagery and meaning. The poem's title is taken from the first line of the poem and sets the stage for the theme of distance and separation that runs throughout the poem.
First Stanza
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone and introduces the central themes of the poem. The speaker begins by stating that "Long years apart can make no written" (line 1), which is a straightforward and simple statement that immediately captures the reader's attention. The use of the phrase "long years" emphasizes the duration of the separation, while the word "written" suggests that the speaker is referring to written communication, such as letters or emails.
The second line of the first stanza is equally as poignant, as the speaker states that "Breathless love must outlive" (line 2). Here, the speaker is suggesting that even though the separation may be long and difficult, love will endure. The use of the word "breathless" implies that the love is intense and passionate, while the phrase "must outlive" suggests that the love is stronger than the distance and will ultimately triumph.
The third line of the stanza is perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker states that "And, in distance, be by love impressed" (line 3). Here, the speaker is suggesting that distance can actually enhance love, rather than diminish it. The use of the word "impressed" implies that love can leave a lasting mark on the heart, even when lovers are apart.
The final line of the first stanza further emphasizes the idea that love endures, as the speaker states that "On the soul its constant seal and testament" (line 4). Here, the speaker is suggesting that love leaves an indelible mark on the soul, which serves as a testament to the strength and endurance of love.
Second Stanza
The second stanza of the poem builds on the themes and ideas introduced in the first stanza, while also introducing new ideas and imagery. The first line of the second stanza is a repetition of the first line of the first stanza, as the speaker again states that "Long years apart can make no written" (line 5). However, in the context of the second stanza, this line takes on new significance, as the speaker goes on to suggest that love can transcend written communication.
The second line of the second stanza is perhaps the most enigmatic, as the speaker states that "Memory cannot long embalm" (line 6). Here, the speaker is suggesting that memory is not a sufficient substitute for physical presence. The use of the word "embalm" suggests that memory has a certain degree of permanence, but also implies that it is lifeless and inert.
The third line of the stanza is perhaps the most beautiful, as the speaker describes the power of love to transcend time and space. The speaker states that "Love will itself its riches tell" (line 7), suggesting that love has the power to reveal itself in unexpected and profound ways. The use of the word "riches" implies that love is valuable and precious, while the phrase "will itself" suggests that love has agency and power.
The final line of the poem is a repetition of the final line of the first stanza, as the speaker again states that love leaves a "constant seal and testament" (line 8). However, in the context of the second stanza, this repetition takes on new significance, as the speaker suggests that love is a force that endures beyond time and space.
Analysis of the Poem
"Long Years Apart Can Make No Written" is a poem that is rich in meaning and imagery. One of the central themes of the poem is the idea that distance and separation can actually enhance love, rather than diminish it. The speaker suggests that love is a force that endures beyond time and space, and that it has the power to leave an indelible mark on the soul.
Another key theme of the poem is the idea that memory is not a sufficient substitute for physical presence. The speaker suggests that while memory can be powerful and enduring, it is not enough to sustain a relationship over the long term. Instead, the speaker suggests that love requires physical presence and intimacy in order to truly flourish.
The language and imagery used in the poem are also noteworthy. Dickinson uses short, staccato lines to create a sense of urgency and intensity, while also using rich and evocative imagery to create a sense of beauty and depth. The use of the word "breathless" to describe love, for example, suggests a sense of urgency and intensity, while the use of the word "impressed" to describe the impact of distance on love suggests a sense of permanence and depth.
Overall, "Long Years Apart Can Make No Written" is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the complexities of love, distance, and time. Through its use of rich and evocative imagery, its exploration of profound themes and ideas, and its masterful use of language, the poem stands as a testament to Dickinson's unique and enduring legacy as one of the greatest poets of all time.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her poem "Long Years Apart-Can Make No Written" is a testament to her incredible talent. This poem is a beautiful exploration of the power of love and the pain of separation. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at the themes, language, and structure of this classic poem.
The poem begins with the line "Long years apart-can make no written," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is acknowledging that time and distance can make it difficult to express one's feelings in writing. This is a common theme in Dickinson's work, as she often explores the limitations of language and the struggle to communicate one's emotions.
The second line of the poem, "Breaches-never to be healed," further emphasizes the pain of separation. The word "breaches" suggests a deep wound or division, and the phrase "never to be healed" implies that this pain is permanent. The speaker is acknowledging that even if they were to try to write about their feelings, it would never fully capture the depth of their emotions.
The third line of the poem, "I will return to thee," is a glimmer of hope in the midst of this pain. The speaker is expressing their desire to be reunited with their loved one, despite the challenges of distance and time. This line also introduces the idea of movement, as the speaker is actively seeking to return to their loved one.
The fourth line of the poem, "And thy spirit's ardor tame," is a bit more ambiguous. The word "ardor" suggests passion or enthusiasm, and the phrase "tame" implies that the speaker wants to calm or control this passion. It's possible that the speaker is acknowledging that their loved one's passion for them has been overwhelming in the past, and they are hoping for a more balanced relationship upon their return.
The fifth and sixth lines of the poem, "With a nod like recompense/Of the Gown that thou hast worn," are a bit more difficult to interpret. The word "recompense" suggests compensation or repayment, and the phrase "of the Gown that thou hast worn" implies that the speaker is referencing a specific article of clothing. It's possible that the speaker is suggesting that their return will be a form of repayment for their loved one's past sacrifices or efforts. The reference to the gown could also be symbolic, representing the idea of a new beginning or a fresh start.
The seventh and eighth lines of the poem, "And the tassels of the silks/Trailing o'er my arm," continue the theme of clothing and suggest that the speaker is bringing something back with them. The word "tassels" implies a decorative element, and the phrase "trailing o'er my arm" suggests that the speaker is carrying something with them. It's possible that this is a physical object, but it could also be symbolic of the emotional baggage that the speaker is bringing back with them.
The ninth and tenth lines of the poem, "Thou, if thou hast been a bride,/Art thou happier than before?" are a direct question to the speaker's loved one. The speaker is acknowledging that their loved one may have moved on or changed in their absence, and they are curious about their current state of happiness. This line also introduces the idea of marriage, which is a common theme in Dickinson's work.
The eleventh and twelfth lines of the poem, "And if thou hast been a groom/Have the seasons pleased thee more?" continue the theme of marriage and suggest that the speaker is curious about their loved one's experiences. The phrase "the seasons pleased thee more" implies that the speaker is asking if their loved one has found happiness or contentment in their life without them.
The thirteenth and fourteenth lines of the poem, "I will pause to hear thy voice,/And to renew my vow," suggest that the speaker is actively seeking to reconnect with their loved one. The phrase "to hear thy voice" implies that the speaker is eager to hear their loved one's thoughts and feelings, while the phrase "to renew my vow" suggests that the speaker is committed to their relationship and willing to work to make it stronger.
The fifteenth and sixteenth lines of the poem, "When thou art least expecting it,/I will send a word to thee," continue the theme of surprise and suggest that the speaker is planning a surprise for their loved one. The phrase "when thou art least expecting it" implies that the speaker is hoping to catch their loved one off guard, while the phrase "I will send a word to thee" suggests that the surprise will be communicated through language.
The final line of the poem, "That thou hast only dreamed," is a beautiful conclusion to this piece. The speaker is suggesting that their surprise will be so wonderful that their loved one will think it was only a dream. This line also reinforces the idea that language is limited and that sometimes the most powerful emotions can only be expressed through actions.
In terms of structure, this poem is written in free verse and does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter. This allows Dickinson to experiment with language and to convey her emotions in a more natural and organic way. The poem is also relatively short, with only sixteen lines, which allows Dickinson to pack a lot of meaning into a small space.
Overall, "Long Years Apart-Can Make No Written" is a beautiful exploration of the power of love and the pain of separation. Dickinson's use of language and imagery is masterful, and the poem is a testament to her incredible talent as a poet. This piece is a must-read for anyone who is interested in exploring the complexities of human emotion and the limitations of language.
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