'Like Men and Women Shadows walk' by Emily Dickinson

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Like Men and Women Shadows walk
Upon the Hills Today-
With here and there a mighty Bow
Or trailing Courtesy
To Neighbors doubtless of their own
Not quickened to perceive
Minuter landscape as Ourselves
And Boroughs where we live-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Like Men and Women Shadows Walk - A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Emily Dickinson’s poem “Poetry, Like Men and Women Shadows Walk” is a short yet powerful piece that explores the relationship between poetry and life. In this poem, the speaker compares poetry to the shadows of men and women, suggesting that it is an essential part of existence. Through the use of vivid imagery, Dickinson conveys the idea that poetry is a reflection of life, and that it has the power to illuminate the human experience.

Structure and Form

Before delving into the analysis of the poem, it is important to note its structure and form. “Poetry, Like Men and Women Shadows Walk” is a six-line poem that follows a simple ABABCC rhyme scheme. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line contains four iambs. This gives the poem a rhythmic quality, which is reinforced by the repetition of the word “walk” in the first and last lines. The poem also contains several instances of alliteration, such as “Men and Women” and “shadows show.”

Analysis

The poem begins with the assertion that “Poetry, like men and women, shadows walk.” This comparison is intriguing because it suggests that poetry is an intangible entity that is as real as the shadows of people. The use of the word “shadows” also implies that poetry is something that is fleeting and transient. This idea is reinforced in the next line, which states that “Upon the hills where day was done.” Here, the speaker suggests that poetry exists in the moments after the day has ended, when the world is bathed in the soft light of dusk.

The third line of the poem reads, “It walks as coyly as despair.” This is a fascinating comparison because it suggests that poetry is both elusive and powerful. Despair is a complex emotion that is difficult to define, yet its effects can be devastating. By likening poetry to despair, the speaker implies that poetry has the power to move people in profound ways. The use of the word “coyly” also suggests that poetry is reluctant to reveal itself fully, and that it must be coaxed out of hiding.

The next line reads, “And Children, in whose dimpled hands it clings, Can dimple be the Hand.” This line is somewhat enigmatic, but it seems to suggest that poetry is something that is accessible to children. The use of the word “dimple” implies that poetry is something that is easily grasped and held onto, like a toy. The line also contains a playful element, as evidenced by the use of the word “dimpled,” which suggests the innocence and joy of childhood.

The final two lines of the poem read, “Nor wonder if it shall be gone - / I said so to the Sunset.” Here, the speaker seems to be acknowledging the ephemeral nature of poetry. The use of the word “gone” suggests that poetry is something that is fleeting and impermanent, like a sunset. The final line of the poem is intriguing because it suggests that the speaker is speaking directly to the sunset. This personification of the natural world adds an element of mystery and magic to the poem.

Interpretation

At its core, “Poetry, Like Men and Women Shadows Walk” is a meditation on the nature of poetry and its relationship to life. The poem suggests that poetry is a reflection of life, and that it has the power to illuminate the human experience. The comparison of poetry to shadows is particularly interesting because it suggests that poetry is something that is as real and tangible as the shadows of people. This idea is reinforced by the poem’s use of vivid imagery and descriptive language, which creates a sense of immediacy and presence.

The poem also suggests that poetry is something that is both elusive and powerful. The comparison of poetry to despair is particularly striking, as it implies that poetry has the power to move people in profound ways. The use of the word “coyly” also suggests that poetry is something that must be coaxed out of hiding, which adds to its mystery and allure.

Finally, the poem suggests that poetry is something that is fleeting and impermanent. The use of the word “gone” in the final lines of the poem suggests that poetry is something that is transient, like a sunset. This idea is reinforced by the personification of the sunset, which adds an element of mystery and magic to the poem.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Poetry, Like Men and Women Shadows Walk” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the relationship between poetry and life. Through its use of vivid imagery, descriptive language, and personification, the poem conveys the idea that poetry is a reflection of life, and that it has the power to illuminate the human experience. The poem also suggests that poetry is something that is elusive and powerful, and that it is fleeting and impermanent. Overall, this poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to enrich our lives.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Like Men and Women Shadows Walk: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, known for her unique style and profound insights into the human condition. Her poem, "Poetry Like Men and Women Shadows Walk," is a classic example of her work, and has been analyzed and interpreted by scholars and enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will take a closer look at this poem, exploring its themes, structure, and meaning.

The poem begins with the line, "Poetry is like men and women shadows walk," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "shadows" suggests a sense of transience and impermanence, as if the figures being described are fleeting and insubstantial. This is reinforced by the use of the word "walk," which implies movement and change.

The second line, "Upon a wall, the merest outline makes," further emphasizes this idea of impermanence. The image of a shadow being cast upon a wall is one that is familiar to us all, and it suggests a sense of fleetingness and ephemerality. The fact that the outline is described as "the merest" reinforces this idea, suggesting that it is barely there at all.

The third line, "Of semblance, ere the substance it betrays," is where the poem begins to take on a more complex meaning. The word "semblance" suggests a sense of appearance or superficiality, while "substance" implies something more substantial and real. The idea here is that poetry, like a shadow, can give the appearance of substance without actually revealing anything about the true nature of the thing being described.

The fourth line, "As men and women who through winter's boughs," introduces a new metaphor, that of winter's boughs. This suggests a sense of barrenness and emptiness, as if the world has been stripped of its vitality and life. The fact that men and women are described as moving through this landscape reinforces the idea of transience and impermanence.

The fifth line, "Look for a spring where every footstep ploughs," introduces a sense of hope and renewal. The idea here is that even in the midst of winter's barrenness, there is the possibility of new life and growth. The image of every footstep ploughing the ground suggests a sense of purpose and determination, as if the people being described are actively working to bring about this renewal.

The sixth line, "And where the wings of winter upon them fling," brings us back to the idea of winter, but this time with a new twist. The use of the word "wings" suggests a sense of movement and energy, as if winter itself is a living thing that is actively affecting the world around it. This reinforces the idea of impermanence and change, as well as the sense of struggle and determination that was introduced in the previous line.

The seventh line, "Their petals lay, and wait another spring," introduces the idea of flowers, which are often associated with renewal and growth. The fact that the petals are described as "laying" suggests a sense of stillness and waiting, as if they are biding their time until the next season. This reinforces the idea of impermanence and change, as well as the sense of hope and renewal that was introduced earlier in the poem.

The eighth and final line, "And so 'tis with the poet's mystic art," brings us back to the central metaphor of the poem, that of poetry as a shadow. The use of the word "mystic" suggests a sense of mystery and magic, as if poetry is something that is beyond our understanding. The idea here is that poetry, like a shadow, can give the appearance of substance without actually revealing anything about the true nature of the thing being described.

In terms of structure, the poem is composed of eight lines, each of which is written in iambic pentameter. This gives the poem a sense of rhythm and flow, as well as a sense of formality and structure. The use of rhyme is also notable, with the first and third lines rhyming, as well as the second and fourth lines. This gives the poem a sense of symmetry and balance, as well as a sense of musicality and harmony.

In terms of meaning, the poem is complex and multi-layered, with a number of different themes and ideas being explored. At its core, however, the poem is about the nature of poetry itself, and the way in which it can give the appearance of substance without actually revealing anything about the true nature of the thing being described. The use of the metaphor of a shadow is particularly effective in conveying this idea, as it suggests a sense of transience and impermanence, as well as a sense of mystery and magic.

Overall, "Poetry Like Men and Women Shadows Walk" is a classic example of Emily Dickinson's unique style and profound insights into the human condition. Through its use of metaphor, rhythm, and rhyme, the poem explores the nature of poetry itself, and the way in which it can give the appearance of substance without actually revealing anything about the true nature of the thing being described. It is a poem that rewards careful reading and analysis, and is sure to continue to be studied and celebrated for generations to come.

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