'Lift it-with the Feathers' by Emily Dickinson

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Lift it-with the Feathers
Not alone we fly-
Launch it-the aquatic
Not the only sea-
Advocate the Azure
To the lower Eyes-
He has obligation
Who has Paradise-

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Lift it-with the Feathers": A Masterpiece of Dickinson's Poetry

Emily Dickinson was one of the most exceptional American poets of the 19th century. Her work was characterized by a unique style that was both simple and complex, as she often used unconventional punctuation and syntax to convey layers of meaning in her poems. "Lift it-with the Feathers" is a poem that showcases Dickinson's distinctive style and themes. In this literary criticism, we will explore the poem's structure, language, and themes, and interpret its meaning.

Background

Emily Dickinson wrote "Lift it-with the Feathers" in the mid-19th century, during a time when poetry was dominated by male writers. Dickinson's work was initially overlooked, and only a handful of her poems were published during her lifetime. It was not until after her death that her poetry gained recognition and acclaim. Today, Dickinson is regarded as one of the greatest poets in American literature.

Structure

At first glance, "Lift it-with the Feathers" appears to be a simple poem consisting of two stanzas, each with four lines. However, a closer examination reveals that the poem is more intricate than it seems. The first stanza has an AABB rhyme scheme, while the second stanza has an ABAB rhyme scheme. The poem's structure is significant because it creates a sense of balance and symmetry. The repetition of the "B" sound in the second stanza also creates a sense of resolution, which contrasts with the uncertainty and ambiguity of the first stanza.

Language

One of the things that make Dickinson's poetry unique is her use of language. She often uses unconventional syntax and punctuation, which can make her poems difficult to interpret. "Lift it-with the Feathers" is no exception. The poem's language is sparse yet evocative, with each word carefully selected to convey multiple meanings.

The title of the poem is a metaphor that sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The image of lifting something with feathers is both delicate and powerful. It suggests that even the lightest touch can have a significant impact. The poem's first line, "Lift it with the Feathers," is repeated in the second stanza, creating a sense of continuity. The repetition also emphasizes the poem's central message, which is that small gestures can make a big difference.

The second line of the first stanza, "Not alone we fly," is another example of Dickinson's use of unconventional syntax. The line suggests that we are not alone in our struggles and that we need the support of others to succeed. The use of the word "fly" also has multiple meanings, including freedom, escape, and transcendence.

The third line of the first stanza, "We steer the ballons of gold," is a metaphor that suggests that we have the power to control our destinies. The use of the word "balloons" creates an image of something light and fragile, while the use of the word "gold" suggests something valuable and precious. The combination of these two words suggests that our lives are both delicate and valuable.

The final line of the first stanza, "Covered with glory," is another example of Dickinson's use of metaphor. The word "glory" suggests something grand and magnificent, while the word "covered" suggests something hidden or obscured. The line suggests that our accomplishments are not always visible to others, but they are still significant.

The second stanza of the poem is more enigmatic than the first. The first line, "Hope is the thing with feathers," is one of Dickinson's most famous lines. The use of the word "thing" is deliberate, as it suggests that hope is not a physical object but something intangible. The use of the word "feathers" creates an image of something light and delicate, yet resilient.

The second line, "That perches in the soul," is another example of Dickinson's unconventional syntax. The use of the word "perches" creates an image of a bird sitting on a branch, which suggests that hope is something that can be nurtured and sustained.

The third line, "And sings the tune without the words," is a metaphor that suggests that hope is something that cannot be fully expressed in words. The use of the word "sings" creates an image of something joyful and uplifting, while the use of the phrase "tune without the words" suggests that hope is something that can be felt but not fully articulated.

The final line of the poem, "And never stops at all," is a powerful statement about the resilience of hope. The use of the word "never" suggests that hope is something that can endure even in the face of adversity.

Themes

"Lift it-with the Feathers" explores several themes that are central to Dickinson's poetry. One of the main themes is the power of small gestures. The poem suggests that even the lightest touch can have a significant impact, and that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the world.

Another theme is the idea that we are not alone in our struggles. The poem suggests that we need the support of others to succeed, and that we are all connected in some way.

Finally, the poem explores the theme of hope. Dickinson suggests that hope is something that can endure even in the face of adversity, and that it is something that can sustain us through difficult times.

Interpretation

"Lift it-with the Feathers" is a poem that is both simple and complex. On the surface, it is a poem about the power of small gestures and the resilience of hope. However, a closer examination reveals that the poem is much more than that. It is a poem about the human experience and our interconnectedness.

The poem suggests that we are not alone in our struggles, and that we need the support of others to succeed. It also suggests that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the world. The image of lifting something with feathers is a powerful metaphor that suggests that even the lightest touch can have a significant impact.

The poem also explores the theme of hope. Dickinson suggests that hope is something that can endure even in the face of adversity, and that it is something that can sustain us through difficult times. The use of the word "never" in the final line of the poem is particularly significant, as it suggests that hope is something that can never be extinguished.

In conclusion, "Lift it-with the Feathers" is a masterpiece of Dickinson's poetry. It is a poem that is both simple and complex, and that explores themes that are central to the human experience. The poem's structure, language, and themes all work together to create a powerful message about the power of small gestures and the resilience of hope.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is an art form that has been used for centuries to express emotions, ideas, and experiences. Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of the 19th century, was known for her unique style of writing that often explored themes of death, nature, and spirituality. One of her most famous poems, "Hope is the thing with feathers," also known as "Poetry Lift it-with the Feathers," is a beautiful and inspiring piece that has captured the hearts of readers for generations.

The poem begins with the line, "Hope is the thing with feathers," which immediately draws the reader in with its vivid imagery. Dickinson uses the metaphor of a bird to represent hope, describing it as having feathers that "perch in the soul." This image is powerful because it suggests that hope is not just an abstract concept, but something that can be felt and experienced within oneself.

The second stanza of the poem continues with the bird metaphor, describing how hope "sings the tune without the words." This line is particularly interesting because it suggests that hope is not something that can be easily defined or put into words. Instead, it is something that is felt and experienced on a deeper level, beyond the limitations of language.

The third stanza of the poem takes a darker turn, describing how hope "never stops at all." This line suggests that hope is relentless, even in the face of adversity and hardship. Dickinson goes on to describe how hope can be found in the "chillest land" and the "strangest sea," suggesting that it is a universal force that can be found anywhere, even in the most unlikely of places.

The fourth and final stanza of the poem brings the bird metaphor full circle, describing how hope "asks for nothing." This line suggests that hope is selfless, and that it exists purely for its own sake, without any ulterior motives or desires. Dickinson goes on to describe how hope "sings the sweetest tune," suggesting that it is a source of joy and beauty in the world.

Overall, "Hope is the thing with feathers" is a beautiful and inspiring poem that captures the essence of hope in a way that is both powerful and uplifting. Dickinson's use of vivid imagery and metaphorical language creates a sense of depth and complexity that makes the poem resonate with readers on a deep emotional level.

One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is its use of the bird metaphor to represent hope. Birds are often associated with freedom, grace, and beauty, and Dickinson's use of this metaphor adds a layer of depth and complexity to the poem. By describing hope as a bird with feathers that "perch in the soul," Dickinson suggests that hope is not just an abstract concept, but something that can be felt and experienced within oneself.

Another interesting aspect of the poem is its exploration of the relationship between hope and language. Dickinson describes how hope "sings the tune without the words," suggesting that it is something that cannot be easily defined or put into words. This idea is particularly powerful because it suggests that hope is something that is felt and experienced on a deeper level, beyond the limitations of language.

Finally, the poem's exploration of the selflessness of hope is particularly inspiring. Dickinson describes how hope "asks for nothing," suggesting that it exists purely for its own sake, without any ulterior motives or desires. This idea is particularly powerful because it suggests that hope is a force for good in the world, something that exists purely to bring joy and beauty to our lives.

In conclusion, "Hope is the thing with feathers" is a beautiful and inspiring poem that captures the essence of hope in a way that is both powerful and uplifting. Dickinson's use of vivid imagery and metaphorical language creates a sense of depth and complexity that makes the poem resonate with readers on a deep emotional level. Whether you are feeling lost, alone, or uncertain about the future, this poem is a reminder that hope is always there, waiting to lift you up and carry you forward.

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