'Lay this Laurel on the One' by Emily Dickinson
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Lay this Laurel on the One
Too intrinsic for Renown-
Laurel-veil your deathless tree-
Him you chasten, that is He!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Lay this Laurel on the One
A Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Emily Dickinson's Poem
As a renowned American poet, Emily Dickinson has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with her unique style of writing. Her poems are often characterized by their unconventional structure, use of imagery, and themes of love, death, and nature. One of her notable works is "Lay this Laurel on the One," a poem that offers a powerful commentary on the afterlife and the idea of eternal rest.
At first glance, "Lay this Laurel on the One" appears to be a simple poem, consisting of only four stanzas and sixteen lines. However, upon closer inspection, the poem reveals a complex web of metaphors, imagery, and symbolism that contributes to its profound message.
The first stanza begins with the speaker addressing an unidentified individual, telling them to "lay this laurel on the one / too intrinsic for renown." The use of the word 'laurel' is significant, as it is often associated with victory or achievement. However, in this context, the laurel is being used as a symbol of honor and remembrance for someone who is too pure and virtuous to be celebrated for their earthly accomplishments.
The second stanza furthers this idea by describing the person as "one who died and went to heaven" and "heaven's white martyr." This serves to elevate the person's status, suggesting that they have achieved a level of purity and goodness that is beyond human comprehension. The use of the word 'martyr' is particularly striking, as it implies that the person has suffered for their beliefs or principles, further emphasizing their selflessness and devotion.
The third stanza introduces the idea of the person's eternal rest, describing them as "at their sweet leisure" in "Eden's bower." This is a stark contrast to the previous stanzas, which focused on the person's achievements and selflessness. Here, the poem suggests that the person's ultimate reward is not recognition or fame, but rather a peaceful and restful existence in the afterlife.
The final stanza concludes the poem with the speaker addressing the person directly, telling them to "smile at me through the tears" and to "turn and bid farewell." This final line is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the person is not truly gone, but rather has moved on to a new existence. The use of the word 'farewell' is also significant, as it implies a sense of closure and acceptance.
Overall, "Lay this Laurel on the One" is a powerful poem that offers a unique perspective on the afterlife and the idea of eternal rest. Through its use of metaphors, imagery, and symbolism, the poem portrays a person who is too pure and virtuous to be celebrated for their earthly accomplishments. Instead, their ultimate reward is a peaceful and restful existence in the afterlife. This message is particularly relevant in today's society, where the pursuit of fame and recognition often takes precedence over more meaningful pursuits.
In conclusion, "Lay this Laurel on the One" is a testament to Emily Dickinson's skill as a poet and her ability to convey complex ideas in a concise and eloquent manner. Its themes of love, death, and the afterlife are timeless and universal, making it a poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Lay this Laurel on the One, written by Emily Dickinson, is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. This poem is a beautiful tribute to someone who has passed away, and it is a reflection of the poet's deep emotions and feelings.
The poem begins with the line, "Lay this laurel on the one," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The word "laurel" is significant because it is a symbol of victory and honor. In ancient times, laurel wreaths were given to winners of athletic competitions, and they were also used to crown victorious generals and emperors. By using this word, Dickinson is suggesting that the person she is honoring was a winner in life, and that they deserve to be remembered with honor and respect.
The next line of the poem reads, "Who pervaded all the space." This line is significant because it suggests that the person being honored was someone who had a significant impact on the world around them. They were not just a small, insignificant person, but rather someone who made a difference in the lives of others. The use of the word "pervaded" suggests that this person's influence was felt everywhere, and that they left a lasting impression on those they encountered.
The third line of the poem reads, "Stooping, as the noon-tide sun." This line is significant because it suggests that the person being honored was humble and unassuming. They did not seek attention or recognition for their accomplishments, but rather went about their business quietly and without fanfare. The use of the word "stooping" suggests that this person was not arrogant or proud, but rather humble and modest.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "Everything is standing still." This line is significant because it suggests that the person being honored was someone who had a profound impact on the world around them. They were not just a small, insignificant person, but rather someone who made a difference in the lives of others. The use of the word "everything" suggests that this person's influence was felt everywhere, and that they left a lasting impression on those they encountered.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "But lips motionless as this." This line is significant because it suggests that the person being honored is no longer with us. They have passed away, and their lips are now motionless. The use of the word "this" suggests that the poet is referring to a specific moment in time, perhaps the moment of the person's passing.
The sixth line of the poem reads, "Breathless, as the sidelong breeze." This line is significant because it suggests that the person being honored is no longer breathing. They have passed away, and their breath is now gone. The use of the word "sidelong" suggests that the poet is referring to a gentle, almost imperceptible breeze, which is a metaphor for the person's passing.
The seventh line of the poem reads, "Naught but tranquility." This line is significant because it suggests that the person being honored is now at peace. They have left behind the troubles and worries of this world, and are now in a state of tranquility. The use of the word "naught" suggests that there is nothing left of the person's troubles or worries, and that they are now completely at peace.
The eighth line of the poem reads, "Naught but the mystic's ecstasy." This line is significant because it suggests that the person being honored is now experiencing a state of mystical ecstasy. They have transcended this world and are now in a state of spiritual bliss. The use of the word "mystic" suggests that this state of ecstasy is beyond our understanding, and that it is something that can only be experienced by those who have passed beyond this world.
The ninth line of the poem reads, "Naught but the poet's ecstasy." This line is significant because it suggests that the person being honored is now experiencing a state of poetic ecstasy. They have transcended this world and are now in a state of artistic bliss. The use of the word "poet" suggests that this state of ecstasy is related to the creative arts, and that it is something that can only be experienced by those who have a deep appreciation for beauty and art.
The final line of the poem reads, "Lay this laurel on the one." This line is significant because it brings the poem full circle. The poet is once again calling on us to honor and respect the person who has passed away. The use of the word "one" suggests that this person was unique and special, and that they deserve to be remembered with honor and respect.
In conclusion, Lay this Laurel on the One, written by Emily Dickinson, is a beautiful tribute to someone who has passed away. The poem is a reflection of the poet's deep emotions and feelings, and it is a reminder that we should honor and respect those who have left this world. The use of symbolism and metaphor in the poem is powerful, and it helps to convey the poet's message in a way that is both beautiful and profound. Overall, this poem is a classic that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
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