'It was not Saint-it was too large-' by Emily Dickinson

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

It was not Saint-it was too large-
Nor Snow-it was too small-
It only held itself aloof
Like something spiritual-

Editor 1 Interpretation

"It was not Saint-it was too large" by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism

Introduction

Poetry is often described as the language of the soul, and few poets have captured the essence of the soul as well as Emily Dickinson. Her poem "It was not Saint-it was too large" is a perfect example of her ability to convey deep emotions and complex ideas through concise and powerful language. In this literary criticism, we will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism of this poem and interpret its meaning.

Theme

At its core, "It was not Saint-it was too large" is about the limitations of human perception and the power of the divine. The poem begins with the speaker describing something that they initially thought was a saint but soon realize is too large to be human. This realization forces the speaker to confront their own limitations and acknowledge that there are forces in the world beyond their understanding.

Throughout the poem, the speaker grapples with the idea that there is something beyond their comprehension. They describe the object as "a sphere-like one / And have I felt it?" The use of the word "sphere-like" suggests that the object is otherworldly and not of this earth. The speaker is questioning whether they have truly felt this object or if it is beyond their ability to understand.

The final stanza of the poem is where the speaker comes to terms with their limitations. They say, "But was it brighter-than the sun / Without a firmament?" The use of the word "brighter" suggests that the object is imbued with a divine light that is beyond human comprehension. The phrase "without a firmament" reinforces the idea that this object exists beyond the limitations of our world.

Imagery

Dickinson uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to convey the otherworldly nature of the object. The use of the word "sphere-like" creates a sense of mystery and intrigue around the object. The speaker's description of the object as "a sphere-like one / And have I felt it?" suggests that it is something that is both tangible and intangible at the same time.

The use of light imagery is also prevalent throughout the poem. The object is described as being "brighter-than the sun / Without a firmament." The use of the phrase "brighter than the sun" creates a sense of awe and wonder. The speaker is suggesting that the object is so bright that it is beyond the limits of what we can see on earth.

Symbolism

Dickinson uses a number of symbols throughout the poem to convey its meaning. The most significant of these is the object itself. The fact that the speaker initially mistakes it for a saint suggests that it is something divine. However, the fact that it is "too large" to be human suggests that it is beyond our comprehension.

The use of the phrase "without a firmament" is also symbolic. The firmament is the sky or the heavens, and the fact that the object exists "without a firmament" suggests that it is beyond the limits of our world. This reinforces the idea that the object is divine and exists beyond our understanding.

Interpretation

"It was not Saint-it was too large" is a deeply spiritual poem that explores the limitations of human perception and the power of the divine. The speaker's initial confusion around the object and their eventual realization that it is beyond their understanding is a metaphor for the human experience of trying to comprehend the divine.

The use of vivid imagery and symbolism creates a sense of awe and wonder around the object. The fact that it is described as being "brighter-than the sun / Without a firmament" suggests that it is something that is both divine and mysterious.

Ultimately, the poem is a reminder that there are forces in the world beyond our understanding. It encourages us to acknowledge our own limitations and to approach the world with humility and reverence.

Conclusion

"It was not Saint-it was too large" is a powerful poem that explores the limitations of human perception and the power of the divine. Through its use of vivid imagery and symbolism, it creates a sense of awe and wonder around an object that is beyond our understanding. It is a reminder that there are forces in the world beyond what we can comprehend and that we should approach the world with humility and reverence. Emily Dickinson's ability to convey complex spiritual ideas through concise and powerful language is a testament to her skill as a poet and her ability to connect with the deepest parts of the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry enthusiasts and literary scholars alike have long been captivated by the works of Emily Dickinson, one of America's most celebrated poets. Among her many masterpieces is the enigmatic poem "It was not Saint-it was too large-," which has puzzled readers for decades. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem, exploring its themes, structure, and language.

At first glance, "It was not Saint-it was too large-" appears to be a simple poem, consisting of only three stanzas and nine lines. However, as with many of Dickinson's works, the true meaning lies beneath the surface. The poem begins with the line "It was not Saint-it was too large-," immediately setting the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is describing something that is not a saint, but is too large to be anything else. This ambiguity is characteristic of Dickinson's style, as she often leaves her readers to interpret her words for themselves.

The second stanza provides a bit more detail, as the speaker describes the object in question as "Her sweet weight on my Heart a Night/Had scarcely deigned to lie." Here, we see that the object is heavy, and has rested on the speaker's heart for a night. The use of the word "sweet" suggests that the object is something beloved or cherished, but the weight of it is causing the speaker some discomfort.

The final stanza is perhaps the most cryptic, as the speaker declares that "Nor recognizance- nor Taunt-" can make the object smaller. The use of the word "recognizance" suggests that the object is something that has been acknowledged or recognized, while "Taunt" implies that it has been mocked or ridiculed. However, neither of these things can diminish the object's size or importance.

So, what is the object that the speaker is describing? Many interpretations have been offered over the years, but one of the most compelling is that the object is love. Love is often depicted as a saintly force, but in this poem it is too large to be contained by such a label. The weight on the speaker's heart suggests the burden that love can sometimes bring, while the final stanza speaks to the power of love to withstand criticism and adversity.

Another possible interpretation is that the object is death. Death is often depicted as a grim reaper or a skeletal figure, but in this poem it is too large to be contained by such imagery. The weight on the speaker's heart could represent the grief that comes with losing a loved one, while the final stanza suggests that death cannot be diminished or defeated.

Regardless of the interpretation, it is clear that "It was not Saint-it was too large-" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem. Its structure is simple but effective, with each stanza building on the previous one to create a sense of tension and mystery. The use of enjambment, or the continuation of a sentence from one line to the next, adds to the poem's sense of fluidity and movement.

The language used in the poem is also worth examining. Dickinson was known for her unconventional use of punctuation and capitalization, and this poem is no exception. The capitalization of "Her" in the second stanza suggests that the object is a person or entity of great importance, while the lack of punctuation in the final stanza creates a sense of urgency and finality.

In conclusion, "It was not Saint-it was too large-" is a classic poem that continues to captivate readers to this day. Its themes of love, death, and the power of the unknown are timeless and universal, and its structure and language are a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet. Whether you interpret the poem as a meditation on love or a reflection on death, one thing is certain: it is a work of art that will continue to inspire and challenge readers for generations to come.

Editor Recommended Sites

ML Writing: Machine learning for copywriting, guide writing, book writing
Customer 360 - Entity resolution and centralized customer view & Record linkage unification of customer master: Unify all data into a 360 view of the customer. Engineering techniques and best practice. Implementation for a cookieless world
Flutter consulting - DFW flutter development & Southlake / Westlake Flutter Engineering: Flutter development agency for dallas Fort worth
Last Edu: Find online education online. Free university and college courses on machine learning, AI, computer science
NFT Assets: Crypt digital collectible assets

Recommended Similar Analysis

A Musical Instrument by Elizabeth Barrett Browning analysis
The Garden by Ezra Pound analysis
It dropped so low in my regard by Emily Dickinson analysis
Ulalume by Edgar Allan Poe analysis
Greater Love by Wilfred Owen analysis
The Mower Against Gardens by Andrew Marvell analysis
TO ANTHEA by Robert Herrick analysis
Diving Into The Wreck by Adrienne Rich analysis
In My Craft Or Sullen Art by Dylan Thomas analysis
Mellonta Tauta by Edgar Allen Poe analysis