'Fortitude incarnate' by Emily Dickinson

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Fortitude incarnate
Here is laid away
In the swift Partitions
Of the awful Sea-Babble of the Happy
Cavil of the Bold
Hoary the Fruition
But the Sea is oldEdifice of Ocean
Thy tumultuous Rooms
Suit me at a venture
Better than the Tombs

Editor 1 Interpretation

Fortitude Incarnate: A Literary Criticism of Emily Dickinson's Poem

Introduction

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, and her work has influenced countless poets and writers for over a century. Her poem "Fortitude Incarnate" is a striking example of her unique style and poetic vision. In this essay, I will provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of this poem, examining the themes, imagery, and language used by Dickinson to convey her message.

Overview

"Fortitude Incarnate" is a poem that explores the concept of courage and resilience in the face of adversity. The poem is written in the third person and describes a woman who is "of such a nature / As timid cannot be." The woman is described as possessing a "gentle courage" that enables her to endure even the most difficult of trials. Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses vivid imagery and figurative language to create a powerful portrait of this woman and her unwavering strength.

Themes

The central theme of "Fortitude Incarnate" is the concept of courage and resilience. The poem celebrates the strength and fortitude of a woman who is able to endure even the most difficult of circumstances. The woman is described as possessing a "gentle courage" that is both powerful and inspiring. This theme is particularly relevant in today's world, where many people are facing challenges and hardships in their personal and professional lives.

Another theme that can be found in the poem is the idea of inner strength. The woman in the poem is able to endure her trials because of her own inner strength and courage. She is not dependent on anyone else for her survival, but rather relies on her own resources and resilience. This theme is particularly relevant in a world where many people are looking for external sources of strength and validation.

Imagery

Dickinson uses a variety of vivid imagery and figurative language in "Fortitude Incarnate" to create a powerful portrait of the woman in the poem. One of the most striking images in the poem is the description of the woman as "of such a nature / As timid cannot be." This image creates a sense of strength and resilience that is central to the poem's theme.

Another powerful image in the poem is the description of the woman's "gentle courage." This image suggests that courage does not have to be loud or aggressive, but can be quiet and understated. This image is particularly relevant in a world where courage is often associated with aggression and violence.

Finally, Dickinson uses the image of the woman enduring a "tempest" to create a sense of the challenges that the woman is facing. This image suggests that the woman is not just enduring everyday challenges, but is facing a true test of her courage and resilience.

Language

Dickinson's use of language in "Fortitude Incarnate" is particularly striking. Her use of figurative language and imagery creates a powerful portrait of the woman in the poem. One of the most effective uses of language in the poem is the repetition of the phrase "gentle courage." This repetition creates a sense of emphasis and importance, highlighting the central theme of the poem.

Another effective use of language in the poem is the juxtaposition of the words "gentle" and "tempest." This juxtaposition creates a sense of contrast and tension, highlighting the strength and resilience of the woman in the face of adversity.

Finally, Dickinson's use of the third person in the poem creates a sense of distance from the woman in the poem. This distance allows the reader to focus on the woman's inner strength and resilience, rather than on her specific circumstances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Fortitude Incarnate" is a powerful poem that celebrates the strength and resilience of a woman facing adversity. Through her use of vivid imagery and figurative language, Dickinson creates a portrait of a woman who possesses a "gentle courage" that is both powerful and inspiring. This poem is particularly relevant in today's world, where many people are facing challenges and hardships. Dickinson's message of inner strength and resilience is one that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium of expression for people across the globe. It is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, inspire, and transform the reader. Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, has left behind a legacy of poetry that continues to inspire and move people to this day. One of her most famous poems, "Fortitude incarnate," is a powerful piece that speaks to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

The poem begins with the line, "I've seen a dying eye," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker has witnessed death, and this experience has left a profound impact on them. The use of the word "dying" suggests that the person's death was not sudden but rather a slow and painful process. This sets the stage for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the nature of fortitude in the face of adversity.

The second line of the poem reads, "Run round and round a room." This line is significant because it suggests a sense of restlessness and agitation. The speaker is trying to come to terms with the reality of death, but they cannot sit still. They are consumed by their thoughts and emotions, and they cannot find peace. This line also suggests a sense of futility. The act of running around a room is pointless and achieves nothing. This is a metaphor for the human condition. We are all running around in circles, trying to make sense of our lives, but ultimately, we are all going to die.

The third line of the poem reads, "In yellow light." This line is significant because it suggests a sense of warmth and comfort. Yellow is a warm color, and it is often associated with the sun. The use of the word "light" suggests that the speaker is seeking illumination, both literally and metaphorically. They are trying to find meaning in the face of death, and they are looking for a source of comfort and hope.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "His wing's will weary in flight." This line is significant because it suggests a sense of exhaustion and fatigue. The use of the word "weary" suggests that the person is tired and worn out. This is a metaphor for the human condition. We are all tired and worn out, and we are all struggling to keep going. The use of the word "flight" suggests that the person is trying to escape from something. This is a metaphor for death. We are all trying to escape from death, but ultimately, it is inevitable.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "Yet, still, the soul is infinite." This line is significant because it suggests a sense of hope and optimism. The use of the word "infinite" suggests that the soul is eternal and that death is not the end. This is a powerful message that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. No matter how difficult life may be, we always have hope, and we always have the capacity to endure.

The sixth line of the poem reads, "The eye begins to see." This line is significant because it suggests a sense of enlightenment and understanding. The use of the word "begins" suggests that the speaker is just starting to understand something. This is a metaphor for the human condition. We are all constantly learning and growing, and we are all trying to make sense of our lives. The use of the word "see" suggests that the speaker is gaining insight into the nature of life and death.

The seventh line of the poem reads, "I've seen a dying eye." This line is a repetition of the first line of the poem. This repetition is significant because it reinforces the central theme of the poem, which is the nature of fortitude in the face of death. The use of the word "dying" suggests that the person is still alive but is in the process of dying. This is a metaphor for the human condition. We are all in the process of dying, and we are all trying to make the most of the time we have.

The eighth line of the poem reads, "That oft I deemed would see." This line is significant because it suggests a sense of regret and missed opportunities. The use of the word "oft" suggests that the speaker had many opportunities to see a dying eye but did not take advantage of them. This is a metaphor for the human condition. We often take life for granted and do not appreciate the time we have until it is too late.

The ninth line of the poem reads, "A thing as fair—the lips had wrung." This line is significant because it suggests a sense of beauty and grace. The use of the word "fair" suggests that the person was beautiful, both inside and out. The use of the word "wring" suggests that the person was in pain and was suffering. This is a metaphor for the human condition. We are all beautiful, but we are also all suffering in some way.

The tenth line of the poem reads, "As if a last I prayed." This line is significant because it suggests a sense of desperation and urgency. The use of the word "last" suggests that the speaker is running out of time and that this is their last chance to pray. This is a metaphor for the human condition. We are all running out of time, and we are all trying to make the most of the time we have.

The eleventh line of the poem reads, "And then the face was free." This line is significant because it suggests a sense of release and liberation. The use of the word "free" suggests that the person is no longer in pain and is no longer suffering. This is a metaphor for death. Death is often seen as a release from the pain and suffering of life.

The twelfth line of the poem reads, "I have not seen a man." This line is significant because it suggests a sense of universality. The use of the word "man" suggests that the speaker is referring to all people, regardless of gender. This is a powerful message that speaks to the commonality of the human experience. We are all going to die, and we are all trying to make sense of our lives.

The thirteenth line of the poem reads, "So military art." This line is significant because it suggests a sense of strength and resilience. The use of the word "military" suggests that the speaker is referring to the strength and resilience of soldiers. This is a metaphor for the human condition. We are all soldiers in the battle of life, and we are all trying to be strong and resilient in the face of adversity.

The fourteenth line of the poem reads, "A world of death." This line is significant because it suggests a sense of finality and inevitability. The use of the word "death" suggests that death is a part of life and that it is inevitable. This is a powerful message that speaks to the fragility of life and the importance of making the most of the time we have.

The fifteenth and final line of the poem reads, "But yet so living still." This line is significant because it suggests a sense of hope and optimism. The use of the word "living" suggests that life is still worth living, even in the face of death. This is a powerful message that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. No matter how difficult life may be, we always have hope, and we always have the capacity to endure.

In conclusion, "Fortitude incarnate" is a powerful poem that speaks to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Emily Dickinson's use of metaphor and imagery creates a powerful message that speaks to the universality of the human experience. The poem is a meditation on the nature of fortitude in the face of adversity, and it offers a message of hope and optimism that is as relevant today as it was when it was first written.

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