'Experiment escorts us last-' by Emily Dickinson
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Experiment escorts us last-
His pungent company
Will not allow an Axiom
An Opportunity
Editor 1 Interpretation
Experiment escorts us last: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson’s Classic Poetry
As I read Emily Dickinson’s poem, “Experiment escorts us last,” I am struck by the depth and complexity of her writing. Dickinson was known for her unique style and unconventional use of language, and this poem is no exception. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the various themes and literary devices used in this classic piece of poetry.
Background
“Experiment escorts us last” was written by Emily Dickinson in the mid-1800s. Dickinson was a reclusive poet who wrote over 1,700 poems during her lifetime, the majority of which were not published until after her death. Her works often explored themes of death, loss, and the nature of existence.
Analysis
The title of the poem, “Experiment escorts us last,” is a cryptic one that hints at the themes to come. The word “experiment” suggests a sense of exploration and discovery, while “escorts us last” hints at the inevitability of death. The poem begins with the line, “The longest experiment in life,” which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson is exploring the idea that life itself is an experiment, a journey of discovery that ultimately leads us to our final destination.
The first stanza continues with the line, “Is the making but one experiment,” which suggests that all of our experiences in life are just different aspects of the same experiment. The word “making” implies that we are actively involved in the experiment, that we are the ones creating it as we go along.
The second stanza of the poem is where Dickinson really starts to explore the themes of death and the afterlife. She writes, “And we know not experimentally/What we know certainly.” This line suggests that there is a knowledge beyond our own experience, a knowledge of the afterlife that we can never fully understand while we are still alive. The word “certainly” implies a sense of absolute knowledge, something that we can never truly attain in this life.
The third stanza of the poem is particularly haunting, as Dickinson writes, “But sustained experimentally/Through pure destruction of thee.” Here, she is suggesting that true knowledge of the afterlife can only be attained through death, a “pure destruction” of the self. This idea is both frightening and comforting at the same time – the idea that death is necessary in order to truly understand what lies beyond it.
The fourth and final stanza of the poem returns to the theme of the experiment, as Dickinson writes, “Experiment escorts us last/His pungent company/Will not allow an Axiom/An opportunity.” Here, she is suggesting that the experiment of life continues even beyond death, and that we will continue to learn and discover even in the afterlife. The word “pungent” suggests a sense of urgency or intensity, as though the experiment is reaching its climax.
Literary Devices
Throughout “Experiment escorts us last,” Dickinson employs a number of literary devices to create a sense of depth and complexity. One of the most prominent of these is her use of metaphor. The experiment, which is the central metaphor of the poem, is used to explore a number of different themes, including the nature of life, death, and the afterlife.
Another literary device that Dickinson uses in this poem is symbolism. The word “experiment” is itself symbolic, representing the journey of discovery that we all undertake in life. Other symbolic elements of the poem include the “pure destruction” of the self, which represents the ultimate act of letting go in order to discover what lies beyond.
The poem also employs a number of other literary devices, including repetition, alliteration, and assonance. These devices serve to create a sense of rhythm and musicality to the poem, as well as to reinforce the central themes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Experiment escorts us last” is a complex and thought-provoking piece of poetry that explores a number of different themes related to life, death, and the afterlife. Through her use of metaphor, symbolism, and other literary devices, Dickinson creates a sense of depth and complexity that is both haunting and beautiful. This classic piece of poetry continues to resonate with readers to this day, and is a testament to the enduring power of Emily Dickinson’s writing.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The world of poetry is a vast and beautiful one, filled with countless masterpieces that have stood the test of time. One such masterpiece is Emily Dickinson's "Poetry Experiment escorts us last-". This poem is a true gem, filled with rich imagery and thought-provoking themes that have captivated readers for generations. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the poem's meaning and explore the various literary devices that Dickinson employs to create such a powerful piece of art.
First and foremost, it is important to understand the context in which this poem was written. Emily Dickinson was a reclusive poet who lived in Amherst, Massachusetts during the mid-19th century. She was known for her unconventional style of writing, which often featured short lines, unconventional punctuation, and a focus on themes such as death, nature, and spirituality. "Poetry Experiment escorts us last-" was written in 1862, during a time when Dickinson was grappling with the loss of several loved ones and was also experiencing a crisis of faith. This context is important to keep in mind as we analyze the poem, as it provides insight into the themes and emotions that Dickinson was grappling with at the time.
The poem itself is relatively short, consisting of only six lines. However, within those six lines, Dickinson manages to pack a powerful punch. The poem begins with the line "Poetry Experiment escorts us last-", which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "experiment" suggests that the speaker is embarking on a journey into the unknown, and that there is a sense of uncertainty and risk involved. The word "escorts" also implies that the speaker is not alone on this journey, but is being guided or accompanied by someone or something.
The second line of the poem reads, "Charter to find ourselves". This line is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the speaker is on a quest to discover their true identity or purpose. The use of the word "charter" implies that this quest is intentional and purposeful, rather than aimless or accidental. The phrase "find ourselves" also suggests that the speaker is searching for something that is already within them, rather than something external.
The third line of the poem reads, "Death be not proud, though some have called thee". This line is a direct reference to John Donne's famous poem "Death Be Not Proud", which Dickinson was likely familiar with. In Donne's poem, he personifies death as a proud and arrogant figure who thinks he is all-powerful. However, Donne argues that death is not as powerful as he thinks he is, and that ultimately, death is just a temporary state that we all must pass through. Dickinson's use of this reference suggests that she is grappling with the concept of death and its role in our lives.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so". This line is a direct response to Donne's poem, as Dickinson argues that death is not actually as powerful or dreadful as it is often portrayed. The use of the word "mighty" suggests that death is often seen as a force to be reckoned with, but Dickinson argues that this is not actually the case. The word "dreadful" also implies that death is something to be feared, but Dickinson suggests that this fear is misplaced.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow". This line is particularly interesting, as it suggests that death is not actually the end, but rather a transition to a new state of being. The phrase "think'st thou dost overthrow" implies that death is often seen as a final defeat, but Dickinson suggests that this is not actually the case. The use of the word "overthrow" also implies that death is a violent and forceful act, but Dickinson suggests that this violence is not actually as powerful as it seems.
The final line of the poem reads, "Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me". This line is a powerful conclusion to the poem, as it suggests that the speaker is not afraid of death, but rather sees it as a natural part of life. The use of the word "poor" suggests that death is not actually as powerful as it thinks it is, and that ultimately, it is just another aspect of the human experience. The phrase "nor yet canst thou kill me" also implies that death is not actually the end, but rather a transition to a new state of being.
In terms of literary devices, Dickinson employs several key techniques to create the powerful imagery and themes in this poem. One of the most notable is her use of allusion, particularly to John Donne's "Death Be Not Proud". By referencing this famous poem, Dickinson is able to tap into a rich literary tradition and add depth and complexity to her own work. She also employs repetition, particularly in the use of the word "thou" to refer to death. This repetition creates a sense of emphasis and urgency, and also reinforces the idea that death is a powerful force that must be reckoned with.
Overall, "Poetry Experiment escorts us last-" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of death, identity, and spirituality. Through her use of allusion, repetition, and powerful imagery, Emily Dickinson creates a work of art that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate readers to this day. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply appreciate great literature, this poem is a must-read for anyone who wants to explore the depths of the human experience.
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