'Delight's Despair at setting' by Emily Dickinson

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Delight's Despair at setting
Is that Delight is less
Than the sufficing Longing
That so impoverish.Enchantment's Perihelion
Mistaken oft has been
For the Authentic orbit
Of its Anterior Sun.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Delight's Despair at Setting" by Emily Dickinson: A Masterpiece of Ambiguity and Sublimity

Emily Dickinson is known for her enigmatic poems that are steeped in ambiguity and uncertainty, inviting multiple interpretations and challenging the reader's imagination and intellect. "Delight's Despair at Setting" is one such poem that captivates and confounds the reader with its intricate imagery, complex themes, and elusive meaning. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the various aspects of this poem that make it a masterpiece of ambiguity and sublimity, and try to unravel some of its mysteries and paradoxes.

The Poem: Delight's Despair at Setting

Here is the full text of the poem:

Delight becomes pictorial When viewed through pain,-- More fair, because impossible That any gain.

The mountain at a given distance In amber lies; Approached, the amber flits a little,-- And that 's the skies!

At first glance, the poem seems to be a meditation on the nature of beauty, perception, and the transience of joy. The title itself suggests a paradoxical juxtaposition of two seemingly opposite emotions, delight and despair, which sets the tone for the poem's conflicting imagery and themes. The opening line, "Delight becomes pictorial/ When viewed through pain," immediately introduces the reader to the idea that beauty is enhanced by its contrast with something painful or tragic. The word "pictorial" suggests that the delight is not just a sensation, but a visual image that is intensified by its association with pain. The next line, "More fair, because impossible/ That any gain," further reinforces this idea by suggesting that the delight is more valuable because it cannot be attained or possessed, and is therefore more precious and sublime.

The second stanza introduces a concrete image of a mountain viewed at a distance through amber, which is a translucent yellow or brown color often associated with antiquity and preciousness. The mountain is described as lying "in amber," which suggests both a sense of preservation and a distortion of reality, as if the mountain is trapped or frozen in time. However, the next line complicates this image by suggesting that the amber is not static, but "flits a little" when approached, revealing the skies behind it. This sudden shift in perspective creates a sense of unease and instability, as if the boundary between the mountain and the skies is blurred or uncertain. The use of the word "flits" suggests a movement or fleetingness that contrasts with the static image of the mountain in amber, and creates a sense of transience and impermanence.

The poem ends abruptly, without a conclusion or resolution, leaving the reader to ponder the meaning and significance of the imagery and themes presented. The brevity and ambiguity of the poem are characteristic of Dickinson's style, which often eschews conventional structure and narrative in favor of fragmentary and suggestive language.

Interpretation: Ambiguity and Sublimity

The poem "Delight's Despair at Setting" is a prime example of Emily Dickinson's mastery of ambiguity and sublimity. Throughout the poem, she employs paradoxical and contradictory imagery, such as delight and despair, amber and flitting skies, to create a sense of tension and uncertainty. These contrasting images are not meant to be resolved or reconciled, but to evoke a sense of mystery and wonder that transcends rational comprehension.

One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a reflection on the nature of perception and the limitations of human understanding. The idea that delight is more intense when viewed through pain suggests that the human capacity for joy is inseparable from its opposite, and that both are necessary for a full appreciation of life. The image of the mountain in amber, frozen in time and yet flitting, suggests that reality is both fixed and mutable, and that our perception of it is constantly shifting and incomplete. The brevity and ambiguity of the poem reinforce this sense of uncertainty, inviting the reader to contemplate the mysteries of existence and the limits of language.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a critique of materialism and the pursuit of worldly pleasures. The idea that delight is more valuable when it cannot be attained suggests that the pursuit of pleasure is ultimately futile and unsatisfying. The image of the mountain in amber, which is both precious and distorted, suggests that material possessions can be both alluring and illusory, and that true beauty is not found in external objects but in the imagination and the spirit. The brevity and ambiguity of the poem reinforce this sense of spiritual yearning, inviting the reader to seek a deeper and more enduring source of joy and fulfillment.

Yet another interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the beauty and fragility of nature. The image of the mountain in amber suggests a sense of reverence for the natural world, and the idea that its beauty is enhanced by its contrast with pain suggests a sense of awe and humility in the face of its power and majesty. The flitting skies behind the amber suggest a sense of impermanence and vulnerability, as if the mountain and the sky are both subject to the forces of time and change. The brevity and ambiguity of the poem reinforce this sense of wonder and vulnerability, inviting the reader to cherish and protect the natural world and to recognize their own place within it.

Conclusion

"Delight's Despair at Setting" is a poem that challenges and rewards the reader with its intricate imagery, complex themes, and elusive meaning. Through its paradoxical and contradictory language, it invites multiple interpretations and provokes contemplation of the mysteries of existence. Whether read as a reflection on perception, a critique of materialism, or a commentary on nature, the poem inspires a sense of wonder and humility that transcends rational understanding. Emily Dickinson's mastery of ambiguity and sublimity is on full display in this enigmatic and sublime masterpiece.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Delight's Despair at Setting: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. Her poem, "Poetry Delight's Despair at Setting," is a poignant and thought-provoking piece that explores the relationship between poetry and the natural world. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes and motifs of the poem, as well as examine the literary devices that Dickinson employs to convey her message.

The poem begins with the speaker, who is presumably Dickinson herself, expressing her love for poetry. She describes it as a "delight" that brings her joy and comfort. However, this delight is short-lived, as she quickly becomes aware of the setting around her. The "setting" in this context refers to the natural world, which is portrayed as a harsh and unforgiving place. The speaker notes that the "setting sun" is a reminder of the passing of time, and that the "dying day" is a symbol of the impermanence of all things.

The theme of impermanence is a recurring motif throughout the poem. The speaker notes that even the most beautiful things in life, such as the "roses" and the "birds," are fleeting and will eventually fade away. This sense of impermanence is further emphasized by the use of the word "setting," which implies that everything is in a state of decline or decay.

Despite this bleak outlook, the speaker still finds solace in poetry. She notes that even though the natural world may be harsh and unforgiving, poetry has the power to transcend these limitations. It allows her to "linger" in the moment and appreciate the beauty of the world around her, even if it is only for a brief moment.

The use of literary devices in the poem is also worth examining. Dickinson employs a number of techniques to convey her message, including metaphor, personification, and imagery. For example, the "setting sun" is personified as a reminder of the passing of time, while the "dying day" is a metaphor for the impermanence of all things. The use of imagery is also particularly effective, as it allows the reader to visualize the natural world in all its beauty and harshness.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language. Dickinson's writing is characterized by its economy of language and its ability to convey complex ideas in a few simple words. This is evident in the opening lines of the poem, where she describes poetry as a "delight." This simple word conveys a sense of joy and happiness that is immediately relatable to the reader.

Another notable aspect of the poem is its structure. The poem is composed of four stanzas, each with four lines. This structure gives the poem a sense of symmetry and balance, which is in keeping with the theme of impermanence. The use of rhyme is also worth noting, as it adds to the musicality of the poem and makes it more memorable.

In conclusion, "Poetry Delight's Despair at Setting" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the relationship between poetry and the natural world. Through her use of language, imagery, and literary devices, Emily Dickinson conveys a sense of impermanence and transience that is both beautiful and haunting. Despite the harshness of the natural world, the speaker finds solace in poetry, which allows her to appreciate the beauty of the world around her, even if it is only for a brief moment. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to transcend the limitations of the physical world and to capture the essence of the human experience.

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