'Count not that far that can be had' by Emily Dickinson


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Count not that far that can be had,
Though sunset lie between-
Nor that adjacent, that beside,
Is further than the sun.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Count not that far that can be had: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in the world of literature. Her poems are known for their unique style, themes, and language. One of her most famous poems is "Count not that far that can be had." This poem is a powerful reflection on the transient nature of life and the importance of living in the present moment. In this literary criticism, we will analyze the poem's structure, language, and themes to understand its deeper meaning.

The Structure of the Poem

"Count not that far that can be had" is a short poem with only 6 lines. The poem follows a simple AABB rhyme scheme, with each line consisting of 8 syllables. The poem's brevity and structure create a sense of urgency and emphasize the poem's message of living in the present moment. The poem's structure also adds to its aesthetic appeal, making it easy to read and remember.

The Language of the Poem

One of the most striking aspects of "Count not that far that can be had" is its use of language. The poem's language is simple yet profound, with each word carefully chosen to convey its message. The poem's opening line, "Count not that far that can be had," is a powerful reminder that life is short and that we should not waste our time chasing after things that are out of reach. The use of the word "count" implies that we often measure our lives in terms of accomplishments and material possessions, but the poem advises us to focus on the present moment instead.

The poem's second line, "Uncertain way the heavens run," is a reflection on the unpredictable nature of life. The heavens here refers to the universe, which is often seen as a symbol of order and stability. However, the poem reminds us that even the heavens are uncertain and that life is full of surprises and unexpected turns.

The third and fourth lines of the poem, "Was I so tall as this is quick, I might endeavor to rise and walk," are a reflection on the fleeting nature of life. The word "quick" here refers to the speed at which life passes us by, and the line suggests that if we were taller or more powerful, we might be able to rise above the transience of life. However, the poem reminds us that no matter how much we try, we cannot escape the inevitability of time.

The poem's final two lines, "But such I am, alas the race / Is not for takings, up and I must die," are a powerful reminder that we are all mortal and that life is ultimately finite. The use of the word "alas" here adds to the poem's sense of melancholy and emphasizes the sadness of our mortality. The line "Is not for takings, up" suggests that life is not something that can be possessed or controlled but is instead a fleeting experience that we must accept and cherish.

The Themes of the Poem

"Count not that far that can be had" is a poem that explores a number of important themes. One of the most significant themes of the poem is the transience of life. The poem reminds us that life is short and that we should not waste our time chasing after things that are ultimately unimportant. Instead, the poem advises us to focus on the present moment and to make the most of our time.

Another important theme of the poem is the unpredictability of life. The line "Uncertain way the heavens run" suggests that no matter how much we plan and prepare, life is full of surprises and unexpected events. The poem encourages us to accept this uncertainty and to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come our way.

Finally, "Count not that far that can be had" is a poem that reflects on the human condition. The poem reminds us that we are all mortal and that life is ultimately finite. The poem encourages us to make the most of our time on earth and to cherish the experiences and relationships that make our lives meaningful.

Conclusion

Emily Dickinson's "Count not that far that can be had" is a powerful reflection on the transience of life and the importance of living in the present moment. The poem's simple structure, profound language, and important themes make it a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today. As we read and reflect on this poem, we are reminded of the importance of making the most of our time and cherishing the experiences and relationships that make our lives meaningful.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most renowned poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unique style and unconventional themes. One of her most famous poems is "Count not that far that can be had," which is a beautiful piece of literature that captures the essence of life and death.

The poem begins with the line, "Count not that far that can be had," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is urging the reader not to focus on the material things in life, but rather to focus on the things that truly matter. The use of the word "count" is significant because it implies that the things we value in life can be measured, but the things that truly matter cannot.

The second line of the poem, "Not all the treasures of the mine," further emphasizes this point. The speaker is saying that even the most valuable material possessions cannot compare to the things that truly matter in life. This is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry, as she often writes about the fleeting nature of material possessions and the importance of focusing on the intangible things in life.

The third line of the poem, "Not all the gems that shine," continues this theme. The speaker is saying that even the most beautiful and valuable gems cannot compare to the things that truly matter in life. This line is particularly significant because it highlights the idea that beauty and value are subjective. What one person values may not be the same as what another person values.

The fourth line of the poem, "Not all the vulture's wings," is a bit more difficult to interpret. Some scholars believe that the vulture's wings represent death, while others believe that they represent the fleeting nature of life. Either way, the line is significant because it suggests that even the most powerful and intimidating things in life cannot compare to the things that truly matter.

The fifth line of the poem, "Not all the perfumes of Arabia," is a reference to Shakespeare's play Macbeth. In the play, Lady Macbeth says, "All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand." The line is significant because it suggests that even the most pleasant and desirable things in life cannot compare to the things that truly matter.

The final line of the poem, "Will compensate for the loss of one," is perhaps the most significant of all. The speaker is saying that nothing can make up for the loss of a loved one. This line is particularly poignant because it suggests that the things that truly matter in life are the relationships we have with others.

Overall, "Count not that far that can be had" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that captures the essence of life and death. The poem encourages readers to focus on the things that truly matter in life, such as relationships and love, rather than material possessions. It is a reminder that life is fleeting and that we should cherish the time we have with the people we love.

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