'Contained in this short Life' by Emily Dickinson
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Contained in this short Life
Are magical extents
The soul returning soft at night
To steal securer thenceAs Children strictest kept
Turn soonest to the sea
Whose nameless Fathoms slink away
Beside infinity
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Poetry: Contained in this Short Life
When it comes to American poetry, Emily Dickinson is an undeniable force to be reckoned with. Her work is celebrated for its unique style, striking imagery, and deeply personal exploration of themes like death, nature, and spirituality. One of her most famous poems, "Contained in this short Life," is a testament to her unparalleled talent as a poet. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we'll take a deep dive into this work, exploring its themes, structure, and language to uncover its true meaning.
The Poem: Contained in this short Life
Contained in this short Life Are magical extents The soul returning soft at night To steal securer thence
As Children strictest kept Are fare best let alone If duly from some prisoned deep The frownless Man should come
And live without a why Lest anyone should ask His cool address a necromancy Combining to the task
Interpretation
At first glance, "Contained in this short Life" may seem like a simple poem about the brevity of life. But as we dive deeper into the poem, we begin to uncover a deeper, more complex meaning. Let's break down the poem stanza by stanza to uncover its true message.
Stanza One
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Dickinson writes, "Contained in this short Life / Are magical extents / The soul returning soft at night / To steal securer thence." Here, she seems to be acknowledging the fleeting nature of life, but also suggesting that there is something magical about it. She uses the word "extents" to suggest that life is more than just a series of moments strung together. There is something expansive and mysterious about it.
The line "The soul returning soft at night / To steal securer thence" is particularly interesting. It suggests that the soul leaves the body at night, perhaps in dreams or during sleep, to find something more secure. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the search for meaning and purpose in life. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that there is something beyond our physical existence that we are all searching for.
Stanza Two
The second stanza takes a darker turn. Dickinson writes, "As Children strictest kept / Are fare best let alone / If duly from some prisoned deep / The frownless Man should come." Here, she seems to be suggesting that sometimes the things we try to keep hidden or repressed can come back to haunt us. The "Children strictest kept" could be a metaphor for our deepest, darkest desires or fears. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that it's best to let these things be, rather than trying to suppress them.
The line "If duly from some prisoned deep / The frownless Man should come" is particularly intriguing. The "frownless Man" could be interpreted as a metaphor for death, or perhaps some other force that we fear. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that we can't escape this force, no matter how hard we try.
Stanza Three
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most enigmatic. Dickinson writes, "And live without a why / Lest anyone should ask / His cool address a necromancy / Combining to the task." Here, she seems to be suggesting that there is a kind of power in living without a clear purpose or reason. The phrase "cool address a necromancy" could be interpreted as a metaphor for the power of mystery and allure. Dickinson is suggesting that sometimes, it's better not to have all the answers.
Themes
Now that we've broken down the poem stanza by stanza, let's explore some of the themes that emerge from "Contained in this short Life."
The Brevity of Life
One of the central themes of the poem is the brevity of life. Dickinson seems to be acknowledging that our time on earth is short, and that we are all searching for something more. This theme is particularly evident in the first stanza, where she writes about the soul "returning soft at night / To steal securer thence." Here, she seems to be suggesting that we are all searching for something beyond our physical existence, something that will make us feel more secure.
The Power of Mystery
Another theme that emerges from the poem is the power of mystery. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that sometimes, it's better not to have all the answers. This theme is particularly evident in the final stanza, where she writes about the power of living without a clear purpose or reason. The phrase "His cool address a necromancy" suggests that there is a kind of allure to mystery and uncertainty.
The Fear of Death
Finally, the poem also explores the fear of death. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that no matter how hard we try to escape death, it will ultimately catch up with us. This theme is particularly evident in the second stanza, where she writes about the "frownless Man" who comes from some "prisoned deep." This could be interpreted as a metaphor for death, or perhaps some other force that we fear.
Language and Structure
One of the things that makes "Contained in this short Life" such a powerful poem is its language and structure. Let's take a closer look at each of these elements.
Language
Dickinson's use of language is particularly striking in this poem. She employs metaphors and enigmatic phrases to suggest deep, complex ideas. For example, the phrase "cool address a necromancy" is both mysterious and alluring. It suggests that there is a kind of power in living without a clear purpose or reason.
Structure
The structure of the poem is also worth noting. It consists of three stanzas, each with four lines. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance that is pleasing to the ear. Additionally, Dickinson uses a consistent rhyme scheme (ABCB) throughout the poem, which contributes to its musicality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Contained in this short Life" is a powerful poem that explores themes of the brevity of life, the power of mystery, and the fear of death. Through her use of language and structure, Emily Dickinson creates a work that is both beautiful and enigmatic. As readers, we are left with a sense of wonder and awe, and a deeper appreciation for the mysteries of life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Contained in this Short Life: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Masterpiece
Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of the 19th century, wrote a plethora of poems that have stood the test of time. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional use of punctuation, and deep philosophical themes. One of her most famous poems, "Poetry Contained in this Short Life," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of her poetic genius.
The poem begins with the line, "There is no frigate like a book," which immediately draws the reader's attention. The word "frigate" is an unusual choice, as it is typically associated with ships and sailing. However, Dickinson uses it to describe a book, which suggests that reading can transport us to new worlds and experiences just as a ship can take us to new places.
The second line, "To take us lands away," reinforces this idea of travel and exploration. Dickinson is suggesting that reading can take us to places we have never been before, both physically and mentally. This is a powerful statement, as it implies that books have the power to broaden our horizons and expand our understanding of the world.
The third line, "Nor any coursers like a page," continues this theme of travel and adventure. The word "coursers" refers to horses, which were often used for transportation in the 19th century. However, Dickinson uses it to describe a page, which suggests that reading can take us on a journey just as a horse can. This line also highlights the idea that books are a form of escape, allowing us to leave our everyday lives behind and enter new worlds.
The fourth line, "Of prancing poetry," is where the poem takes a turn. Dickinson shifts from the idea of travel and adventure to the concept of poetry. The word "prancing" suggests movement and energy, which is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry. She often uses imagery of nature and animals to convey a sense of vitality and liveliness.
The fifth line, "This traverse may the poorest take," is a powerful statement about the accessibility of poetry. Dickinson is suggesting that anyone, regardless of their social or economic status, can enjoy and appreciate poetry. This is a significant statement, as poetry was often seen as an elitist art form in the 19th century.
The sixth line, "Without oppress of toll," reinforces this idea of accessibility. The word "oppress" suggests that poetry should not be a burden or a chore, but rather something that is enjoyable and uplifting. This line also highlights the idea that poetry is a form of liberation, allowing us to escape the constraints of our everyday lives.
The seventh and eighth lines, "How frugal is the chariot / That bears a human soul," are perhaps the most powerful in the entire poem. Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is a form of transportation for the soul, and that it is a frugal one at that. The word "frugal" suggests that poetry is not a luxury, but rather a necessity for the human soul. This line also highlights the idea that poetry is a form of transcendence, allowing us to rise above our earthly concerns and connect with something greater.
The final line, "As bold as a bird upon the sky," is a beautiful metaphor for the power and freedom of poetry. The image of a bird soaring through the sky suggests a sense of liberation and boundlessness. Dickinson is suggesting that poetry has the power to lift us up and take us to new heights, both literally and figuratively.
In conclusion, "Poetry Contained in this Short Life" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of Emily Dickinson's genius. Through her use of unconventional imagery and metaphors, she conveys a powerful message about the accessibility and power of poetry. This poem is a testament to the enduring legacy of Dickinson's work, and a reminder of the transformative power of poetry in our lives.
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