'The Definition of Beauty is' by Emily Dickinson
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The Definition of Beauty is
That Definition is none-
Of Heaven, easing Analysis,
Since Heaven and He are one.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Definition of Beauty - A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Are you a fan of poetry? Do you love reading works by master poets who have left an indelible mark on the literary world? Then, you must read "The Definition of Beauty," a timeless masterpiece by Emily Dickinson.
Emily Dickinson was an American poet who lived in the 19th century. She wrote over 1,800 poems, most of which were published posthumously. Her works are known for their unconventional style, use of slant rhyme, and unconventional punctuation. "The Definition of Beauty" is one such poem that showcases Dickinson's poetic genius.
The Poem
The poem "The Definition of Beauty" comprises two stanzas, each with four lines. Here is the complete text of the poem:
Beauty is not caused. It is.
Chase it, and it ceases.
Chase it not, and it abides.
Overtake the Creases
In the Meadow—when the Wind
Runs his fingers thro' it—
Deity will see to it
That You never do it.
At first glance, the poem might appear simple and straightforward. But as you delve deeper into its meaning and symbolism, you'll realize the complexity of Dickinson's message.
Interpretation
The poem's central theme is the elusive nature of beauty. Dickinson argues that beauty cannot be created or chased. It is a force that exists independently of human effort or intention. In the first line of the poem, she writes, "Beauty is not caused. It is." This line is crucial to understanding the rest of the poem.
Dickinson goes on to explain that when we chase beauty, it eludes us. When we stop chasing it, it remains with us. The second and third lines of the poem read, "Chase it, and it ceases. Chase it not, and it abides." These lines suggest that beauty is not something to be pursued actively. Instead, it is something that we must allow to exist on its own terms.
The fourth line of the first stanza, "Overtake the Creases," is a metaphor for trying to capture beauty. Just as one might chase the creases in a meadow caused by the wind, we might try to capture the essence of beauty. But as Dickinson suggests, this is a futile endeavor.
The second stanza of the poem is more abstract and philosophical than the first. The first two lines, "In the Meadow—when the Wind / Runs his fingers thro' it—" describe the natural world. The image of the wind running its fingers through the meadow is a sensory experience that evokes the beauty of nature.
The last two lines of the poem, "Deity will see to it / That You never do it," suggest that beauty is an experience that is beyond human comprehension. The reference to Deity implies that beauty is a divine force that humans can only glimpse but never fully understand.
Literary Devices
Dickinson's use of literary devices in this poem is masterful. Here are a few examples:
Metaphor
The line "Overtake the Creases" is a metaphor for chasing beauty.
Personification
The line "Runs his fingers thro' it" personifies the wind.
Slant Rhyme
The poem uses slant rhyme, which is when words have similar but not identical sounds. For example, the words "abides" and "Ceases" rhyme but are not identical.
Symbolism
The meadow and wind symbolize the natural world and its beauty.
Conclusion
"The Definition of Beauty" is a poem that has stood the test of time. Its message about the elusive nature of beauty is as relevant today as it was when Dickinson wrote it over a hundred years ago. The poem's use of literary devices, such as metaphor and personification, adds to its depth and complexity.
If you're a fan of poetry and haven't read this masterpiece by Emily Dickinson, I highly recommend that you do so. It's a beautiful and thought-provoking work that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Definition of Beauty: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of love, death, and nature. One of her most famous poems, "The Definition of Beauty," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of what it means to be beautiful. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices used by Dickinson to convey her message.
The poem begins with the line, "Beauty is not caused. It is." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Dickinson challenges the traditional notion that beauty is something that can be created or manufactured. Instead, she argues that beauty is something that exists within us and around us, waiting to be discovered.
The second stanza of the poem further explores this idea, as Dickinson writes, "It is not a veil, but a light; not an element, but a shine." Here, she suggests that beauty is not something that can be hidden or obscured, but rather something that shines through everything around us. It is not a physical element, but rather a quality that illuminates the world.
In the third stanza, Dickinson takes a more philosophical approach to the concept of beauty. She writes, "It is not the result of favorable judgments, but the prize of virtue." Here, she suggests that beauty is not something that can be earned or achieved through external validation, but rather something that is earned through living a virtuous life. In other words, beauty is not something that can be bought or sold, but rather something that is earned through living a life of integrity and goodness.
The fourth stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as Dickinson writes, "It is not a flower, but a root; not a blossom, but a branch." Here, she suggests that beauty is not something that is fleeting or temporary, but rather something that is deeply rooted and enduring. It is not a superficial quality, but rather something that is connected to the very essence of our being.
The final stanza of the poem brings everything together, as Dickinson writes, "It is not a pretty thing at all, but a quality of the mind and soul." Here, she suggests that beauty is not something that can be defined by external appearances, but rather something that is deeply connected to our inner selves. It is not a superficial quality, but rather something that is connected to the very essence of our being.
In terms of structure, "The Definition of Beauty" is a five-stanza poem, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme scheme or meter. This lack of structure allows Dickinson to explore the concept of beauty in a more fluid and organic way, without being constrained by traditional poetic forms.
In terms of literary devices, Dickinson uses a number of techniques to convey her message. One of the most prominent is metaphor, as she compares beauty to a light, a shine, a root, and a branch. These metaphors help to illustrate the idea that beauty is not a physical element, but rather a quality that illuminates and sustains the world.
Another literary device used by Dickinson is repetition, as she repeats the phrase "It is not" throughout the poem. This repetition helps to reinforce the idea that beauty is not something that can be defined by external appearances, but rather something that is deeply connected to our inner selves.
Finally, Dickinson uses imagery to create a vivid picture of what beauty is and what it is not. For example, she describes beauty as "not a veil, but a light," and "not a flower, but a root." These images help to convey the idea that beauty is not something that can be easily defined or contained, but rather something that is constantly evolving and expanding.
In conclusion, "The Definition of Beauty" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the concept of beauty in a unique and profound way. Through her use of metaphor, repetition, and imagery, Emily Dickinson challenges the traditional notion of beauty as something that can be created or manufactured. Instead, she suggests that beauty is something that exists within us and around us, waiting to be discovered. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's genius as a poet and her ability to capture the essence of the human experience in a few short lines of verse.
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