'That is solemn we have ended' by Emily Dickinson

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That is solemn we have ended
Be it but a Play
Or a Glee among the Garret
Or a HolidayOr a leaving Home, or later,
Parting with a World
We have understood for better
Still to be explained.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's "Poetry, That is solemn we have ended"

Emily Dickinson is one of the most renowned American poets of all time. Her work is known for its unique style and introspective themes. "Poetry, That is solemn we have ended" is one of her most famous poems, and it is a perfect example of her distinctive writing.

At first glance, the poem seems simple, but on closer inspection, it reveals profound ideas about the nature of poetry and its impact on the human psyche. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes and literary devices employed by Dickinson in "Poetry, That is solemn we have ended."

Overview of the Poem

"Poetry, That is solemn we have ended" is a short but powerful poem that consists of only four stanzas, each containing two lines. The poem begins with the line, "Poetry, That is solemn we have ended," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

The first stanza continues with the line, "Do not make any noise," which seems contradictory to the usual purpose of poetry. Poetry is meant to be read out loud and shared with others, but this line suggests that the speaker wants the reader to be silent and still.

The second stanza is even more intriguing, with the line, "Heaven is not gained at a single bound." This line is a reference to John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress," in which the protagonist, Christian, has to pass through several obstacles and challenges before reaching heaven.

The third stanza contains the line, "But we have perceived it already." This line suggests that the speaker has already experienced the joys of heaven, and the reader can too if they pay attention to the message of the poem.

The final stanza concludes with the line, "A silence gathers reverence." This line suggests that the speaker believes that silence is necessary to appreciate the solemnity of the poem and its message.

Themes in "Poetry, That is solemn we have ended"

One of the most prominent themes in "Poetry, That is solemn we have ended" is the idea that poetry is a means to achieve spiritual enlightenment. The speaker suggests that the purpose of poetry is not just to entertain but also to inspire and uplift the human spirit.

The second theme is the idea that heaven is not a destination but a journey. The line, "Heaven is not gained at a single bound," suggests that the path to enlightenment is not easy and requires perseverance and dedication.

The third theme is the idea that the joy of heaven is accessible to all. The line, "But we have perceived it already," suggests that the speaker believes that everyone has the potential to experience the joys of heaven if they are open to the message of the poem.

Finally, the fourth theme is the idea that silence and stillness are necessary to appreciate the profundity of poetry. The line, "A silence gathers reverence," suggests that the speaker believes that the message of the poem can only be fully appreciated in a quiet and reflective atmosphere.

Literary Devices in "Poetry, That is solemn we have ended"

Dickinson employs several literary devices in "Poetry, That is solemn we have ended" to convey her themes effectively. One of the most prominent devices is allusion. The reference to John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress" in the line, "Heaven is not gained at a single bound," adds depth to the poem and enhances its spiritual message.

Another literary device Dickinson uses is imagery. The line, "A silence gathers reverence," creates a vivid image of the atmosphere in which the poem should be read. The use of the word "reverence" enhances the spiritual message of the poem and suggests that the reader should approach it with respect and awe.

The poem also employs paradox. The line, "Do not make any noise," seems contradictory to the usual purpose of poetry, which is meant to be read out loud and shared with others. However, this paradoxical line enhances the poem's theme that stillness and silence are necessary to appreciate the profundity of poetry.

Interpretation of "Poetry, That is solemn we have ended"

Each stanza of "Poetry, That is solemn we have ended" can be interpreted in several ways, but they all contribute to the poem's overall message of the spiritual significance of poetry.

In the first stanza, the line, "Do not make any noise," can be interpreted as a call for stillness and silence to appreciate the profundity of poetry. This interpretation is supported by the final stanza's line, "A silence gathers reverence."

The second stanza's line, "Heaven is not gained at a single bound," suggests that spiritual enlightenment is not easy and requires perseverance and dedication. This interpretation is supported by the reference to "The Pilgrim's Progress."

In the third stanza, the line, "But we have perceived it already," suggests that the joy of heaven is accessible to all if they pay attention to the message of the poem. This interpretation is supported by the poem's overall theme that poetry is a means to achieve spiritual enlightenment.

Finally, the last stanza's line, "A silence gathers reverence," reinforces the idea that silence and stillness are necessary to appreciate the deep spiritual message of the poem.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Poetry, That is solemn we have ended" is a powerful poem that conveys profound ideas about the nature of poetry and its impact on the human psyche. The poem's themes of spiritual enlightenment, perseverance, accessibility, and stillness are conveyed through the use of literary devices such as allusion, imagery, and paradox.

The poem's message is that poetry is not just a medium for entertainment but also a means to achieve spiritual enlightenment. The poem suggests that the joy of heaven is accessible to all if they pay attention to its message and approach it with stillness and reverence.

"Poetry, That is solemn we have ended" is a testament to Emily Dickinson's unique style and her ability to convey profound ideas through simple but effective language.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry That is solemn we have ended: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and profound themes. One of her most famous poems is "Poetry That is solemn we have ended," which is a reflection on the nature of poetry and its impact on the human soul. In this article, we will analyze this classic poem and explore its meaning and significance.

The poem begins with the line "Poetry That is solemn we have ended," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "solemn" suggests a serious and somber mood, which is appropriate for a reflection on the end of something. The use of the word "we" implies that the speaker is not alone in this experience, but rather part of a larger group or community.

The second line of the poem reads, "And what is missing, that we die?" This line is a rhetorical question that invites the reader to consider the purpose of life and the inevitability of death. The word "missing" suggests that there is something lacking in life that makes death necessary. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the human condition, which is characterized by a sense of incompleteness or longing.

The third line of the poem reads, "Renewed shall be blade that was broken." This line is a reference to a passage in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," in which a broken sword is reforged and becomes a symbol of hope and renewal. The use of this reference suggests that the speaker believes in the possibility of renewal and transformation, even in the face of death.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "The light from the fire shall unseal the eyes." This line is a metaphor for enlightenment or spiritual awakening. The image of fire suggests a purifying or transformative force, while the unsealing of the eyes suggests a new level of awareness or understanding. This line could be interpreted as a call to embrace the transformative power of poetry and art.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "The stars shall applaud us with their diamon." This line is a reference to the beauty and majesty of the natural world. The use of the word "applaud" suggests that the speaker believes that the natural world is capable of recognizing and appreciating human achievements. This line could be interpreted as a celebration of the human spirit and its ability to create beauty and meaning in the world.

The final line of the poem reads, "For thee who hast suffered, I'll offer a prayer." This line is a direct address to a specific person, who is presumably someone who has experienced suffering or hardship. The use of the word "thee" suggests a personal connection between the speaker and the addressee. The offer of a prayer suggests a desire to provide comfort or support to someone in need.

Overall, "Poetry That is solemn we have ended" is a complex and multi-layered poem that explores themes of life, death, renewal, and transcendence. The use of metaphors, allusions, and rhetorical questions creates a sense of depth and richness that invites the reader to engage with the poem on multiple levels. The poem's message is ultimately one of hope and optimism, suggesting that even in the face of death and suffering, there is the possibility of renewal and transformation.

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