'That Distance was between Us' by Emily Dickinson

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That Distance was between Us
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Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, That Distance was between Us by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Analysis

Introduction

Emily Dickinson, one of America's most celebrated poets, has a unique style of writing that sets her apart from her contemporaries. Her unconventional use of punctuation, capitalization, and syntax lends a distinctive voice to the themes that she explores in her poems. That Distance was between Us is a poignant and deeply personal poem that explores the theme of distance, both physical and emotional, between two people. In this literary analysis, I will examine the various literary devices that Emily Dickinson employs in the poem to convey her message and explore the deeper meaning behind the words.

The Poem

That Distance was between Us By Emily Dickinson

That Distance was between Us As Features are between For some — a furthest Flower — For some — a far-off Queen — Translation none the less For that slotted Breath — Deliverance — and for Deliverance — That Distances be Death —

The lines of the poem are simple and straightforward, yet they convey a sense of profound emotion and longing. The first line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, introducing the theme of distance between two people. The use of the word "Distance" suggests a physical separation, but as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the distance is not just physical but emotional as well.

The second line compares the distance between the two people to the features that separate them. This is a powerful image that suggests that the distance is so great that the two people are almost like strangers to each other. The use of the word "Features" also suggests that the distance is not just a physical one but also an emotional one, as if the two people have become so distant that they no longer recognize each other.

The third and fourth lines introduce two images that further illustrate the idea of distance. The "furthest Flower" and the "far-off Queen" are both symbols of distance and unattainability. The flower is too far away to be reached, and the queen is too distant to be approached. These images suggest that the two people are so far apart that they may never be able to bridge the gap between them.

The fifth line, "Translation none the less," is a powerful statement that suggests that the distance between the two people is insurmountable. It implies that even if they were to try to bridge the gap, they would not be able to understand each other. The use of the word "Translation" suggests that the two people are speaking different languages, both literally and figuratively.

The sixth and seventh lines introduce the idea of deliverance, suggesting that the distance between the two people is a burden that needs to be lifted. The use of the word "slotted" in the sixth line is interesting, as it suggests that the distance is something that has been predetermined, as if the two people were fated to be apart. The idea of deliverance is further emphasized in the seventh line, which suggests that death may be the only way to overcome the distance between them.

Literary Devices

Emily Dickinson employs several literary devices in the poem to convey her message. The use of imagery is particularly powerful, as it creates vivid and memorable images that help to convey the theme of distance. The comparison of the distance between the two people to features is a particularly effective image, as it suggests that the distance is not just physical but also emotional.

The use of repetition is also effective in the poem. The repeated use of the word "Distance" emphasizes the theme of separation and helps to create a sense of longing and loss. The repetition of the phrase "For some" in the third and fourth lines is also effective, as it creates a sense of universality and suggests that the theme of distance is something that is experienced by many people.

The use of rhyme is also interesting in the poem. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, which creates a sense of symmetry and balance. The use of slant rhyme is also effective, as it creates a sense of unease that mirrors the theme of distance.

The use of punctuation is also noteworthy in the poem. The use of dashes and ellipses creates a sense of hesitation and uncertainty, as if the speaker is struggling to find the right words to express her feelings. The fragmentation of the lines also suggests that the speaker is struggling to make sense of her emotions.

Interpretation

The poem can be interpreted on several levels. On a literal level, it is a poem about physical and emotional distance between two people. The use of the word "Distance" suggests that the two people are physically separated, but the images of the furthest flower and the far-off queen suggest that the distance is also emotional. The idea of deliverance suggests that the distance is a burden that needs to be lifted, but the final line suggests that death may be the only way to overcome it.

On a more metaphorical level, the poem can be interpreted as a commentary on the human condition. The theme of distance can be seen as a metaphor for the isolation and loneliness that many people experience in their lives. The use of imagery and repetition creates a sense of universality that suggests that the theme of distance is something that is experienced by many people.

The use of punctuation and the fragmentation of the lines also suggest that the poem is a reflection of the speaker's own struggles with isolation and loneliness. The hesitation and uncertainty in the language suggest that the speaker is struggling to find a way to express her feelings, and the fragmentation of the lines suggests that she is struggling to make sense of her emotions.

Conclusion

That Distance was between Us is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the theme of distance between two people. Emily Dickinson employs a variety of literary devices to convey her message, including imagery, repetition, and punctuation. The poem can be interpreted on several levels, both as a literal reflection on physical and emotional distance and as a metaphor for the isolation and loneliness that many people experience in their lives. The poem is a testament to Emily Dickinson's unique voice and her ability to explore complex and universal themes in her writing.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry That Distance was between Us: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, the renowned American poet, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of love, death, and nature. One of her most celebrated works is the poem "That Distance was between Us," which was published posthumously in 1890. In this poem, Dickinson explores the theme of separation and distance between two lovers, and the emotional turmoil that it brings. This essay will provide a detailed analysis and explanation of the poem, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the line, "That Distance was between Us," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "distance" suggests a physical separation between the two lovers, but it also implies an emotional distance. The poem then goes on to describe the various ways in which this distance manifests itself, both physically and emotionally.

The second stanza of the poem reads, "Not further than the Distance / Which the Stars report tonight." Here, Dickinson uses the metaphor of the stars to describe the distance between the two lovers. The stars are often associated with distance and vastness, and their twinkling lights suggest a sense of longing and unattainability. By comparing the distance between the lovers to the distance between the stars, Dickinson emphasizes the enormity of the emotional distance between them.

The third stanza of the poem reads, "Nor further than the Spheres / And Wishes, at a throw." Here, Dickinson uses the metaphor of the spheres to describe the emotional distance between the lovers. The spheres are often associated with the heavens and the divine, and their distance from the earth suggests a sense of unattainability. By comparing the emotional distance between the lovers to the distance between the spheres, Dickinson emphasizes the impossibility of their love.

The fourth stanza of the poem reads, "Not further than the timid hand / That might refuse the bee." Here, Dickinson uses the metaphor of the bee to describe the physical distance between the lovers. The bee is often associated with love and desire, and its buzzing suggests a sense of urgency and passion. By comparing the physical distance between the lovers to the distance between the bee and the hand, Dickinson emphasizes the fear and hesitation that often accompanies love.

The fifth stanza of the poem reads, "Not further than the East / From Day." Here, Dickinson uses the metaphor of the East to describe the emotional distance between the lovers. The East is often associated with the sunrise and the beginning of a new day, and its distance from the present suggests a sense of hopelessness and despair. By comparing the emotional distance between the lovers to the distance between the East and the present, Dickinson emphasizes the futility of their love.

The sixth and final stanza of the poem reads, "Nor further than the Suddenness / A Thought at Random brings." Here, Dickinson uses the metaphor of a random thought to describe the emotional distance between the lovers. Random thoughts are often fleeting and unpredictable, and their suddenness suggests a sense of unpredictability and instability. By comparing the emotional distance between the lovers to the suddenness of a random thought, Dickinson emphasizes the fragility and uncertainty of their love.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses a variety of literary devices to convey the theme of separation and distance. These include metaphors, similes, and personification. For example, she personifies the stars and the spheres, giving them human qualities and emotions. She also uses similes to compare the distance between the lovers to various objects and concepts, such as the bee and the East.

In addition to these literary devices, Dickinson also employs a unique structure in the poem. Each stanza consists of two lines, with the first line setting up the metaphor and the second line expanding on it. This structure creates a sense of repetition and rhythm, emphasizing the theme of distance and separation.

In conclusion, "That Distance was between Us" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the theme of separation and distance between two lovers. Through the use of metaphors, similes, and personification, Dickinson conveys the emotional turmoil that this distance brings. The unique structure of the poem creates a sense of repetition and rhythm, emphasizing the theme of distance and separation. Overall, this poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet and her ability to capture complex emotions in a few simple lines.

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