'Superfluous were the Sun' by Emily Dickinson

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Superfluous were the Sun
When Excellence be dead
He were superfluous every Day
For every Day be saidThat syllable whose Faith
Just saves it from Despair
And whose "I'll meet You" hesitates
If Love inquire "Where"?Upon His dateless Fame
Our Periods may lie
As Stars that drop anonymous
From an abundant sky.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Superfluous were the Sun: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Introduction

Superfluous were the Sun is one of Emily Dickinson's most intriguing and enigmatic poems. Written in the 1860s, the poem is short but powerful, and its meaning is open to interpretation. Some see it as a meditation on love, while others view it as a statement on the nature of existence. In this literary criticism, we will explore these interpretations and examine the language and imagery Dickinson uses to convey her message.

Analysis

The poem begins with the line "Superfluous were the Sun," which immediately captures the reader's attention. The word "superfluous" suggests that the speaker believes the sun is unnecessary, which is a surprising statement given that the sun is a vital source of light and warmth. However, as the poem unfolds, it becomes clear that the speaker is not dismissing the sun's importance but rather questioning its relevance in the face of something more significant.

The second line, "When excellence be dead," provides a clue as to what the speaker is referring to. The word "excellence" suggests that the speaker is speaking of someone or something that is exceptional or outstanding. This person or thing is so important that even the sun, which is usually considered the pinnacle of radiance, becomes "superfluous" in comparison.

The third line, "He were superfluous who bore the light," reinforces this idea. The "he" in this line is most likely a reference to the sun, and the fact that he would be "superfluous" if the "excellence" were present suggests that the presence of this person or thing is so powerful that it renders the sun's light meaningless.

The fourth line, "The flowers will need no bee," is a metaphor that further develops the idea of the "excellence" being a source of nourishment and sustenance. Flowers need bees to pollinate them and ensure their survival, but the speaker is suggesting that whatever the "excellence" is, it is so significant that it can sustain the flowers without the need for bees.

The final line, "Nor soil a paddle by the river," is a metaphor for the same idea. The speaker is suggesting that the "excellence" is so powerful that it can move the river's water without the need for a paddle. It is a force of nature that can accomplish feats that would typically require external assistance.

Interpretation

There are several interpretations of Superfluous were the Sun, and each one offers a unique perspective on the poem's meaning.

Love

One common interpretation of the poem is that it is a statement on the nature of love. The "excellence" in the poem could be a reference to a lover or a beloved, and the speaker is suggesting that this love is so powerful that it renders everything else unimportant. The sun, which is typically associated with warmth and light, becomes "superfluous" in comparison to the love the speaker feels.

The metaphor of the flowers needing no bee could be interpreted as the idea that the love between the speaker and the beloved is self-sustaining and does not require external sources of validation or support. The final metaphor of the paddle and the river suggests that the love between the speaker and the beloved is a force of nature that can move mountains and accomplish feats that would typically require significant effort or assistance.

Death

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a meditation on death. The "excellence" in this case could be a reference to the afterlife or a higher power, and the speaker is suggesting that death renders everything else unimportant. The sun, which is typically associated with life and vitality, becomes "superfluous" in comparison to the transcendent experience of death.

The metaphor of the flowers needing no bee could be interpreted as the idea that in death, there is no need for external sources of sustenance or support. The final metaphor of the paddle and the river suggests that death is a force of nature that can move us beyond the limitations of our physical existence.

Nature

A third interpretation of the poem is that it is a statement on the power of nature. The "excellence" in this case could be a reference to the natural world, and the speaker is suggesting that nature is so powerful that it renders everything else unimportant. The sun, which is typically associated with light and warmth, becomes "superfluous" in comparison to the majesty of the natural world.

The metaphor of the flowers needing no bee could be interpreted as the idea that nature is self-sustaining and does not require external sources of support or intervention. The final metaphor of the paddle and the river suggests that nature is a force of nature that can accomplish feats that would typically require significant effort or assistance.

Conclusion

Superfluous were the Sun is a powerful and enigmatic poem that is open to interpretation. Whether viewed as a statement on love, death, or nature, the poem offers a unique perspective on the power of the exceptional and the insignificance of what we typically consider essential. Through its use of metaphor and imagery, Dickinson challenges the reader to reexamine their assumptions about the world and consider the possibility that there is something more significant than what we typically consider important.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Superfluous were the Sun: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Masterpiece

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works have been studied and analyzed by scholars and enthusiasts alike. One of her most famous poems is "Superfluous were the Sun," a masterpiece that captures the essence of her unique style and vision. In this article, we will delve into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices, and explore why it continues to captivate readers to this day.

The poem begins with the line "Superfluous were the Sun," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "superfluous" means unnecessary or excessive, and the fact that the sun is described as such is a bold statement. The sun is one of the most essential elements of life on earth, providing light, warmth, and energy. However, Dickinson challenges this notion by suggesting that the sun is not as important as we think it is.

The second line of the poem reads, "When excellence be dead." This line is crucial to understanding the poem's meaning. Dickinson is suggesting that when something is truly excellent, it does not need the sun to shine on it. In other words, true excellence shines on its own, without the need for external validation or support. This idea is a recurring theme in Dickinson's work, as she often explores the concept of self-reliance and individualism.

The third line of the poem reads, "He were superfluous then." The use of the pronoun "he" to refer to the sun is interesting, as it personifies the sun and gives it a sense of agency. The line suggests that if excellence were to die, the sun would become unnecessary. This idea is reinforced in the fourth line, which reads, "The birds rehearse their part." The birds are a symbol of nature and the natural world, and their ability to sing and perform without the sun's presence reinforces the idea that true excellence does not need external validation.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "Without applause from men." This line is crucial to understanding Dickinson's message. She is suggesting that true excellence does not need the approval or recognition of others. This idea is a recurring theme in her work, as she often explores the concept of individualism and the importance of being true to oneself. The fact that the line specifically mentions "men" is also significant, as it suggests that Dickinson is challenging the patriarchal society in which she lived.

The sixth line of the poem reads, "Of excellences the sweetest." This line is a bit more ambiguous, but it suggests that there are different types of excellence, and that the sweetest type is the one that does not need external validation. This idea is reinforced in the final line of the poem, which reads, "Surpasses by far my heat." The use of the word "surpasses" suggests that true excellence is something that cannot be measured or quantified, and that it is something that transcends the physical world.

In terms of structure, the poem is written in six lines, with each line consisting of four syllables. This structure is known as a quatrain, and it is a common form in Dickinson's work. The use of a strict structure allows Dickinson to convey her message in a concise and powerful way, without the need for excessive language or imagery.

In terms of literary devices, the poem is rich with symbolism and metaphor. The sun is a symbol of power and authority, and Dickinson challenges this notion by suggesting that it is not as important as we think it is. The birds are a symbol of nature and the natural world, and their ability to perform without the sun's presence reinforces the idea that true excellence does not need external validation. The use of personification, as mentioned earlier, gives the sun a sense of agency and power, while the use of the pronoun "he" reinforces the patriarchal society in which Dickinson lived.

In conclusion, "Superfluous were the Sun" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of Emily Dickinson's unique style and vision. The poem challenges the notion of external validation and suggests that true excellence shines on its own, without the need for external support or recognition. The use of symbolism, metaphor, and literary devices reinforces this message, and the strict structure allows Dickinson to convey her message in a concise and powerful way. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's genius and continues to captivate readers to this day.

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