'On that dear Frame the Years had worn' by Emily Dickinson

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On that dear Frame the Years had worn
Yet precious as the House
In which We first experienced Light
The Witnessing, to Us-Precious! It was conceiveless fair
As Hands the Grave had grimed
Should softly place within our own
Denying that they died.

Editor 1 Interpretation

On that dear Frame the Years had worn by Emily Dickinson: A Journey Through Time

When it comes to Emily Dickinson's poems, one can never be too sure what to expect. Her writing style is enigmatic, her themes eclectic, and her language profound. One such poem that embodies all of these qualities and more is "On that dear Frame the Years had worn." Despite its brevity, this poem packs a punch with its vivid imagery, poignant message, and clever use of literary devices.

So, what is this poem all about? At its core, "On that dear Frame the Years had worn" is a meditation on the passage of time and its effects on the physical world. Dickinson paints a picture of a once-beautiful object, likely a picture frame or a piece of furniture, that has been worn down by the years. It is a symbol of mortality, a reminder that all things must fade and decay.

The poem opens with the line "On that dear Frame the Years had worn," immediately setting the melancholic tone. The use of the word "dear" is interesting, as it suggests that this object was once cherished and loved, but that time has taken its toll. The personification of the years as something that can wear down a physical object is a clever way of illustrating the power of time. It also sets up the contrast between the beauty of youth and the inevitability of age and decay.

The second line, "yet precious as the House / In which We first experienced Light," further emphasizes the sentimental value of this object. The reference to a house and the experience of light could be interpreted as a metaphor for birth and the beginning of life. The imagery also suggests that this object has been a part of the speaker's life for a long time, perhaps even since childhood.

The third and fourth lines, "The Witnessing, to Memory's Eyes / Its fervent Flickering Life," introduce the idea of memory. The object is a witness to the memories that the speaker holds dear, and its worn appearance serves as a reminder of the passage of time. The use of the word "fervent" to describe the object's life is interesting, as it suggests that this object was once full of vitality and energy.

The fifth and sixth lines, "Beside the patient Gardener -- / The venerable Seed," shift the focus from the object itself to the gardener and the seed. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for life and death. The gardener represents the passage of time, while the seed represents the potential for new life. The use of the word "venerable" to describe the seed is interesting, as it implies that even in its dormant state, the seed is worthy of respect and reverence.

The final two lines, "Employed, at dusking, to condense / A luminous friend," bring the poem full circle. The use of the word "employ" suggests that the speaker is actively using this object, perhaps to remember a loved one who has passed away. The image of "dusking" is interesting, as it suggests the transition from day to night, from life to death. The object is being used to "condense" a friend, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the process of memory. The object serves as a reminder of the person who has passed away, allowing them to live on in memory.

Overall, "On that dear Frame the Years had worn" is a powerful meditation on the passage of time and its effects on the physical world. Dickinson's use of vivid imagery and clever literary devices creates a haunting portrait of mortality and memory. The poem is a reminder that all things must fade and decay, but that the memories we hold dear can live on through objects and the people we love.

In conclusion, Dickinson's "On that dear Frame the Years had worn" is a beautiful and poignant example of her unique writing style. Its themes of mortality and memory are timeless and universal, making it a poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come. Dickinson's ability to capture the essence of life and death in just eight lines is a testament to her talent as a poet and a writer.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium of expression for human emotions and experiences. It is a form of art that has the power to evoke deep emotions and connect with the reader on a personal level. One such poem that captures the essence of life and its fleeting nature is "On that dear Frame the Years had worn" by Emily Dickinson.

Emily Dickinson was an American poet who lived in the 19th century. She was known for her unique style of writing, which was characterized by the use of unconventional punctuation, capitalization, and syntax. Her poems often dealt with themes of death, nature, and spirituality.

"On that dear Frame the Years had worn" is a poem that reflects on the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. The poem begins with the line, "On that dear Frame the Years had worn," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is reflecting on a frame that has been worn down by the years, which serves as a metaphor for the human body.

The second line of the poem, "Yet precious as the House within," suggests that despite the wear and tear of the frame, the house within is still valuable and cherished. This line can be interpreted in different ways, but one possible interpretation is that the house within refers to the soul or the inner self. The speaker is suggesting that even though the body may age and deteriorate, the soul remains precious and valuable.

The third line of the poem, "A Swimmer in the sea," is a metaphor for life. The swimmer represents the human being, who is navigating the sea of life. The sea can be interpreted as a metaphor for the challenges and obstacles that one faces in life. The swimmer is struggling to stay afloat in the sea, which suggests that life is not easy and requires effort and perseverance.

The fourth line of the poem, "Prayeth 'Haven't I a friend'?" suggests that the swimmer is seeking help and support from a friend. This line can be interpreted in different ways, but one possible interpretation is that the friend represents a higher power or a spiritual guide. The swimmer is seeking guidance and support from a higher power to navigate the challenges of life.

The fifth line of the poem, "Then clutch thee at the surges' coat," suggests that the swimmer is holding onto the coat of the waves to stay afloat. This line can be interpreted in different ways, but one possible interpretation is that the waves represent the ups and downs of life. The swimmer is holding onto the waves to stay afloat, which suggests that one must embrace the challenges of life to survive.

The sixth line of the poem, "Rise, and a hundred feet behind, / They shall o'erwhelm thee, if they list," suggests that the swimmer must keep moving forward to avoid being overwhelmed by the waves. This line can be interpreted in different ways, but one possible interpretation is that the swimmer must keep moving forward in life to avoid being overwhelmed by the challenges and obstacles.

The seventh line of the poem, "And when so deafened by the surge, / Sweetly to lie within thy plot," suggests that the swimmer must find peace and solace within oneself. This line can be interpreted in different ways, but one possible interpretation is that the swimmer must find inner peace and contentment to overcome the challenges of life.

The eighth and final line of the poem, "And there to sing thee," suggests that the swimmer must find joy and happiness in life. This line can be interpreted in different ways, but one possible interpretation is that the swimmer must find joy and happiness in life to overcome the challenges and obstacles.

In conclusion, "On that dear Frame the Years had worn" is a poem that reflects on the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. The poem uses the metaphor of a frame to represent the human body and the swimmer to represent life. The poem suggests that even though the body may age and deteriorate, the soul remains precious and valuable. The poem also suggests that life is not easy and requires effort and perseverance. The swimmer must seek guidance and support from a higher power to navigate the challenges of life. The swimmer must embrace the challenges of life to survive and find inner peace and contentment to overcome the challenges and obstacles. The poem is a beautiful reflection on the human experience and the importance of finding joy and happiness in life.

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