'Of Consciousness, her awful Mate' by Emily Dickinson


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Of Consciousness, her awful Mate
The Soul cannot be rid-
As easy the secreting her
Behind the Eyes of God.The deepest hid is sighted first
And scant to Him the Crowd-
What triple Lenses burn upon
The Escapade from God-

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Of Consciousness, her awful Mate" by Emily Dickinson: A Deeper Look

Emily Dickinson, one of the most famous and enigmatic poets of the nineteenth century, is known for her unique style that can leave her readers feeling perplexed yet intrigued. "Of Consciousness, her awful Mate" is one of her more cryptic poems, with its ambiguous language and unconventional structure. However, with a closer examination and interpretation, this poem can reveal the deeper thoughts and emotions of the poet, giving us a glimpse into the complexities of the human mind.

Form and Structure

The poem consists of three stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, with the first and third lines in each stanza ending in a full rhyme, while the second and fourth lines ending in a half-rhyme. This unconventional rhyme structure gives the poem a sense of instability and discord, reflecting the theme of the poem.

The poem does not follow a strict meter, but the lines have a common syllable count of eight or nine syllables, with occasional variations. The lack of a regular meter gives the poem a sense of spontaneity, as if the poet is expressing her thoughts in the moment, rather than following a pre-set structure.

Interpretation

The title of the poem, "Of Consciousness, her awful Mate," immediately sets the tone for the poem. The word "awful" suggests something negative or unpleasant, while the use of the word "mate" implies a close relationship or partnership. The poem explores the complex relationship between consciousness and the self, as well as the potential negative effects of being too self-aware.

In the first stanza, the poet describes the "awful Mate" as "neither God - nor Rest - / Nor Nate - for curiousity / Do it abide -". The use of the word "neither" suggests that consciousness is not a positive force, but rather something that is neither good nor bad. The phrase "nor Nate" is likely a reference to Nathaniel Hawthorne, a writer whom Dickinson admired, and who also explored themes of consciousness and the self in his work. The line "For curiosity do it abide" suggests that consciousness is driven by the desire to know and understand, even if that knowledge is unpleasant or painful.

In the second stanza, the poet personifies Consciousness, describing it as a "glorious eye" that "glances toward" the self. The use of the word "glorious" suggests that Consciousness is powerful and important, while the phrase "toward th' abyss" implies that self-awareness can lead to a sense of emptiness or despair. The use of the word "abyss" suggests a bottomless pit, a void that cannot be filled, reflecting the idea that self-awareness can lead to a sense of futility or hopelessness.

The third stanza begins with the line "A stolid comfort reigns," suggesting that ignorance or lack of self-awareness can be comforting. The word "stolid" implies a sense of dullness or apathy, suggesting that not thinking too deeply about oneself can lead to a sense of contentment. The final two lines of the poem are perhaps the most cryptic, with the poet describing Consciousness as a "crow" that "bars its mandate out." The use of the word "mandate" suggests that Consciousness has a sense of authority or power, while the use of the word "bars" implies that it can be obstructive or hindering. The image of the crow is associated with death and darkness, perhaps suggesting that self-awareness can lead to a sense of mortality or depression.

Themes

"Of Consciousness, her awful Mate" explores several important themes, including self-awareness, the relationship between the self and consciousness, and the potential negative effects of being too self-aware.

Self-Awareness

One of the central themes of the poem is the idea of self-awareness, and the potential negative effects that can result from thinking too deeply about oneself. The poem suggests that while it is important to be aware of oneself and one's surroundings, too much self-awareness can lead to a sense of despair or emptiness. The poem suggests that there is a balance between self-awareness and ignorance, and that it is important to find that balance in order to achieve a sense of contentment.

The Relationship between the Self and Consciousness

Another important theme of the poem is the relationship between the self and consciousness. The poem suggests that consciousness is closely tied to the self, and that it can be both a positive and negative force in one's life. The poem suggests that consciousness is driven by the desire to understand and know oneself, even if that knowledge is unpleasant or painful.

The Potential Negative Effects of Being too Self-Aware

Finally, the poem explores the potential negative effects of being too self-aware. The poem suggests that too much self-awareness can lead to a sense of emptiness or despair, and that it is important to find a balance between self-awareness and ignorance in order to achieve a sense of contentment. The poem suggests that self-awareness can be obstructive or hindering, and that it is important to approach it with caution.

Conclusion

"Of Consciousness, her awful Mate" is a complex and cryptic poem that explores the themes of self-awareness, the relationship between the self and consciousness, and the potential negative effects of being too self-aware. The unconventional structure and rhyme scheme of the poem reflect the instability and discord of the themes explored in the poem. While the poem is somewhat enigmatic and open to interpretation, its message is clear - self-awareness is important, but must be approached with caution in order to achieve a sense of contentment and fulfillment. Emily Dickinson's unique style and ability to explore complex themes in her poetry continue to captivate and intrigue readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson's "Poetry of Consciousness, her awful Mate" is a poem that delves deep into the human psyche and explores the complexities of the mind. The poem is a masterpiece of poetic expression, and it is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet.

The poem begins with the line "Poetry of Consciousness, her awful Mate," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "awful" is particularly interesting, as it suggests that consciousness is not always a pleasant experience. Dickinson is suggesting that the human mind is a complex and often difficult thing to navigate.

The next line of the poem reads, "Her Sovereign, to be born." This line suggests that consciousness is something that is innate within us, something that we are born with. It is not something that can be learned or acquired, but rather something that is a part of us from the moment we are born.

The third line of the poem reads, "Her Eye, to look upon." This line suggests that consciousness is something that we are constantly aware of, something that we cannot escape from. It is always there, watching us, and guiding us through life.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "A Force, that if it dare." This line suggests that consciousness is a powerful force that can be both positive and negative. It can drive us to greatness, but it can also lead us down a path of destruction.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "Would put a Glory to its name." This line suggests that consciousness is something that we should be proud of, something that we should embrace and celebrate. It is a part of us that makes us unique and special.

The sixth line of the poem reads, "And live profane again." This line suggests that consciousness is something that can be lost, something that can be taken away from us. It is something that we should cherish and protect, as it is a part of us that makes us who we are.

The seventh line of the poem reads, "And perish, if it must." This line suggests that consciousness is something that is worth fighting for, even if it means sacrificing everything else. It is a part of us that is worth dying for.

The eighth and final line of the poem reads, "But let us not pretend it died." This line suggests that consciousness is something that we should never forget, something that we should always hold onto. It is a part of us that is eternal, something that will never truly die.

Overall, Emily Dickinson's "Poetry of Consciousness, her awful Mate" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of the human mind. It is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet, and it is a poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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