'Each Second is the last' by Emily Dickinson
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Each Second is the last
Perhaps, recalls the Man
Just measuring unconsciousness
The Sea and Spar between.To fail within a Chance-
How terribler a thing
Than perish from the Chance's list
Before the Perishing!
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Each Second is the last" by Emily Dickinson: A Deep Dive into the Human Condition
Have you ever felt like time is slipping through your fingers? Like you're holding onto moments that are fleeting and ephemeral? Like everything is moving too fast and you're powerless to stop it?
If you have, then you'll understand why Emily Dickinson's poem "Each Second is the last" resonates so deeply with readers. In just a few stanzas, she captures the essence of the human condition – our constant struggle against the passage of time, our desperate attempts to hold onto the present moment, and our eventual acceptance of our own mortality.
Let's take a closer look at this exquisite poem and explore its many layers of meaning.
The Poem
Here's the full text of "Each Second is the last," for those who need a refresher:
Each second is the last
Perhaps, recalls the Man
Just measuring unconsciousness
The Sea and Spar between.
To fail within a Chance
Deploys the smile and sigh
And transports, by the Doorless thought
To Eternity.
At first glance, this poem seems simple enough. It's a meditation on the fleeting nature of time, and how each passing moment brings us one step closer to our own inevitable end. Dickinson uses imagery of the sea and a sparrow (or "spar," as she calls it) to illustrate the vastness of time and the tiny, insignificant nature of human existence.
But as we delve deeper into the poem, we begin to see its many subtleties and complexities. Let's break it down line by line.
"Each second is the last"
The opening line of the poem is a powerful assertion of the transitory nature of time. Each second, Dickinson tells us, is the last – implying that we can never truly hold onto anything, as it will inevitably slip away from us.
This idea is both comforting and terrifying. On the one hand, it reminds us to savor every moment and cherish the people and experiences that make life worth living. On the other hand, it can be a source of anxiety and despair, as we realize that nothing is permanent and everything we love will eventually be taken from us.
"Perhaps, recalls the Man"
The second line of the poem introduces the idea of memory and how our recollections of the past shape our perception of the present. Dickinson uses the gender-neutral term "Man" to refer to humanity as a whole, emphasizing that this is a universal experience.
The word "perhaps" suggests that memory is not always reliable – we may remember things differently than they actually happened, or forget details that are important to us. Nevertheless, memory is an essential part of the human experience, allowing us to connect with our past selves and create a sense of continuity in our lives.
"Just measuring unconsciousness"
The third line of the poem is a bit more enigmatic. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that our experience of time is somehow linked to our state of consciousness – that when we are not fully aware of our surroundings, time seems to pass more quickly.
This idea has been explored by philosophers and scientists for centuries, and it's still not entirely clear how our perception of time is related to our level of consciousness. But Dickinson's use of the word "just" implies that this is a simple, straightforward explanation for a complex phenomenon.
"The Sea and Spar between"
The fourth line of the poem introduces two powerful symbols: the sea and the sparrow. The sea represents the vastness of time and the universe, while the sparrow represents the tiny, insignificant nature of human existence.
The fact that these two symbols are "between" each other suggests that they are in some kind of dialogue or tension. The sea is vast and eternal, while the sparrow is small and fleeting – but both are necessary parts of the human experience.
"To fail within a Chance"
The fifth line of the poem introduces the idea of failure and how it can shape our perception of time. Dickinson suggests that when we fail at something, we become acutely aware of the preciousness of each moment – as if we are suddenly facing our own mortality.
This line also introduces the idea of chance and how it can shape our lives. We may have no control over the circumstances we find ourselves in, but we can choose how we respond to them. Whether we succeed or fail, each moment is an opportunity to make the most of our time on earth.
"Deploys the smile and sigh"
The sixth line of the poem is perhaps the most emotionally charged. Dickinson suggests that when we are faced with the impermanence of life, we respond with a mixture of joy and sorrow – a "smile and sigh" that captures the bittersweet nature of the human experience.
This line is a reminder that life is not all sunshine and rainbows – that we will inevitably face pain and loss as we navigate our way through the world. But even in our darkest moments, there is still beauty to be found – moments of joy and wonder that make the struggle worthwhile.
"And transports, by the Doorless thought"
The seventh line of the poem introduces the idea of transcendence – that even though our physical bodies will eventually decay and die, our thoughts and memories can live on forever.
The phrase "Doorless thought" suggests that our minds are not limited by the physical constraints of the world – that we can imagine and create without being bound by the laws of nature. This is a powerful reminder that even though we are small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things, our minds have the power to shape the world around us.
"To Eternity"
The final line of the poem is a stunning conclusion – that even though we are mortal beings, our thoughts and memories can live on forever, transcending the limitations of time and space.
This line is a reminder that even though we will eventually die, our legacy can live on – in the memories of those we love, in the things we create, and in the impact we have on the world around us.
Conclusion
"Each Second is the last" is a remarkable poem that captures the essence of the human experience in just a few short lines. Emily Dickinson's use of powerful imagery, universal themes, and enigmatic language creates a sense of depth and complexity that rewards repeated readings and deep contemplation.
At its core, this poem is a meditation on the impermanence of life and the struggle against the passage of time. But it's also a celebration of the joy and beauty that can be found in even the darkest moments of our lives, and a reminder that our thoughts and memories can live on long after we are gone.
If you haven't read this poem before, I highly recommend taking the time to do so – and if you have, I encourage you to revisit it with fresh eyes and an open mind. There is always more to discover in the works of great poets like Emily Dickinson – and this poem is no exception.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, and her poem "Each Second is the last" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and death. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the meaning and significance of this classic poem, and why it continues to resonate with readers today.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "Each second is the last." At first glance, this may seem like a bleak and pessimistic view of life, but as we delve deeper into the poem, we realize that it is a profound observation about the nature of time and mortality. Dickinson is reminding us that every moment we experience is fleeting and precious, and that we should cherish it because it will never come again.
The second line of the poem, "Each moment is the only one," reinforces this idea. Dickinson is telling us that we should live in the present moment and appreciate it fully because it is all we have. The past is gone, and the future is uncertain, so we must make the most of the present.
The third line of the poem, "There is no other one," is a reminder that each moment is unique and cannot be replicated. This is a powerful message because it encourages us to embrace the impermanence of life and find joy in the fleeting moments that make up our existence.
The fourth line of the poem, "Each one is itself, for ever," is a statement about the eternal nature of time. Although each moment is fleeting, it is also eternal because it is a part of the larger fabric of time. This line is a reminder that even though we may feel insignificant in the grand scheme of things, our lives are a part of something much larger and more enduring.
The fifth line of the poem, "A finite gain," is a reference to the fact that our time on earth is limited. We only have a finite amount of time to experience life, and we must make the most of it. This line is a call to action, urging us to live our lives to the fullest and not waste a single moment.
The final line of the poem, "Given in jest," is a bit more enigmatic. Some readers interpret it as a reference to the idea that life is a cosmic joke, and that we should not take it too seriously. Others see it as a reminder that life is a gift, and that we should appreciate it with a sense of humor and playfulness.
Overall, "Each Second is the last" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that encourages us to live in the present moment and appreciate the fleeting nature of time. It is a reminder that life is precious and that we should make the most of every moment we have.
One of the reasons why this poem continues to resonate with readers today is its universal message. No matter who you are or where you come from, the idea that life is fleeting and precious is something that everyone can relate to. In a world that is often chaotic and uncertain, this poem offers a sense of clarity and perspective that is both comforting and inspiring.
Another reason why this poem is so powerful is its simplicity. Dickinson's use of short, declarative sentences and simple language makes the poem accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. Despite its brevity, the poem is packed with meaning and significance, and it is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet that she was able to convey such a complex message in just six lines.
Finally, "Each Second is the last" is a reminder of the enduring power of poetry. Although it was written over a century ago, the poem still resonates with readers today, and its message is just as relevant now as it was when it was first written. This is a testament to the timeless nature of great literature, and it is a reminder that the best poetry has the power to transcend time and speak to readers across generations.
In conclusion, "Each Second is the last" is a masterpiece of American poetry that continues to inspire and move readers today. Its message of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of living in the present moment is a powerful reminder of the preciousness of life, and its simplicity and universality make it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and a reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment we have.
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