'Best Things dwell out of Sight' by Emily Dickinson
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Best Things dwell out of Sight
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Editor 1 Interpretation
The Mystical and Enigmatic World of Emily Dickinson's "Best Things dwell out of Sight"
As one of the most enigmatic yet celebrated poets in American literature, Emily Dickinson has produced an impressive body of work that continues to captivate and challenge readers even after more than a century since her death. Her poems are often characterized by their complex and elusive themes, striking imagery, and unconventional use of language and syntax. One of her most anthologized poems, "Best Things dwell out of Sight," is a prime example of her poetic prowess and her unique ability to convey profound ideas in deceptively simple language.
The Poem
"Best Things dwell out of Sight" consists of three quatrains, each composed of alternating iambic tetrameter and iambic trimeter lines. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, with the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyming. The poem begins with the assertion that "The Best Things" are not readily visible to the naked eye and are often hidden from view. Dickinson expands on this idea in the subsequent stanzas, describing the elusive nature of these "best things" and suggesting that they can only be apprehended by those who possess a certain level of spiritual insight or intuition.
The Best Things stay behind;
They wait for us to find
Them in our fairest dreams,
And when we lose them, then
They show us where they are again.
The Best Things lie beyond
The farthest fields of thought;
The stars that never fade,
The pure swift streams of song
That flow through deeps, unheard, unsought.
The Best Things are not seen;
The angels know their ways,
And sometimes hold their hands
In tender light of dreams
That have the soul's divinest gleams.
Interpretation
At first glance, "Best Things dwell out of Sight" appears to be a simple meditation on the elusive nature of beauty, truth, and goodness. Dickinson posits that the most valuable things in life are often hidden or obscured from view, requiring a certain level of insight, imagination, or spiritual awareness to apprehend. The poem seems to suggest that these "best things" are elusive precisely because they are so valuable, and that they must be sought after and cherished in order to be truly appreciated.
However, a closer analysis of the poem reveals a deeper and more complex set of themes and motifs that point to some of Dickinson's deeper philosophical and spiritual concerns. For one thing, the poem is shot through with a sense of longing and yearning for transcendence and spiritual fulfillment. Dickinson's references to "fairest dreams" and "the soul's divinest gleams" suggest that she is not only interested in the material or physical world, but also in the spiritual and metaphysical dimensions of human existence.
Furthermore, the repeated use of the word "best" suggests that Dickinson is making a value judgment about what is truly important in life. The fact that these "best things" are hidden or obscured from view suggests that they are not necessarily easy to obtain or appreciate, and that they require a certain level of effort, insight, or spiritual development to fully apprehend. In this sense, the poem can be seen as a call to spiritual growth and self-improvement, urging readers to cultivate the qualities and virtues that will help them appreciate and apprehend the "best things" in life.
Finally, it is worth noting the poem's use of religious and mystical imagery, particularly in the final stanza. The reference to "angels" and "the tender light of dreams" suggests that Dickinson is drawing on a spiritual or mystical tradition to convey her ideas about the nature of reality and the human condition. By doing so, she is able to suggest that the "best things" in life are not merely material or physical, but are also connected to a deeper and more profound spiritual reality that transcends our everyday experience.
Conclusion
"Best Things dwell out of Sight" is a powerful and evocative poem that invites readers to contemplate the nature of reality, the value of spiritual growth and development, and the elusiveness of beauty, truth, and goodness. Through her use of simple yet striking language, Dickinson is able to convey complex and profound ideas about the human condition, inviting readers to see the world in a new and more expansive way. Whether read as a call to spiritual growth or as a meditation on the nature of reality, "Best Things dwell out of Sight" remains a timeless and enduring work of poetic genius.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, stir the soul, and inspire the mind. One such poem that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate readers is Emily Dickinson's "Best Things dwell out of Sight." This classic poem is a masterpiece that explores the idea that the best things in life are often hidden from view and can only be discovered through introspection and reflection.
The poem begins with the line, "The Best Things dwell out of Sight," which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson immediately establishes the idea that the most valuable things in life are not always visible or tangible. She goes on to say that "The Pearl -- the Just -- Our Thought" are all examples of these hidden treasures. The pearl is a symbol of beauty and value, the just represents fairness and righteousness, and our thoughts are the very essence of who we are.
Dickinson then goes on to describe how these best things are often hidden from view. She says that they are "As far from Discerning as Star" and "As near as our breath." This juxtaposition of distance and proximity highlights the paradoxical nature of these hidden treasures. They are both far away and close at hand, and it is up to us to discover them.
The poem then takes a turn as Dickinson explores the idea that these best things are not easily obtained. She says that they are "Not found in any Tents" and "Not found in any Town." This suggests that these treasures cannot be bought or sold, and they are not found in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Instead, they are found in the quiet moments of introspection and reflection.
Dickinson then goes on to say that these best things are not easily obtained because they require effort and sacrifice. She says that they are "Not lifted every Stone" and "Not grown on every Tree." This suggests that we must search diligently for these treasures and be willing to put in the work required to find them. They are not handed to us on a silver platter, but rather, we must earn them through our own efforts.
The poem then takes a more philosophical turn as Dickinson explores the idea that these best things are not just hidden from view, but they are also hidden within us. She says that they are "Within the Brothel -- wooed" and "Within the Critic's Breast." This suggests that these treasures are not just external, but they are also internal. They are part of who we are, and we must look within ourselves to find them.
Dickinson then concludes the poem with the line, "Dissolve -- and they will rise" which suggests that these best things are not static, but rather, they are constantly evolving and changing. They are not fixed in one place or time, but rather, they are fluid and dynamic. We must be willing to let go of our preconceived notions and allow these treasures to reveal themselves to us.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "Best Things dwell out of Sight" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the idea that the best things in life are often hidden from view and can only be discovered through introspection and reflection. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to evoke emotions, stir the soul, and inspire the mind. It is a timeless piece that continues to captivate readers and inspire them to look within themselves to find the hidden treasures that lie within.
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