'To be alive-is Power' by Emily Dickinson

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To be alive-is Power-
Existence-in itself-
Without a further function-
Omnipotence-Enough-To be alive-and Will!
'Tis able as a God-
The Maker-of Ourselves-be what-
Such being Finitude!

Editor 1 Interpretation

To Be Alive- Is Power: A Critique of Emily Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson is a celebrated American poet whose works are known for their depth and enigmatic nature. One of her most famous poems is "To Be Alive- Is Power," which is an exploration of the idea of life being a source of strength and potential. This literary critique and interpretation of the poem will examine its themes, symbolism, and language, and attempt to unravel its meanings and significance.

A Brief Overview of the Poem

"To Be Alive- Is Power" is a short poem consisting of only four lines. Despite its brevity, the poem is laden with complex imagery and ideas. The first two lines of the poem read:

To be alive- is Power-
Existence- in itself-
Without a further function-
Omnipotence- Enough-

The first line of the poem sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that being alive is, in itself, a source and manifestation of power. The second line reinforces this idea, stating that existence is enough, even without any other purpose or function. The last two lines of the poem read:

To be alive- and Will-
'Tis Life- not Death- that conquers-
For a moment- Death-
But, Life- for evermore-

These lines suggest that life and willpower are more powerful than death, which only has a momentary hold on us. The poem ends with the assertion that life endures forever.

Themes of the Poem

One of the central themes of "To Be Alive- Is Power" is the idea that life is a source of strength and power. The poem celebrates the mere fact of existence, suggesting that being alive is enough in and of itself. The poem also explores the idea that life is stronger than death, suggesting that our will to live is more powerful than the inevitability of death.

Another theme of the poem is the idea of omnipotence. The poem suggests that being alive is a source of omnipotence, or unlimited power. The use of this term suggests that being alive is not just a source of power, but is, in itself, a manifestation of divine power.

Symbolism and Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of "To Be Alive- Is Power" is its use of powerful and vivid imagery. The first line of the poem, "To be alive- is Power-" is an example of synecdoche, where a part of something is used to represent the whole. In this case, being alive is used to represent the power that comes from being alive.

The second line of the poem, "Existence- in itself-" suggests that existence is enough, even without any other purpose. The use of the word "itself" reinforces this idea, suggesting that existence is sufficient and self-contained.

The third line of the poem, "Without a further function-" suggests that being alive is not contingent upon any other purpose or function. The use of the word "further" implies that there is no need for any additional purpose or function beyond the mere fact of existence.

The last two lines of the poem, "For a moment- Death- / But, Life- for evermore-" suggest that death is only temporary, while life is eternal. The use of the term "evermore" reinforces this idea, suggesting that life endures forever.

Language and Style

Emily Dickinson's language and style are characterized by their brevity and complexity. Her use of concise and enigmatic language requires the reader to engage with the poem on a deeper level. The poem's structure is also notable, with each line building upon the previous one, creating a sense of momentum and power.

The poem's use of powerful language, such as "Power" and "Omnipotence," creates a sense of grandeur and importance. The poem's use of contrast, such as the contrast between life and death, also adds depth and complexity to the poem.

Interpretation of the Poem

"To Be Alive- Is Power" is a celebration of life and an exploration of the power that comes from being alive. The poem suggests that the mere fact of existence is enough to create a sense of power and strength within us. This power is not contingent upon any other purpose or function, but is, in itself, a source of divine power.

The poem also explores the idea that life is stronger than death. While death may have a momentary hold on us, our will to live is more powerful than the inevitability of death. This idea is reinforced by the poem's use of contrast, such as the contrast between life and death.

Overall, "To Be Alive- Is Power" is a complex and enigmatic poem that celebrates the power and strength that comes from being alive. Its use of powerful language and vivid imagery create a sense of grandeur and importance, while its brevity and complexity require the reader to engage with the poem on a deeper level.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a powerful medium that has the ability to evoke emotions, inspire change, and capture the essence of the human experience. Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of the 19th century, understood the power of poetry and its ability to convey the complexities of life. In her poem "To be alive-is Power," Dickinson explores the idea that being alive is a source of power and strength.

The poem begins with the simple statement, "To be alive-is Power." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing the idea that life itself is a source of strength and vitality. Dickinson goes on to describe the various ways in which this power manifests itself, from the "brightest noon" to the "darkest night." She suggests that life is a force that cannot be tamed or controlled, but rather must be embraced and celebrated.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses vivid imagery to convey the power of life. She describes the "thunder's rumble" and the "lightning's flash," both of which are natural phenomena that are beyond human control. These images serve to emphasize the idea that life is a force that is greater than any individual, and that we must learn to live in harmony with it.

In addition to natural imagery, Dickinson also uses religious imagery to convey the power of life. She describes the "mighty hymn" that is sung by the "choirs of angels," suggesting that life is a divine gift that should be cherished and celebrated. This religious imagery also serves to emphasize the idea that life is a force that is beyond human understanding, and that we must approach it with humility and reverence.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of repetition. Dickinson repeats the phrase "To be alive-is Power" throughout the poem, emphasizing the central idea that life itself is a source of strength and vitality. This repetition serves to reinforce the poem's message, and to create a sense of rhythm and momentum that propels the reader forward.

Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of punctuation. Dickinson frequently uses dashes to create pauses and breaks in the poem, which serve to emphasize certain words and phrases. This use of punctuation creates a sense of urgency and intensity, and serves to draw the reader's attention to the most important aspects of the poem.

Overall, "To be alive-is Power" is a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates the strength and vitality of life. Through its use of vivid imagery, repetition, and punctuation, Dickinson conveys the idea that life is a force that cannot be tamed or controlled, but rather must be embraced and celebrated. This poem serves as a reminder that life is a precious gift, and that we must approach it with humility, reverence, and gratitude.

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