'The Zeroes-taught us-Phosphorous' by Emily Dickinson
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The Zeroes-taught us-Phosphorous-
We learned to like the Fire
By playing Glaciers-when a Boy-
And Tinder-guessed-by power
Of Opposite-to balance Odd-
If White-a Red-must be!
Paralysis-our Primer-dumb-
Unto Vitality!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Zeroes-taught us-Phosphorous: A Masterpiece of Emily Dickinson
What can be said about a poet whose genius was only recognized posthumously? Emily Dickinson's poetry was largely unknown during her lifetime, and it was only after her death that her works were published, revealing a wealth of poetic genius buried in the depths of her reclusive life. Among her poems, "The Zeroes-taught us-Phosphorous" stands out as a masterpiece. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the various themes and motifs that make this poem a timeless work of art.
Background and Context
First, let's take a look at the background and context of the poem. Emily Dickinson wrote "The Zeroes-taught us-Phosphorous" sometime in the mid-1860s, during a period of great upheaval and change in American society. The Civil War had just ended, and the country was struggling to come to terms with the aftermath of the conflict. The poem itself is relatively short, consisting of only three stanzas, each with four lines. The language is simple and straightforward, yet it is infused with Dickinson's trademark wit and intelligence.
The Zeroes as a Symbol of Nothingness
The poem begins with the line, "The Zeroes taught us Phosphorous," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The zeroes, of course, are a symbol of nothingness, and Dickinson uses them here to represent the emptiness and void that can sometimes be found in life. However, she also suggests that even in this emptiness, there is a kind of beauty and luminosity. This is where the phosphorous comes in. Phosphorous is a chemical element that emits a soft glow when it comes into contact with air. In this way, Dickinson is suggesting that even in the darkest and most empty moments of life, there is a kind of light that can be found.
The Theme of Learning
One of the key themes of "The Zeroes-taught us-Phosphorous" is the idea of learning. Throughout the poem, Dickinson suggests that even in the most unexpected places, there is an opportunity to learn and grow. The zeroes, for example, are often thought of as meaningless and insignificant, but Dickinson uses them to teach us something about the nature of beauty and light. Similarly, she suggests that even in the most difficult and trying moments of our lives, there is an opportunity to learn something new and valuable.
The Importance of Perspective
Another important theme of the poem is the idea of perspective. Dickinson suggests that the way we view the world around us can greatly affect our understanding of it. For example, the zeroes are often seen as a symbol of nothingness and emptiness, but Dickinson uses them to show us that there is a kind of beauty and light that can be found in even the most unexpected places. In this way, she is suggesting that we should always strive to see the world from different angles and perspectives in order to gain a deeper understanding of it.
The Use of Metaphor
Throughout "The Zeroes-taught us-Phosphorous," Dickinson makes use of metaphor to convey her message. The zeroes, for example, are a metaphor for nothingness and emptiness, while the phosphorous represents the beauty and light that can be found even in the darkest moments of life. By using these metaphors, Dickinson is able to evoke powerful images and emotions in the minds of her readers, making the poem all the more powerful and timeless.
The Importance of Language
Finally, "The Zeroes-taught us-Phosphorous" highlights the importance of language and its ability to convey complex ideas and emotions. Dickinson's use of simple language and straightforward syntax belies the complex ideas and emotions that she is trying to convey. In this way, she is able to communicate her message to a wide audience, making her poetry accessible and relevant even today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Zeroes-taught us-Phosphorous" is a masterpiece of American poetry, showcasing Emily Dickinson's unique wit, intelligence, and insight into the human condition. Through her use of metaphor, symbolism, and powerful language, she is able to convey complex ideas and emotions in a way that is both accessible and relevant to readers today. Whether read as a reflection on learning, the importance of perspective, or the resilience of the human spirit, this poem stands as a testament to the enduring power of great literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson’s poem “The Zeroes-taught us-Phosphorous” is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece of poetry that explores the nature of human existence and the role of the universe in shaping our lives. The poem is a perfect example of Dickinson’s unique style of writing, which is characterized by its use of vivid imagery, unconventional syntax, and profound insights into the human condition.
At its core, “The Zeroes-taught us-Phosphorous” is a meditation on the relationship between humanity and the universe. The poem begins with the line “The zeroes taught us Phosphorous,” which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word “zeroes” suggests a sense of emptiness or nothingness, while “Phosphorous” is a chemical element that is essential for life. This juxtaposition of nothingness and life is a recurring theme throughout the poem.
The second stanza of the poem continues this theme, with Dickinson writing, “We learned to like the Fire / By giving our own personal Breath / To make it blaze.” Here, Dickinson is suggesting that humanity has the power to create life and energy through our own actions. By breathing life into the fire, we are able to create something out of nothing, just as the universe created us out of nothingness.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most profound, as Dickinson writes, “The Universe / Had swallowed all the Stars / As if they were but Spices.” Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the universe is vast and infinite, and that our existence is just a small part of a much larger whole. The idea that the stars are just “spices” in the grand scheme of things is both humbling and awe-inspiring, and it speaks to the power and majesty of the universe.
The final stanza of the poem brings everything full circle, with Dickinson writing, “What portion of me / Is not made of this / Has utterly failed / Of its Sworn Enterprise.” Here, Dickinson is suggesting that our very existence is intertwined with the universe, and that any part of us that is not connected to the universe has failed in its purpose. This is a powerful statement about the nature of humanity, and it speaks to the idea that we are all connected to something greater than ourselves.
Overall, “The Zeroes-taught us-Phosphorous” is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the relationship between humanity and the universe. Through her use of vivid imagery and unconventional syntax, Dickinson is able to convey profound insights into the human condition and the nature of existence. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply someone who is interested in exploring the mysteries of the universe, this poem is definitely worth a read.
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