'The Loneliness One dare not sound' by Emily Dickinson
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The Loneliness One dare not sound-
And would as soon surmise
As in its Grave go plumbing
To ascertain the size-The Loneliness whose worst alarm
Is lest itself should see-
And perish from before itself
For just a scrutiny-The Horror not to be surveyed-
But skirted in the Dark-
With Consciousness suspended-
And Being under Lock-I fear me this-is Loneliness-
The Maker of the soul
Its Caverns and its Corridors
Illuminate-or seal-
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Loneliness One Dare Not Sound: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Have you ever felt the pang of loneliness, the ache that seems to come from the very depths of your soul? Emily Dickinson knew that feeling. Her poems often deal with themes of isolation, death, and spirituality. In "The Loneliness One Dare Not Sound," she explores the idea of loneliness as an almost physical force, something that can be felt in every part of the body. This poem is a masterpiece of Dickinson's unique style and voice, and it deserves a closer look.
The Poem
Before we delve into the deeper meanings of the poem, let's take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the words themselves. Here is the text of "The Loneliness One Dare Not Sound:"
The Loneliness One dare not sound—
And would as soon surmise
As in its Grave go plumbing
To ascertain the size—The Loneliness whose worst alarm
Is lest itself should see—
And perish from before itself
For just a scrutiny—The Horror not to be surveyed—
But skirted in the Dark—
With Consciousness suspended—
And Being under Lock—
The poem consists of three stanzas of four lines each. The first two lines of each stanza rhyme, as do the third and fourth lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB. The poem is written in Dickinson's characteristic meter, which is often described as "common meter" or "hymn meter." This means that the lines alternate between iambic tetrameter (four iambs per line) and iambic trimeter (three iambs per line).
The Loneliness One Dare Not Sound
The title of the poem is significant, as it sets the tone for the entire piece. "The Loneliness One Dare Not Sound" suggests that there is a kind of loneliness that is too painful or shameful to express. This idea is reinforced in the first stanza, where Dickinson says that the loneliness is something that "would as soon surmise" as to try to measure its size. It is as if the loneliness is so overwhelming that to acknowledge it would be too much to bear.
The second stanza takes this idea even further. Dickinson describes the loneliness as having a "worst alarm," which is the fear that the loneliness itself will "perish from before itself / For just a scrutiny." In other words, the loneliness is so fragile that to examine it too closely could cause it to disappear altogether. The idea of something being so delicate and yet so all-consuming is a powerful one.
The Horror Not to be Surveyed
The third stanza shifts the tone of the poem from one of delicate vulnerability to one of horror. Dickinson describes the loneliness as a "Horror not to be surveyed," something that is so terrifying that it cannot be looked at directly. Instead, it must be "skirted in the Dark," with consciousness suspended and being under lock.
This final stanza is particularly interesting because it introduces a new aspect to the poem: the idea of being "under lock." This suggests that the loneliness is not just a feeling, but a state of being. It is something that can trap a person, making them feel as if they are locked away from the rest of the world. The fact that Dickinson uses the phrase "Being under Lock" rather than "I am under lock" or "You are under lock" suggests that the loneliness is a universal experience, something that can happen to anyone.
Interpretation
So what does this poem mean? As with many of Dickinson's works, there is no easy answer. However, I believe that "The Loneliness One Dare Not Sound" is ultimately a poem about the human condition. We all experience loneliness at some point in our lives, and we all know the feeling of being locked away from the rest of the world. Dickinson's poem speaks to this universal experience.
At the same time, "The Loneliness One Dare Not Sound" is also a deeply personal poem. Dickinson was known for her reclusive lifestyle, and it is likely that she experienced loneliness on a profound level. She knew what it was like to feel trapped by her own emotions and thoughts.
As with many of Dickinson's poems, "The Loneliness One Dare Not Sound" is open to interpretation. Some readers may see it as a reflection on the nature of existence or the limits of human understanding. Others may see it as a commentary on the role of women in society. Still others may simply appreciate the beauty of the words themselves.
Conclusion
"The Loneliness One Dare Not Sound" is a masterpiece of poetry. Its themes of isolation, vulnerability, and horror are all conveyed through Dickinson's unique style and voice. The poem speaks to the universal experience of loneliness while also reflecting the poet's own personal struggles. Like all great works of art, it invites interpretation and reflection, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Loneliness One Dare Not Sound: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most renowned poets of the 19th century, known for her unique style and themes that often revolve around death, nature, and spirituality. One of her most famous works is "The Loneliness One Dare Not Sound," a poem that explores the complex emotions of isolation and loneliness. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this poem, and how it reflects Dickinson's personal experiences and worldview.
The poem begins with the line, "The Loneliness One dare not sound," immediately setting the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "dare" implies that loneliness is something to be feared, something that is taboo to talk about. This is a common theme in Dickinson's work, as she often wrote about topics that were considered unconventional or controversial at the time.
The second line, "And would as soon surmise," suggests that the speaker would rather guess at the cause of their loneliness than confront it directly. This could be interpreted as a form of denial, as the speaker is unwilling to face the reality of their situation. It could also be seen as a coping mechanism, as the speaker is trying to protect themselves from the pain of their isolation.
The third line, "As in its grave go spry," is a metaphor that compares loneliness to a grave. This is a powerful image, as it suggests that loneliness is a kind of death, a state of being that is devoid of life and vitality. The use of the word "spry" is ironic, as it implies that loneliness is somehow active or energetic, when in fact it is the opposite.
The fourth line, "A bird when Death is on the face," is another metaphor, this time comparing the speaker to a bird. This image is significant, as birds are often associated with freedom and flight, two things that are denied to the speaker in their state of loneliness. The reference to death is also important, as it suggests that the speaker is in a state of mourning, perhaps for a lost loved one or for the life they once had.
The fifth line, "No more have I," is a simple statement that reinforces the theme of loss and absence. The speaker is saying that they no longer have something that they once had, whether it be a person, a place, or a feeling. This line is also significant because it is the first time that the speaker uses the first-person pronoun "I," indicating that the poem is deeply personal and reflective of Dickinson's own experiences.
The sixth line, "An eye for beauty, but perhaps," is a continuation of the previous line, but with a shift in tone. The speaker is acknowledging that they still have an appreciation for beauty, despite their loneliness. This could be seen as a form of hope, as the speaker is finding solace in the beauty of the world around them. However, the use of the word "perhaps" suggests that this appreciation is tentative and uncertain, as if the speaker is afraid to fully embrace it.
The seventh line, "For love in such a place," is a reflection on the difficulty of finding love in a state of loneliness. The speaker is acknowledging that love is something that is often associated with companionship and connection, two things that are lacking in their current state. This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is not only lonely, but also longing for love and connection.
The eighth line, "Could beautify disgrace," is a paradoxical statement that suggests that beauty can exist even in the midst of disgrace or shame. This could be interpreted as a form of resilience, as the speaker is finding beauty in their own suffering. It could also be seen as a commentary on the nature of beauty itself, as something that is not dependent on external circumstances but rather exists within the eye of the beholder.
The ninth line, "Nor fleet, but for the place," is a continuation of the bird metaphor from earlier in the poem. The speaker is acknowledging that they are not able to fly away from their loneliness, but must instead endure it in the place where they are. This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is not resigned to their loneliness, but rather is actively trying to find a way to cope with it.
The final line, "A bell within the breast," is a metaphor that compares the speaker's loneliness to a bell. This image is significant, as bells are often associated with mourning and loss, but also with celebration and joy. The use of the word "within" suggests that the speaker's loneliness is something that is deeply internal, a part of their very being. This line is also significant because it suggests that the speaker is not alone in their loneliness, but rather that it is something that is shared by others.
In conclusion, "The Loneliness One Dare Not Sound" is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the complex emotions of isolation and loneliness. Through the use of metaphors and imagery, Dickinson creates a vivid and evocative portrait of a person struggling to cope with their own sense of loss and absence. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's unique style and worldview, and continues to resonate with readers today.
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