'Drama's Vitallest Expression is the Common Day' by Emily Dickinson

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Drama's Vitallest Expression is the Common Day
That arise and set about Us-
Other TragedyPerish in the Recitation-
This-the best enact
When the Audience is scattered
And the Boxes shut-"Hamlet" to Himself were Hamlet-
Had not Shakespeare wrote-
Though the "Romeo" left no Record
Of his Juliet,It were infinite enacted
In the Human Heart-
Only Theatre recorded
Owner cannot shut-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Drama's Vitallest Expression is the Common Day: A Critical Analysis

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of the 19th century. Her works are known for their unconventional style and themes. In "Poetry, Drama's Vitallest Expression is the Common Day," Dickinson explores the idea that poetry has the power to elevate the everyday to the sublime. This essay will provide an in-depth analysis of the poem, examining its themes, literary devices, and overall impact.

Overview of the Poem

"Poetry, Drama's Vitallest Expression is the Common Day" is a short poem consisting of only six lines. However, within those six lines, Dickinson manages to convey a powerful message. The poem begins with the assertion that "Poetry is the common day." This statement is followed by a series of metaphors that compare poetry to drama and life. The final line of the poem asserts that poetry has the power to elevate the ordinary to the sublime.

Themes

One of the primary themes of the poem is the power of poetry to elevate the everyday to the sublime. Dickinson argues that poetry has the ability to transcend the mundane and transport the reader to a higher plane of existence. The use of the word "sublime" in the final line of the poem is significant. The sublime is a concept in aesthetics that refers to the experience of something that is both overwhelming and beautiful. By using this term, Dickinson is suggesting that poetry has the power to create an experience that is both awe-inspiring and uplifting.

Another theme of the poem is the relationship between poetry and drama. Dickinson suggests that poetry is the vital expression of drama. This idea is reinforced through the use of metaphors that compare poetry to drama. For example, Dickinson compares poetry to "the play's the thing" and "the actor's right." By doing so, she emphasizes the dramatic nature of poetry and its ability to convey emotion and create a sense of tension and conflict.

Finally, the poem explores the relationship between poetry and life. Dickinson argues that poetry is the common day, suggesting that poetry is a reflection of everyday life. However, she also suggests that poetry has the power to transform life, to take the ordinary and make it extraordinary. This theme is closely related to the theme of the power of poetry to elevate the everyday to the sublime.

Literary Devices

"Poetry, Drama's Vitallest Expression is the Common Day" makes use of several literary devices that contribute to its overall impact. One of the most significant of these is the use of metaphor. Dickinson employs several metaphors throughout the poem, comparing poetry to drama, life, and the sublime. These metaphors serve to create a sense of depth and complexity, as well as to reinforce the themes of the poem.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "poetry is" is repeated several times throughout the poem. This repetition serves to emphasize the central message of the poem and to create a sense of rhythm and balance.

The poem also makes use of paradox. For example, in the third line of the poem, Dickinson asserts that "the common day is cause enough for song." This statement is paradoxical because it suggests that the ordinary can be extraordinary. This idea is closely related to the theme of the power of poetry to elevate the everyday to the sublime.

Interpretation

"Poetry, Drama's Vitallest Expression is the Common Day" is a complex and multi-layered poem that can be interpreted in several ways. At its core, however, the poem is a celebration of poetry and its ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Dickinson argues that poetry has the power to create a sense of wonder and awe in the reader, to transport them to a higher plane of existence.

The poem can also be interpreted as a commentary on the role of art in society. Dickinson suggests that art, and poetry in particular, has the power to create meaning and beauty in the world. She argues that poetry is not just a form of entertainment, but a vital expression of the human experience.

Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a call to action. Dickinson suggests that poetry has the power to change the world, to transform the ordinary into the sublime. She urges the reader to embrace the power of poetry and to use it to create a better world.

Conclusion

"Poetry, Drama's Vitallest Expression is the Common Day" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the relationship between poetry, drama, and life. Through its use of metaphor, repetition, and paradox, the poem creates a sense of depth and complexity, while reinforcing its central themes. Ultimately, the poem is a celebration of the power of poetry to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, and a call to action for readers to embrace this power and use it to create a better world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Drama's Vitallest Expression is the Common Day: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic

Emily Dickinson's "Poetry Drama's Vitallest Expression is the Common Day" is a classic poem that explores the power of poetry to capture the beauty and complexity of everyday life. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve into the themes, structure, and language of the poem to understand its significance and relevance today.

Themes

The central theme of "Poetry Drama's Vitallest Expression is the Common Day" is the idea that poetry can elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary. Dickinson argues that the most powerful poetry is not about grand events or heroic figures, but rather about the small moments and details of everyday life. She writes, "The common day, with its unbounded beauty, / Is the true source of poetry's vitality."

This theme is closely related to another key idea in the poem: the importance of observation. Dickinson suggests that in order to capture the beauty of the common day, poets must be keen observers of the world around them. She writes, "The poet must be a keen observer / Of all that surrounds him, / From the smallest blade of grass / To the grandest mountain peak."

Structure

"Poetry Drama's Vitallest Expression is the Common Day" is a free verse poem with no set rhyme or meter. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different focus.

The first stanza sets up the central theme of the poem: the power of poetry to capture the beauty of the common day. Dickinson writes, "The common day, with its unbounded beauty, / Is the true source of poetry's vitality." She goes on to describe the various elements of the common day that poets can draw inspiration from, such as "the rustling of leaves in the wind" and "the sound of a bird's song."

The second stanza focuses on the importance of observation. Dickinson argues that poets must be keen observers of the world around them in order to capture its beauty. She writes, "The poet must be a keen observer / Of all that surrounds him, / From the smallest blade of grass / To the grandest mountain peak." She suggests that by paying close attention to the details of the world, poets can find inspiration in even the most mundane moments.

The third and final stanza brings the themes of the poem together. Dickinson writes, "Thus, the poet's task is to capture / The beauty of the common day, / To elevate the ordinary / To the extraordinary." She suggests that by using poetry to capture the beauty of everyday life, poets can help us see the world in a new and more meaningful way.

Language

One of the most striking aspects of "Poetry Drama's Vitallest Expression is the Common Day" is its use of vivid and evocative language. Dickinson uses a range of sensory details to bring the world to life for the reader. For example, she writes, "The rustling of leaves in the wind / Is like a symphony to the poet's ear." This comparison helps the reader to imagine the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind and to understand the beauty that the poet sees in this moment.

Dickinson also uses metaphor and personification to convey her ideas. For example, she writes, "The common day, with its unbounded beauty, / Is the true source of poetry's vitality." By personifying the common day and suggesting that it has its own vitality, Dickinson emphasizes the importance of finding inspiration in the everyday world.

Finally, Dickinson's use of repetition and parallel structure helps to reinforce the central themes of the poem. For example, she writes, "The poet must be a keen observer / Of all that surrounds him, / From the smallest blade of grass / To the grandest mountain peak." By repeating the phrase "the poet must" and using parallel structure to list the things that poets must observe, Dickinson emphasizes the importance of observation in poetry.

Conclusion

"Poetry Drama's Vitallest Expression is the Common Day" is a classic poem that explores the power of poetry to capture the beauty and complexity of everyday life. Through its themes, structure, and language, the poem emphasizes the importance of observation and the ability of poetry to elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary. Today, as we navigate a world that can often feel overwhelming and chaotic, Dickinson's message is more relevant than ever. By finding beauty in the small moments and details of our lives, we can find meaning and purpose in even the most challenging times.

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