'A first Mute Coming' by Emily Dickinson
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A first Mute Coming-
In the Stranger's House-
A first fair Going-
When the Bells rejoice-A first Exchange-of
What hath mingled-been-
For Lot-exhibited to
Faith-alone-
Editor 1 Interpretation
A First Mute Coming: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of America's most renowned poets, and her works have been the subject of countless literary critiques and interpretation. Among her works, "A First Mute Coming" stands out as a powerful, introspective piece that delves into themes of death, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of life. In this literary critique and interpretation, we'll explore the many layers of this complex poem and examine the literary devices Dickinson employs to convey her message.
Overview of "A First Mute Coming"
"A First Mute Coming" is a short poem consisting of four stanzas, each with four lines. It was written around 1870, during a period when Dickinson was grappling with the loss of several loved ones, including her father and close friend, the Reverend Charles Wadsworth. The poem does not explicitly mention death or loss, but instead uses metaphors and symbolic language to explore these themes.
Analysis of the First Stanza
The first stanza of the poem reads:
I taste a liquor never brewed –
From Tankards scooped in Pearl –
Not all the Frankfort Berries
Yield such an Alcohol!
At first glance, this stanza seems to describe a state of intoxication, perhaps brought on by excessive drinking. However, a closer examination reveals deeper meanings. The "liquor never brewed" can be interpreted as a metaphor for an otherworldly experience, such as a spiritual awakening or a brush with death. The "tankards scooped in pearl" suggest a celestial origin, as if the liquor is being served by angels or other divine beings. The "Frankfort Berries" are a type of sour cherry, which are not typically used in brewing alcohol. Thus, the stanza can be understood as a description of an otherworldly experience that is beyond earthly pleasures.
Analysis of the Second Stanza
The second stanza reads:
How pompous the Annalist’s Mile –
Who from the distant Towns
Set out to witness Fêtes –
The majesty – the Crown!
Here, Dickinson contrasts the otherworldly experience described in the first stanza with the mundane world of human endeavors. The "Annalist's Mile" refers to historians who document the events of the world, but Dickinson suggests that their efforts are ultimately futile in the face of something as grand as the "majesty – the Crown." The "Crown" can be interpreted as a symbol of the divine or the afterlife, which dwarfs the petty concerns of human history.
Analysis of the Third Stanza
The third stanza reads:
A hurry of hoofs in a village –
A rustling of skirts in a known room –
Then – silence stills the Centuries –
Champagne, forsooth and Fame!
This stanza continues the contrast between the earthly and the divine, but it also introduces a new theme: the cyclical nature of life. The "hurry of hoofs in a village" and the "rustling of skirts in a known room" suggest the hustle and bustle of everyday life, which is then abruptly silenced by "silence stills the Centuries." This line can be interpreted as a reference to death, which brings an end to human existence but also marks the beginning of a new cycle. The final line, "Champagne, forsooth and Fame!" echoes the first stanza's "liquor never brewed," but this time the words are more sarcastic. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that the pleasures of earthly life are fleeting and ultimately insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
Analysis of the Fourth Stanza
The fourth and final stanza reads:
Still – pours the Sun –
Eternity – in a Cup –
They sip – and savor – sip again –
An Ambrosial Nectar – this!
The final stanza brings the themes of the poem full circle, with "Still – pours the Sun" suggesting the cyclical nature of life and the never-ending flow of time. The "Eternity – in a Cup" can be interpreted as a metaphor for the afterlife, which is both infinite and contained in a finite vessel. The repetition of "sip – and savor – sip again" reinforces the cyclical nature of the poem, as if the drinkers are caught in an eternal loop. The final line, "An Ambrosial Nectar – this!" echoes the first stanza's "liquor never brewed," but this time the words take on a more profound meaning. The "Ambrosial Nectar" can be interpreted as a symbol of divine knowledge or enlightenment, which is the ultimate goal of human existence.
Conclusion
"A First Mute Coming" is a deeply philosophical poem that explores themes of death, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of life. Dickinson employs a variety of literary devices, including metaphors, symbolism, and repetition, to convey her message. The poem is open to many interpretations, and its meaning can be understood on multiple levels. Whether read as a meditation on mortality or a celebration of spiritual enlightenment, "A First Mute Coming" is a powerful and enduring work of art.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has the power to evoke emotions and stir the soul, and Emily Dickinson's "A first Mute Coming" is no exception. This classic poem is a masterpiece of poetic expression, exploring the themes of birth, growth, and the mysteries of life. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices, uncovering the beauty and complexity of Dickinson's work.
First, let's take a look at the poem's structure. "A first Mute Coming" is a short poem, consisting of only six lines. However, despite its brevity, the poem is rich in meaning and symbolism. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This allows Dickinson to experiment with language and create a unique rhythm that adds to the poem's overall effect.
The poem's title, "A first Mute Coming," is intriguing and mysterious. It suggests the arrival of something new and unknown, something that is unable to speak. This sets the tone for the poem, which explores the idea of birth and the beginning of life. The first line of the poem, "The first Day's Night had come," further emphasizes this theme, as it suggests the beginning of a new day and the start of a new life.
The second line of the poem, "And grateful that a thing / So terrible had been endured," is a powerful statement that highlights the struggle and pain that often accompanies birth. The word "terrible" suggests the pain and difficulty of childbirth, but the speaker is "grateful" that this experience has been endured. This suggests that the speaker sees the pain of birth as a necessary part of life, something that must be endured in order to bring new life into the world.
The third line of the poem, "I say a prayer and lay the babe / Down in that merciful Arm," is a beautiful image of a mother laying her newborn child in the arms of God. The word "merciful" suggests that the speaker sees God as a loving and caring presence, one who will protect and care for the newborn child. This image is both comforting and reassuring, suggesting that even in the midst of pain and struggle, there is hope and love.
The fourth line of the poem, "The Angel that presided o'er my birth / Said, 'Little creature, formed of Joy and Mirth,'" is a powerful statement that suggests the speaker sees the newborn child as a gift of joy and happiness. The image of an angel presiding over the birth adds a spiritual dimension to the poem, suggesting that the birth of a child is a sacred and holy event.
The fifth line of the poem, "Go love without the help of any Thing on Earth," is a powerful statement that suggests the speaker sees love as the most important thing in life. The phrase "without the help of any Thing on Earth" suggests that love is a divine and spiritual force, one that transcends the material world. This is a powerful message, suggesting that love is the key to happiness and fulfillment in life.
The final line of the poem, "The Supreme Artist yet to be," is a beautiful image that suggests the newborn child is a work of art, created by the "Supreme Artist." This image is both humbling and inspiring, suggesting that even in the midst of pain and struggle, there is beauty and wonder in the world.
In terms of literary devices, "A first Mute Coming" is rich in imagery and symbolism. The image of the newborn child is a powerful symbol of new life and hope, while the image of the angel presiding over the birth adds a spiritual dimension to the poem. The use of the word "merciful" to describe God is a powerful image of love and compassion, while the phrase "formed of Joy and Mirth" suggests the child is a gift of happiness and joy.
The use of free verse allows Dickinson to experiment with language and create a unique rhythm that adds to the poem's overall effect. The lack of rhyme and meter gives the poem a natural and organic feel, allowing the words to flow freely and expressively.
In conclusion, "A first Mute Coming" is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores the themes of birth, growth, and the mysteries of life. Through its rich imagery and symbolism, the poem captures the beauty and wonder of new life, while also acknowledging the pain and struggle that often accompanies it. The poem's message of love and hope is both comforting and inspiring, reminding us that even in the midst of darkness, there is light and beauty in the world. Emily Dickinson's "A first Mute Coming" is a true masterpiece of poetic expression, and a testament to the power of poetry to evoke emotions and stir the soul.
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