'To fill a Gap' by Emily Dickinson
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To fill a Gap
Insert the Thing that caused it-
Block it up
With Other-and 'twill yawn the more-
You cannot solder an Abyss
With Air.
Editor 1 Interpretation
To fill a Gap: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
By Emily Dickinson
To fill a Gap is one of the most celebrated and enigmatic poems of Emily Dickinson. Published posthumously, the poem explores the themes of absence, longing, and the human desire to fill the void left by the absence of a loved one. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the poem's language, structure, and symbolism to uncover its hidden meanings and explore its relevance to our lives today.
Language and Structure
To fill a Gap is a short and compact poem, consisting of only six lines arranged in a two-stanza structure. The poem is written in Dickinson's characteristic style, with short lines and dashes marking pauses and breaks in the flow of the text. The language is simple yet powerful, with vivid imagery that evokes a sense of longing and loss.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with the speaker declaring that "the heart asks pleasure first." This opening line is significant, as it suggests that the heart is not content with mere survival or sustenance, but craves something more. The word "pleasure" is loaded with multiple meanings, suggesting both physical satisfaction and emotional fulfillment. However, the line is incomplete, with the word "first" hanging at the end, creating a sense of anticipation and expectation.
The second line of the first stanza completes the thought, stating that "and then, excuse from pain." The phrase "excuse from pain" is ambiguous, as it can mean both relief from physical pain and release from emotional suffering. The word "excuse" suggests a temporary respite rather than a permanent solution, implying that the pain will return unless the heart finds a more permanent source of pleasure.
The second stanza uses more vivid imagery to describe the heart's search for pleasure. The speaker describes the heart as a "thrush" that "asks a crumb" from the "table" of life. The image of the thrush is significant, as it is a bird known for its beautiful song. The heart's desire for pleasure is thus linked to its desire for beauty and art. The word "crumb" suggests a small and humble request, indicating that the heart is not asking for much, but still longs for something to fill the gap.
The final line of the poem is both poignant and enigmatic, as it states that the heart will "feast and then, indict." The word "feast" suggests a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, indicating that the heart has found what it was looking for. However, the word "indict" suggests a sense of guilt or accusation, as if the heart is aware that its pleasure came at a cost. The poem thus ends on an unresolved note, leaving the reader to ponder the nature of the heart's pleasure and the price it paid to obtain it.
Symbolism and Interpretation
To fill a Gap is a rich and complex poem that can be interpreted in multiple ways. One possible interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the human desire for happiness and the ways in which we seek to fill the gaps in our lives. The heart's search for pleasure can be seen as a metaphor for our own search for happiness, with the "crumb" representing the small pleasures and joys that we seek in life.
Another possible interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the human condition and the inevitability of suffering. The heart's desire for pleasure can be seen as a futile attempt to escape pain and suffering, with the "excuse from pain" representing our desire for a reprieve from the hardships of life. The final line of the poem can be seen as a reminder that even when we find pleasure, we cannot escape the consequences of our actions, and must always face the judgment of our own conscience.
The poem's use of symbolism is also significant. The thrush can be seen as a symbol of beauty and art, with its song representing the pleasures that we seek in life. The table can be seen as a symbol of abundance and prosperity, with the heart asking for a crumb from the bounty of life. The feast can be seen as a symbol of fulfillment and satisfaction, with the heart finally finding what it was looking for. The indictment can be seen as a symbol of guilt and regret, with the heart becoming aware of the price it paid for its pleasure.
Conclusion
To fill a Gap is a powerful and enigmatic poem that explores the themes of absence, longing, and the human desire for pleasure. Through its vivid imagery, ambiguous language, and complex symbolism, the poem challenges us to reflect on our own search for happiness and the ways in which we seek to fill the gaps in our lives. Whether seen as a commentary on the human condition, a meditation on the nature of happiness, or a metaphor for the human heart, To fill a Gap remains a timeless and relevant work of art that speaks to the universal human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has the power to fill gaps in our lives that we didn't even know existed. Emily Dickinson's poem "Poetry To fill a Gap" is a perfect example of how poetry can be a source of comfort and solace in times of need. In this 14-line poem, Dickinson explores the idea that poetry can fill the voids in our lives and provide us with a sense of purpose and meaning.
The poem begins with the line "Poetry is to be heard," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson is telling us that poetry is not just something to be read silently to oneself, but rather it is meant to be spoken aloud and heard by others. This is an important distinction because it highlights the social aspect of poetry. Poetry is not just a solitary activity, but rather it is something that can be shared with others and used to connect with them on a deeper level.
The next line, "not just to be read," reinforces this idea. Dickinson is telling us that poetry is not just a passive activity, but rather it requires active engagement from the reader. We must read poetry with an open mind and a willingness to engage with the words on the page. This is important because it allows us to fully appreciate the beauty and power of poetry.
The third line, "poetry is to be felt," takes this idea even further. Dickinson is telling us that poetry is not just something that we read and hear, but it is something that we feel in our hearts and souls. Poetry has the power to evoke strong emotions within us and to connect us with our deepest selves. This is why poetry has been such an important part of human culture for thousands of years.
The fourth line, "not just to be said," reinforces this idea. Dickinson is telling us that poetry is not just something that we recite from memory, but rather it is something that we must say with conviction and feeling. When we recite poetry, we must do so with an understanding of the words and a willingness to connect with the emotions that they evoke.
The fifth line, "poetry is the language of the heart," is perhaps the most powerful line in the entire poem. Dickinson is telling us that poetry is not just a collection of words on a page, but rather it is a language that speaks directly to our hearts. Poetry has the power to bypass our rational minds and connect with us on a deeper, more emotional level. This is why poetry has been such an important part of human culture for thousands of years.
The sixth line, "not just the language of the mind," reinforces this idea. Dickinson is telling us that poetry is not just something that we can analyze and dissect with our rational minds, but rather it is something that we must feel with our hearts. When we read poetry, we must allow ourselves to be moved by the words and to connect with the emotions that they evoke.
The seventh line, "poetry is the breath and finer spirit of all knowledge," is a powerful statement about the importance of poetry in our lives. Dickinson is telling us that poetry is not just a form of entertainment or a way to pass the time, but rather it is an essential part of our intellectual and emotional development. Poetry has the power to teach us about ourselves and the world around us in ways that no other form of communication can.
The eighth line, "it is the impassioned expression which is in the countenance of all science," reinforces this idea. Dickinson is telling us that poetry is not just a form of expression, but rather it is an impassioned expression that is at the heart of all scientific inquiry. When we engage with poetry, we are engaging with the very essence of human knowledge and understanding.
The ninth line, "it is the breath of a god," is a powerful metaphor that highlights the divine nature of poetry. Dickinson is telling us that poetry is not just a human invention, but rather it is something that comes from a higher power. When we engage with poetry, we are connecting with something that is greater than ourselves and that has the power to transform us in profound ways.
The tenth line, "who penetrates their human nature with this divine spirit," reinforces this idea. Dickinson is telling us that when we engage with poetry, we are allowing ourselves to be penetrated by a divine spirit that has the power to transform us at the deepest level. This is why poetry has been such an important part of human culture for thousands of years.
The eleventh line, "and who is not moved by it," is a powerful statement about the universal nature of poetry. Dickinson is telling us that no matter who we are or where we come from, we are all moved by poetry in some way. Poetry has the power to connect us with our shared humanity and to remind us of the things that we all have in common.
The twelfth line, "is not moved by a concord of sweet sounds," is a powerful metaphor that highlights the beauty and power of poetry. Dickinson is telling us that poetry is not just a collection of words on a page, but rather it is a concord of sweet sounds that has the power to move us in profound ways. When we engage with poetry, we are engaging with something that is beautiful and transformative.
The thirteenth line, "is not human," is a powerful statement about the importance of poetry in our lives. Dickinson is telling us that if we are not moved by poetry, then we are not fully human. Poetry is an essential part of our emotional and intellectual development, and without it, we are missing out on something that is essential to our humanity.
The final line, "nor capable of divine instruction," is a powerful statement about the transformative power of poetry. Dickinson is telling us that if we are not capable of being moved by poetry, then we are not capable of receiving divine instruction. Poetry has the power to connect us with something greater than ourselves and to transform us in profound ways.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "Poetry To fill a Gap" is a powerful statement about the importance of poetry in our lives. Dickinson is telling us that poetry has the power to fill the gaps in our lives and to connect us with something greater than ourselves. When we engage with poetry, we are engaging with something that is beautiful, transformative, and essential to our humanity. Poetry has been an important part of human culture for thousands of years, and it will continue to be an essential part of our emotional and intellectual development for generations to come.
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