'Inconceivably solemn!' by Emily Dickinson

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Inconceivably solemn!
Things go gay
Pierce-by the very Press
Of Imagery-Their far Parades-order on the eye
With a mute Pomp-
A pleading Pageantry-Flags, are a brave sight-
But no true Eye
Ever went by One-
Steadily-Music's triumphant-
But the fine Ear
Winces with delight
Are Drums too near-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Inconceivably solemn!

Emily Dickinson is one of the most renowned poets in American literature, and her work is notable for her unique style that blends simplicity and complexity. Among her numerous poems, "Poetry, Inconceivably solemn!" stands out for its profound message and captivating imagery. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the poem's themes, structure, and language, to uncover the hidden layers of meaning that make it a masterpiece.

Themes

At its core, "Poetry, Inconceivably solemn!" is a meditation on the nature and power of poetry. Dickinson opens the poem by describing poetry as "inconceivably solemn," suggesting that it is something sacred and profound. She goes on to compare poetry to "Religion" and "Heaven," elevating it to a level of importance that is usually reserved for spiritual matters. This comparison sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which explores the ways in which poetry can transform our lives and connect us to something greater than ourselves.

One of the central themes of the poem is the idea that poetry has the power to transport us beyond the limits of our own experience. Dickinson writes that poetry can "take us out of time," suggesting that it has the ability to transport us to a realm beyond the constraints of our everyday lives. This idea is further developed in the second stanza, where Dickinson describes how poetry can make us feel as though we are "living in the Core," or the center of the universe. By using this metaphor, Dickinson suggests that poetry can connect us to something bigger than ourselves, giving us a sense of purpose and meaning that is often missing from our daily lives.

Another important theme of the poem is the idea that poetry can help us to see the world in a new way. Dickinson writes that poetry can "show us new Worlds," suggesting that it has the ability to reveal hidden truths and insights that are not readily accessible to us in our ordinary lives. This idea is further developed in the third stanza, where Dickinson describes how poetry can make us see things that we had not noticed before. She writes, "we never did to see," implying that poetry can help us to see the world with fresh eyes, and to uncover new dimensions of reality that were previously hidden from us.

Finally, "Poetry, Inconceivably solemn!" explores the idea that poetry is a deeply personal and subjective experience. Dickinson writes that poetry is something that "each must find for Himself," suggesting that it cannot be imposed upon us from outside. Rather, we must seek out poetry for ourselves, and find the poems that speak to us in our own unique way. This theme is closely connected to the idea that poetry has the power to connect us to something greater than ourselves. By finding the poems that resonate with us personally, we can connect with the larger universe and discover our own place within it.

Structure

The structure of "Poetry, Inconceivably solemn!" is simple but effective. The poem consists of four stanzas, each of which contains four lines. The first three stanzas are structured around a single metaphor or image, while the final stanza steps back to offer a more general reflection on the nature of poetry.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, establishing poetry as something sacred and profound. Dickinson uses the metaphor of poetry as "Religion" and "Heaven" to suggest that it is a realm beyond the everyday world that can offer us a sense of transcendence and meaning.

The second stanza is centered around the metaphor of the "Core," which is used to describe the experience of being transported beyond the limits of our own experience. The metaphor is powerful because it suggests that poetry can connect us to something fundamental and essential about the universe, giving us a sense of purpose and meaning that transcends our individual lives.

The third stanza is structured around the metaphor of seeing the world in a new way. Dickinson uses the image of a landscape suddenly revealed by the rising sun to suggest the transformative power of poetry. The metaphor is powerful because it suggests that poetry can help us to see the world with fresh eyes, and to uncover hidden dimensions of reality that were previously obscured from us.

The final stanza steps back to offer a more general reflection on the nature of poetry. Dickinson writes that poetry is something that "each must find for Himself," suggesting that it is a deeply personal and subjective experience. The stanza also reinforces the idea that poetry has the power to connect us to something beyond ourselves, concluding with the enigmatic line, "And not presume to say."

Language

One of the most striking features of "Poetry, Inconceivably solemn!" is its use of language. Dickinson's style is characterized by its simplicity and economy, but it is also notable for its inventive use of metaphor and imagery. Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses metaphors and images to convey abstract ideas and emotions, creating a powerful sense of atmosphere and mood.

One of the most powerful metaphors in the poem is the image of the "Core," which is used to describe the experience of being transported beyond the limits of our own experience. The metaphor is powerful because it suggests that poetry can connect us to something fundamental and essential about the universe, giving us a sense of purpose and meaning that transcends our individual lives.

Another powerful metaphor in the poem is the image of a landscape suddenly revealed by the rising sun. Dickinson uses this image to suggest the transformative power of poetry, and to convey the idea that poetry can help us to see the world with fresh eyes, and to uncover hidden dimensions of reality that were previously obscured from us.

In addition to its inventive use of metaphor and imagery, "Poetry, Inconceivably solemn!" is notable for its rhythmic and sonic qualities. Dickinson's use of rhyme and rhythm is subtle but effective, creating a sense of unity and coherence that reinforces the poem's themes and ideas. The poem's use of repetition is also noteworthy, with the repeated phrase "Take us" creating a sense of urgency and desire that drives the poem forward.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Poetry, Inconceivably solemn!" is a powerful meditation on the nature and power of poetry. Through its inventive use of metaphor and imagery, Dickinson conveys the transformative power of poetry, and the ways in which it can connect us to something greater than ourselves. The poem's structure and language are simple but effective, creating a sense of unity and coherence that reinforces its themes and ideas. Overall, "Poetry, Inconceivably solemn!" is a masterpiece of American literature that continues to captivate and inspire readers to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Inconceivably solemn! by Emily Dickinson is a poem that captures the essence of poetry and its impact on the human soul. In this 14-line poem, Dickinson explores the power of poetry to move us, to inspire us, and to transform us. With her characteristic wit and insight, she delves into the mysteries of language and the human experience, leaving us with a profound appreciation for the art of poetry.

The poem begins with the line "Poetry Inconceivably solemn!" which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "inconceivably" suggests that poetry is beyond our understanding, that it is something mysterious and profound. The word "solemn" adds to this sense of mystery, suggesting that poetry is a serious and weighty matter, something that demands our attention and respect.

As the poem continues, Dickinson explores the ways in which poetry affects us. She writes, "Plodding feet / Have worn it [poetry] so / In the dull stony town." Here, she suggests that poetry is something that has been around for a long time, something that has been passed down from generation to generation. The "plodding feet" suggest that poetry is something that has been carried with great care and reverence, something that has been treasured and protected.

Dickinson then goes on to describe the impact that poetry has on us. She writes, "Tread it / reverent / like a Nun." Here, she compares the act of reading poetry to the act of prayer, suggesting that poetry has a spiritual quality to it. The word "reverent" suggests that we should approach poetry with a sense of awe and respect, recognizing its power to move us and transform us.

The poem then takes a turn, as Dickinson acknowledges the difficulty of poetry. She writes, "Breathing its - name / And the solemn - fame / Is but - our breath - and - gone." Here, she suggests that poetry is something that is difficult to grasp, something that is fleeting and ephemeral. The "solemn-fame" suggests that poetry is something that is revered and respected, but the fact that it is "our breath - and - gone" suggests that it is something that is difficult to hold onto, something that is constantly slipping away from us.

Despite this difficulty, Dickinson suggests that poetry is something that is worth pursuing. She writes, "In a book / So - angels perceive / How pomp exceeds / itself." Here, she suggests that poetry is something that is transcendent, something that takes us beyond ourselves and into a realm of beauty and wonder. The fact that angels perceive it suggests that poetry is something that is divine, something that is beyond our mortal understanding.

The poem then ends with the line, "Take it - serene - / An - adjuster - of grief -." Here, Dickinson suggests that poetry is something that can help us to cope with the difficulties of life. The word "serene" suggests that poetry has a calming effect on us, helping us to find peace in the midst of chaos. The fact that it is an "adjuster of grief" suggests that poetry is something that can help us to process our emotions, to find meaning in our pain, and to move forward with hope.

Overall, Poetry Inconceivably solemn! is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of poetry and its impact on the human soul. With her characteristic wit and insight, Emily Dickinson explores the mysteries of language and the human experience, leaving us with a profound appreciation for the art of poetry. Whether we are poets ourselves or simply lovers of the written word, this poem reminds us of the power of poetry to move us, to inspire us, and to transform us.

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