'Whose are the little beds, I asked' by Emily Dickinson
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Whose are the little beds, I asked
Which in the valleys lie?
Some shook their heads, and others smiled-
And no one made reply.Perhaps they did not hear, I said,
I will inquire again-
Whose are the beds-the tiny beds
So thick upon the plain?'Tis Daisy, in the shortest-
A little further on-
Nearest the door-to wake the Ist-
Little Leontoden.'Tis Iris, Sir, and Aster-
Anemone, and Bell-
Bartsia, in the blanket red-
And chubby Daffodil.Meanwhile, at many cradles
Her busy foot she plied-
Humming the quaintest lullaby
That ever rocked a child.Hush! Epigea wakens!
The Crocus stirs her lids-
Rhodora's cheek is crimson,
She's dreaming of the woods!Then turning from them reverent-
Their bedtime 'tis, she said-
The Bumble bees will wake them
When April woods are red.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Whose are the little beds, I asked" by Emily Dickinson: A Deep Dive into the Poem
As a literary critic, I am excited to explore the beautiful and enigmatic poem "Whose are the little beds, I asked" by the renowned poet Emily Dickinson. This poem is a part of her vast and varied oeuvre, which explores the themes of life, death, nature, love, and spirituality in a unique and original way. In this poem, Dickinson ponders the mystery of life and death through the innocent and curious voice of a child. The poem is short but profound, and it invites us to reflect on the nature of existence, the passing of time, and the fragile beauty of life.
An Overview of the Poem
"Whose are the little beds, I asked" is a seven-line poem that consists of two stanzas. The first stanza has three lines, while the second has four lines. The poem follows a regular meter and rhyme scheme, with the first and third lines of each stanza rhyming, and the second and fourth lines also rhyming. The poem also features a unique use of punctuation, with dashes and commas creating a sense of pause and emphasis.
A Line-by-Line Analysis
Let's dive deeper into the poem and analyze it line by line to understand its meaning and significance.
Whose are the little beds, I asked,
The poem begins with a simple and innocent question, which sets the tone of curiosity and wonder that pervades the poem. The speaker, who is imagined to be a child, is observing the world around them and noticing the small and fragile things that occupy it.
Which are the flowers in which they slept?
The second line of the poem is structured as a question, but it also serves as an answer to the first question. The speaker is asking about the little beds, but they are also identifying them as flowers. This suggests that the little beds are not literal beds, but rather a metaphor for the transient and delicate nature of life.
Whose are the little robes,
The third line of the poem continues the theme of the fragility of life, but it also introduces the idea of clothing. The little robes can be interpreted as a symbol of identity and individuality, which is closely tied to the concept of life and death.
I asked, when the robin came to see.
The fourth line of the poem introduces a new character, the robin. The arrival of the robin can be seen as a symbol of new life and hope, as robins are often associated with the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature. The speaker is asking the robin about the little beds and the little robes, suggesting that they are seeking answers about the meaning of life and death.
Whose are the beds, the tiny beds?
The fifth line of the poem repeats the question from the first line, but this time with an added emphasis on the word "tiny." This emphasizes the fragility and vulnerability of life, and suggests that the speaker is trying to understand the meaning of this transience.
Whose are these little shrouds?
The sixth line of the poem introduces the idea of death, which is closely linked to the concept of life. The little shrouds can be interpreted as a symbol of death, which is the inevitable fate of all living beings. The innocent and childlike tone of the poem contrasts with the weighty themes of life and death, creating a sense of wonder and awe.
Little Easterling,
The final line of the poem is a direct address to the robin, who is described as a "little Easterling." This term can be interpreted in several ways, but it suggests the arrival of new life and the hope of rebirth. The robin is also associated with the Easter holiday, which is a time of renewal and rebirth in Christian tradition. The use of the term "Easterling" reinforces the idea of hope and renewal, and suggests that the poem is ultimately a celebration of life and its many mysteries.
Interpretation and Analysis
"Whose are the little beds, I asked" is a complex and multi-layered poem that invites multiple interpretations. One possible interpretation is that the poem is a meditation on the fragility and transience of life. The little beds, little robes, and little shrouds can be seen as symbols of life, identity, and death, respectively. The robin, who is associated with life and renewal, can be seen as a symbol of hope and the possibility of rebirth. The poem, therefore, can be interpreted as a celebration of life and its many mysteries, despite its fleeting nature.
Another possible interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the nature of existence and the passing of time. The repetition of the question "Whose are the little beds?" suggests a sense of wonder and confusion about the meaning of life and its purpose. The use of the robin as a symbol of new life and the Easterling reinforces the idea of hope and renewal, but it also suggests that life is cyclical and that death and rebirth are an inevitable part of the natural order. The poem, therefore, can be interpreted as a reflection on the existential questions that we all face in life, such as the meaning of existence, the passage of time, and the inevitability of death.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Whose are the little beds, I asked" is a beautiful and profound poem that invites us to reflect on the mysteries of life and death. Through the innocent and curious voice of a child, Emily Dickinson explores the themes of fragility, identity, hope, and renewal, and creates a sense of wonder and awe that is both poignant and uplifting. The poem is a testament to Dickinson's unique and original voice, and it continues to inspire and fascinate readers to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Whose are the little beds, I asked? This is the opening line of one of Emily Dickinson's most intriguing poems. The poem is a reflection on the nature of death and the afterlife, and it is a testament to Dickinson's unique poetic voice.
Emily Dickinson was a prolific poet who wrote over 1,800 poems during her lifetime. Her poetry was characterized by its unconventional style and its exploration of themes such as death, nature, and spirituality. Dickinson's poetry was often deeply personal and introspective, and it was marked by her use of vivid imagery and unconventional syntax.
Whose are the little beds, I asked? is a poem that explores the theme of death and the afterlife. The poem begins with a question, as the speaker wonders about the identity of the occupants of the "little beds." The use of the word "little" is significant, as it suggests that the beds belong to children or perhaps even infants. This creates a sense of sadness and loss, as the reader is forced to confront the idea of young lives cut short.
The second stanza of the poem continues the theme of death, as the speaker describes the "little graves" that surround the beds. The use of the word "graves" is significant, as it suggests that the occupants of the beds have already passed away. The speaker then asks the question, "Whose are the beds?" This repetition of the opening line creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the speaker's desire to know the identity of the occupants.
The third stanza of the poem introduces the idea of the afterlife. The speaker wonders if the occupants of the beds are "angels" who have gone to heaven. This suggests that the speaker is searching for comfort in the idea that the occupants of the beds are in a better place. The use of the word "angels" is significant, as it suggests that the occupants of the beds were pure and innocent.
The fourth stanza of the poem continues the theme of the afterlife, as the speaker wonders if the occupants of the beds are "saints" who have gone to heaven. This suggests that the speaker is searching for a sense of hope and redemption in the idea that the occupants of the beds are in a better place. The use of the word "saints" is significant, as it suggests that the occupants of the beds were virtuous and deserving of a place in heaven.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant, as the speaker admits that she does not know the identity of the occupants of the beds. The use of the word "know" is significant, as it suggests that the speaker is searching for a sense of understanding and closure. The poem ends with the line, "At length, 'They're only mine'." This line is significant, as it suggests that the speaker has come to accept the idea that the occupants of the beds belong to her. This creates a sense of intimacy and personal connection, as the speaker takes ownership of the beds and the occupants.
In conclusion, Whose are the little beds, I asked? is a powerful poem that explores the themes of death and the afterlife. The poem is marked by Dickinson's unique poetic voice and her use of vivid imagery and unconventional syntax. The poem is a testament to Dickinson's ability to capture complex emotions and ideas in a few short lines, and it is a reminder of the power of poetry to move and inspire us.
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