''Tis so appalling-it exhilarates' by Emily Dickinson

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'Tis so appalling-it exhilarates-
So over Horror, it half Captivates-
The Soul stares after it, secure-
A Sepulchre, fears frost, no more-To scan a Ghost, is faint-
But grappling, conquers it-
How easy, Torment, now-
Suspense kept sawing so-The Truth, is Bald, and Cold-
But that will hold-
If any are not sure-
We show them-prayer-
But we, who know,
Stop hoping, now-Looking at Death, is Dying-
Just let go the Breath-
And not the pillow at your Cheek
So Slumbereth-Others, Can wrestle-
Yours, is done-
And so of Woe, bleak dreaded-come,
It sets the Fright at liberty-
And Terror's free-
Gay, Ghastly, Holiday!

Editor 1 Interpretation

'Tis so appalling - it exhilarates: A Study of Emily Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, renowned for her unique style, unorthodox themes, and enigmatic personality. Her poem, 'Tis so appalling - it exhilarates, is a perfect example of her distinctive voice and poetic vision. In this essay, I will provide a detailed analysis and interpretation of the poem, exploring its themes, structure, language, and imagery. Join me on this journey of discovery as we unravel the mysteries of one of Dickinson's most intriguing works.

Background

Before we delve into the poem itself, a brief background on Emily Dickinson is necessary. Born in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1830, Dickinson was a prolific writer, composing over 1,800 poems during her lifetime. However, she was known only to a small circle of family and friends, and most of her work was not published until after her death in 1886. Dickinson's poetry is characterized by its spare, concise language, unconventional punctuation, and elliptical syntax. Her themes range from the mundane to the metaphysical, often blending the two in surprising ways. Dickinson's work has been the subject of much critical interpretation and debate, with some seeing her as a proto-modernist and others as a Romantic poet. However, one thing is clear: her poetry is unlike any other.

Overview

'Tis so appalling - it exhilarates is a short but powerful poem, consisting of only two stanzas. It was composed in 1862, during a period of intense creativity for Dickinson. The poem's title is striking, as it juxtaposes two seemingly opposite emotions: horror and ecstasy. This tension between the horrific and the exhilarating is at the heart of the poem, and it is what gives it its power and complexity.

Analysis

Let us now turn to a line-by-line analysis of the poem, paying close attention to its language, structure, and imagery.

'Tis so appalling - it exhilarates -

The poem begins with a bold statement, announcing the paradoxical nature of the poem's subject. The use of the word "'Tis" is archaic and formal, emphasizing the poem's universality and timelessness. The words "appalling" and "exhilarates" are set in contrast to each other, creating a tension that will be explored throughout the poem.

So dies a man - so does a serpent sting -

The first line of the poem is immediately followed by two similes that further explore the theme of death and horror. The comparison of a man's death to a serpent's sting is particularly striking, as it suggests that death is not only painful but also malevolent, like a snake's bite.

So droops the latest autumn hyssop brave, Such to the seeker is her perfect word.

In the second stanza, the poem shifts from the theme of death to that of language and communication. The image of the autumn hyssop, a type of flowering plant, suggests transience and fragility. The line "Such to the seeker is her perfect word" is enigmatic, but it seems to suggest that the speaker sees the hyssop's beauty as a form of communication, a perfect word that speaks to the soul.

So rest the feet of life's tired pilgrim, Who knows not what the sepulchre may be,

The final two lines of the poem return to the theme of death, but in a more philosophical and existential way. The image of the "tired pilgrim" suggests a journey, perhaps a spiritual one, and the uncertainty of what lies beyond the grave. The use of the word "sepulchre" is formal and archaic, conveying a sense of solemnity and finality.

Interpretation

What, then, do we make of this enigmatic and haunting poem? There are several possible interpretations, but I will suggest one that draws on the poem's themes of horror, ecstasy, death, and language.

At its core, 'Tis so appalling - it exhilarates is a meditation on the paradoxical nature of existence. Life is both beautiful and terrible, exhilarating and appalling, and the two are often intertwined. The image of a man dying like a serpent's sting suggests that death is not simply a natural part of life, but a malevolent force that can strike at any moment. However, the image of the autumn hyssop and its perfect word suggest that there is beauty and meaning in the world, even in the face of death.

The final two lines of the poem suggest that the speaker is a "tired pilgrim" on a journey through life, perhaps seeking answers to the mysteries of existence. The fact that the pilgrim "knows not what the sepulchre may be" suggests a fear of the unknown, but also a recognition that death is a necessary part of life. The poem, then, is a kind of memento mori, a reminder of our mortality and the fragility of life.

However, the poem is also a celebration of language and its power to convey meaning and beauty. The image of the hyssop's perfect word suggests that there is something transcendent and sacred in language, something that can speak to the deepest parts of our souls. The fact that the poem itself is a perfect word, a testament to Dickinson's poetic genius, is evidence of this power.

Conclusion

'Tis so appalling - it exhilarates is a complex and enigmatic poem that defies easy interpretation. However, by paying close attention to its language, structure, and imagery, we can begin to unravel the mysteries at its heart. Dickinson's poetry is a testament to the power of language to convey beauty, meaning, and truth, even in the face of death and uncertainty. This poem, like much of her work, is a reminder of our mortality, but also a celebration of the human spirit and its ability to find meaning and beauty in the world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

'Tis so appalling-it exhilarates: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poetry

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems, 'Tis so appalling-it exhilarates, is a powerful and evocative piece that explores the paradoxical nature of life and death. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem and examine the various literary devices and techniques that Dickinson employs to convey her message.

The Poem

'Tis so appalling-it exhilarates- So over Horror, it half Captivates- The Soul stares after it, secure- A Sepulchre, fears frost, no more-

To scan a Ghost, is faint- But grappling, conquers it- How easy, Torment, now- Suspense kept sawing-so-

The Truth, but search- Himself has not defined- But Negation is Infinity- Destruction's absolute- concluded

Analysis

The poem begins with the line "Tis so appalling-it exhilarates," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "appalling" suggests something terrifying or shocking, while "exhilarates" implies a sense of excitement or joy. This paradoxical statement sets the stage for the rest of the poem, which explores the complex and often contradictory nature of life and death.

The second line, "So over Horror, it half Captivates," further emphasizes the paradoxical nature of the poem. The idea that something can be both horrifying and captivating at the same time is a powerful one, and it speaks to the way in which we are often drawn to things that scare us.

The third line, "The Soul stares after it, secure," suggests that despite the horror and fear that the subject of the poem inspires, there is also a sense of safety and security in confronting it. This idea is further reinforced in the fourth line, which describes the subject as a "Sepulchre" that "fears frost, no more." This image of a tomb that is impervious to the cold suggests a sense of permanence and immortality, even in the face of death.

The fifth line, "To scan a Ghost, is faint," introduces the idea of the ghost as a metaphor for death. The use of the word "faint" suggests that death is something that is difficult to comprehend or understand, while the sixth line, "But grappling, conquers it," implies that by confronting death head-on, we can overcome our fear of it.

The seventh line, "How easy, Torment, now-" suggests that once we have faced our fear of death, other forms of torment become less daunting. This idea is further reinforced in the eighth line, which describes "Suspense kept sawing-so-" as something that is easily overcome once we have conquered our fear of death.

The ninth line, "The Truth, but search-" suggests that the ultimate truth about life and death is something that is difficult to uncover. The use of the word "search" implies that it is something that requires effort and perseverance to discover.

The tenth line, "Himself has not defined-" suggests that even the speaker of the poem, who is presumably Dickinson herself, has not fully defined or understood the truth about life and death. This idea is further reinforced in the eleventh line, which describes "Negation" as "Infinity." The use of these two seemingly contradictory terms suggests that the truth about life and death is something that is both infinite and unknowable.

The final line, "Destruction's absolute- concluded," brings the poem to a powerful and definitive close. The use of the word "concluded" suggests that the speaker has reached a definitive conclusion about the nature of life and death, and that this conclusion is one of absolute destruction. This final image of destruction and finality is a powerful one, and it leaves the reader with a sense of awe and wonder at the complexity and mystery of life and death.

Literary Devices

Throughout the poem, Dickinson employs a number of literary devices and techniques to convey her message. One of the most prominent of these is paradox, which is used to great effect in the opening lines of the poem. The use of paradox creates a sense of tension and contradiction that draws the reader in and makes them eager to explore the rest of the poem.

Another important literary device that Dickinson employs is metaphor. The use of the ghost as a metaphor for death is a powerful one, and it allows Dickinson to explore the complex and often contradictory emotions that are associated with death.

Finally, Dickinson's use of imagery is particularly effective in this poem. The image of the tomb that is impervious to the cold is a particularly powerful one, as it suggests a sense of permanence and immortality that is often associated with death. Similarly, the image of "Suspense kept sawing-so-" creates a sense of tension and unease that is palpable and effective.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'Tis so appalling-it exhilarates is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the paradoxical nature of life and death. Through her use of paradox, metaphor, and imagery, Dickinson is able to convey a complex and nuanced message about the way in which we confront our fear of death. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet, and it continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.

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