'Sweet-safe-Houses' by Emily Dickinson

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Sweet-safe-Houses-
Glad-gay-Houses-
Sealed so stately tight-
Lids of Steel-on Lids of Marble-
Locking Bare feet out-Brooks of Plush-in Banks of Satin
Not so softly fall
As the laughter-and the whisper-
From their People Pearl-No Bald Death-affront their Parlors-
No Bold Sickness come
To deface their Stately Treasures-
Anguish-and the Tomb-Hum by-in Muffled Coaches-
Lest they-wonder Why-
Any-for the Press of Smiling-
Interrupt-to die-

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Enigmatic Beauty of Emily Dickinson's "Sweet-safe-houses"

There is something deeply enigmatic about Emily Dickinson's poetry. Though she was not well-known in her lifetime and only a few of her poems were published, her work has since become a staple of American literature. Her poetry is known for its brevity, its unconventional punctuation, and its exploration of themes such as death, immortality, and spirituality. One of her most beautiful poems, "Sweet-safe-houses," is a perfect example of her distinctive style and her ability to express complex emotions with just a few words.

An Overview of "Sweet-safe-houses"

"Sweet-safe-houses" is a short poem of just four stanzas. Each stanza is composed of two lines, and the poem as a whole has a rhyming pattern of ABCB. Here is the full text of the poem:

Glad—gay—
Seashore!—
Seen from far away—
What need of rose or window,
Saffron or balm,
When Hills keep their dim beauty,
And we rest—calm—```

At first glance, the poem seems to be a simple description of a beautiful view of the sea from a distance. The speaker seems to be expressing admiration for the natural beauty of the landscape and the sense of peace that it brings. However, as we delve deeper into the poem, we begin to see that there is a lot more going on beneath the surface.

## The Themes of "Sweet-safe-houses"

One of the most striking things about "Sweet-safe-houses" is the way it explores the theme of isolation. The poem describes a view of the sea that is seen "from far away," which suggests a sense of distance or separation from the landscape. This theme of isolation is reinforced by the image of the "sweet-safe-houses," which are described as being "glad-gay." The use of these words suggests that the houses are places of joy and celebration, but also implies that they are somehow separate from the world around them.

Another key theme of the poem is the idea of beauty. The poem describes the view of the sea as being "dim" and "beautiful," which suggests that there is something mysterious and alluring about the landscape. The use of the word "dim" also implies that there is something fleeting or ephemeral about the beauty of the landscape, as if it is only visible from a distance and cannot be fully grasped.

Finally, the poem explores the theme of contentment. The speaker describes resting "calm" in the presence of the landscape, suggesting that there is a sense of peace and satisfaction in the isolation and beauty of the natural world.

## The Use of Language in "Sweet-safe-houses"

One of the most distinctive features of Emily Dickinson's poetry is her use of language. "Sweet-safe-houses" is no exception, and the poem is full of unusual word choices and unconventional punctuation. For example, the first line of the poem uses a hyphen to create a compound word, "sweet-safe-houses," which is not a word that would typically be used in everyday language. Similarly, the use of the words "saffron" and "balm" in the third stanza creates a sense of richness and exoticism that is not often found in poetry.

Another interesting element of the poem is the way it uses punctuation to create pauses and shifts in tone. The use of the em dash in the first line creates a sense of anticipation, as if the speaker is building up to something. The use of the exclamation mark in the second line also creates a sense of excitement and wonder, as if the speaker is overcome with awe at the sight of the sea.

## The Interpretation of "Sweet-safe-houses"

So, what does "Sweet-safe-houses" mean? Like much of Emily Dickinson's poetry, the meaning of the poem is not immediately clear, and there are many different ways to interpret it. Here are a few possible interpretations:

- The poem is a celebration of the beauty and power of nature, and the sense of peace and contentment that can be found in isolation.
- The poem is a reflection on the fleeting nature of beauty, and the way that it can be seen from a distance but cannot be fully grasped.
- The poem is a critique of modern society and the way that it has become disconnected from the natural world.
- The poem is a meditation on the human condition, and the way that we are constantly seeking safety and comfort in the face of the unknown.

Ultimately, the meaning of "Sweet-safe-houses" is open to interpretation, and different readers will find different things in the poem depending on their own experiences and perspectives.

## Conclusion

Emily Dickinson's "Sweet-safe-houses" is a beautiful and enigmatic poem that offers a glimpse into the mind of one of America's greatest poets. Through its exploration of themes such as isolation, beauty, and contentment, the poem invites us to reflect on our own relationship with the natural world and the way that we seek safety and comfort in the face of the unknown. Whether we see the poem as a celebration of nature or a critique of modern society, one thing is clear: "Sweet-safe-houses" is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to inspire, challenge, and delight us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson’s poem “Safe in their Alabaster Chambers” is a haunting and evocative piece that explores the themes of death, immortality, and the afterlife. The poem is also known as “Sweet-safe-houses” and is one of Dickinson’s most famous works. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning behind the poem and the literary devices that Dickinson employs to convey her message.

The poem begins with the line “Safe in their Alabaster Chambers,” which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word “safe” suggests that the subjects of the poem are protected and secure, while the word “alabaster” conjures up images of white, marble-like structures that are often associated with tombs or monuments. This creates a sense of stillness and permanence that is reinforced throughout the poem.

The second line of the poem reads, “Untouched by Morning and untouched by Noon.” This line suggests that the subjects of the poem are not subject to the passage of time, and are therefore immortal. The use of the word “untouched” reinforces this idea, as it suggests that the subjects are not affected by the changing of the seasons or the passing of days.

The third line of the poem reads, “Sleep the meek members of the Resurrection.” This line is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the subjects of the poem are not dead, but rather sleeping. This is reinforced by the use of the word “Resurrection,” which suggests that the subjects will one day awaken and rise again. This idea is further reinforced in the final line of the poem, which reads, “Rafter of satin, and roof of stone.”

The use of the word “rafter” suggests that the subjects of the poem are sheltered and protected, while the use of the word “satin” suggests luxury and comfort. The use of the word “roof” suggests that the subjects are enclosed and protected from the outside world, while the use of the word “stone” suggests permanence and immovability. Together, these images create a sense of safety and security that is reinforced throughout the poem.

One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is the way in which Dickinson uses language to convey her message. The use of the word “alabaster” in the first line, for example, creates a sense of stillness and permanence that is reinforced throughout the poem. Similarly, the use of the word “Resurrection” in the third line suggests that the subjects of the poem are not dead, but rather sleeping, and will one day awaken and rise again.

Another interesting aspect of the poem is the way in which Dickinson uses imagery to convey her message. The image of the “rafter of satin” and “roof of stone,” for example, creates a sense of safety and security that is reinforced throughout the poem. Similarly, the image of the “Alabaster Chambers” creates a sense of stillness and permanence that is also reinforced throughout the poem.

Overall, “Safe in their Alabaster Chambers” is a haunting and evocative poem that explores the themes of death, immortality, and the afterlife. The use of language and imagery creates a sense of stillness and permanence that is reinforced throughout the poem, while the use of the word “Resurrection” suggests that the subjects of the poem are not dead, but rather sleeping, and will one day awaken and rise again. This poem is a testament to Dickinson’s skill as a poet, and is a powerful reminder of the enduring power of language and imagery.

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