'Reverse cannot befall' by Emily Dickinson
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Reverse cannot befall
That fine Prosperity
Whose Sources are interior-
As soon-AdversityA Diamond-overtake
In far-Bolivian Ground-
Misfortune hath no implement
Could mar it-if it found-
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry Analysis of "Reverse cannot befall" by Emily Dickinson
When it comes to American poetry, Emily Dickinson is a name that stands out among others. Her unique style and themes have made her one of the most celebrated poets of all time. One such poem that stands out is "Reverse cannot befall," which is a powerful piece of work that reflects on life's uncertainties.
The Poem
Here's the poem in its entirety:
Reverse cannot befall
That fine Prosperity
Whose sources are interior
As soon—Adversity
A Diamond—if you please
Which simply gleamed in mine—
Too large for digging—oh, alas,
Too scanty for a Mine!
This poem is a great example of Dickinson's unique style. It's short, only four stanzas, and has a simple rhyme scheme. But simplicity doesn't always mean lack of depth. In fact, this poem is full of meaning and symbolism that speaks to the human experience.
Analysis
The Title
The title of the poem, "Reverse cannot befall," immediately sets up the theme of the poem. It suggests that the speaker is reflecting on the idea that something good cannot turn bad, but the opposite can happen. This idea sets the tone for the entire poem.
The First Stanza
The first stanza of the poem sets up the idea that there is a type of prosperity that cannot be affected by adversity. The speaker says that this type of prosperity's source is "interior," meaning that it comes from within oneself. In contrast, adversity can affect external things, but it cannot touch one's inner prosperity.
This idea is significant because it suggests that there is a type of wealth that cannot be taken away. The speaker is saying that even in the face of adversity, one can still hold on to their inner prosperity.
The Second Stanza
The second stanza of the poem introduces the metaphor of a diamond. The speaker compares the inner prosperity to a diamond that is too big to be dug up, but too small to be a mine. This metaphor is significant because it suggests that one's inner prosperity is valuable but is not something that can be easily obtained or mined.
The Third Stanza
The third stanza of the poem continues the metaphor of the diamond. The speaker says that the diamond "simply gleamed" in their life. This suggests that the speaker recognizes the value of their inner prosperity but does not necessarily have a full grasp of its significance.
The Fourth Stanza
The fourth stanza of the poem concludes the metaphor of the diamond. The speaker laments that the diamond is too large to be dug up but too small to be a mine. This suggests that even though the inner prosperity is valuable, it cannot be fully utilized or realized.
Interpretation
"Reverse cannot befall" is a poem that speaks to the human experience. It suggests that there is a type of wealth or prosperity that cannot be taken away by external circumstances. This inner prosperity is valuable, but it is not something that can be easily obtained or fully utilized.
The metaphor of the diamond is significant because it suggests that one's inner prosperity is both valuable and rare. It's not something that everyone has, but it's something that everyone should strive for. The fact that the diamond is too large to be dug up but too small to be a mine suggests that one's inner prosperity is something that cannot be fully grasped or understood.
The poem's title, "Reverse cannot befall," is also significant. It suggests that there are some things in life that cannot be reversed. The speaker is suggesting that even in the face of adversity, one's inner prosperity cannot be taken away or reversed.
Conclusion
"Reverse cannot befall" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human experience. It suggests that there is a type of prosperity that cannot be taken away by external circumstances. This inner prosperity is valuable, but it's not something that can be easily obtained or fully utilized. The metaphor of the diamond is significant because it suggests that one's inner prosperity is both valuable and rare. The fact that the diamond is too large to be dug up but too small to be a mine suggests that one's inner prosperity is something that cannot be fully grasped or understood. Overall, this poem is a great example of Dickinson's unique style and themes.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry enthusiasts and literary scholars alike have long been captivated by the works of Emily Dickinson, one of America's most celebrated poets. Her unique style, marked by unconventional punctuation, capitalization, and syntax, has made her a beloved figure in the world of poetry. One of her most famous works, "Reverse cannot befall," is a prime example of her distinctive approach to language and imagery.
At first glance, "Reverse cannot befall" appears to be a simple poem, consisting of just four lines. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Dickinson's use of language is anything but straightforward. The poem reads:
Reverse cannot befall That fine Prosperity Whose Sources are interior As soon — Adversity —
The first line of the poem, "Reverse cannot befall," sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "reverse" implies a sense of change or reversal, while "befall" suggests a sense of inevitability. Taken together, these words suggest that the poem will explore the idea of change and how it affects us.
The second line, "That fine Prosperity," introduces the idea of prosperity, which is often associated with wealth and success. However, Dickinson's use of the word "fine" suggests that there is more to prosperity than just material wealth. Instead, she seems to be suggesting that true prosperity is something that comes from within.
The third line, "Whose Sources are interior," reinforces this idea. Dickinson is suggesting that true prosperity comes from within ourselves, rather than from external sources. This is an important point, as it suggests that we have the power to create our own prosperity, rather than relying on external factors.
Finally, the fourth line, "As soon — Adversity —," brings the poem full circle. The word "as soon" suggests that adversity is always lurking just around the corner, ready to strike at any moment. However, the fact that it is placed at the end of the poem suggests that adversity is not the focus of the piece. Instead, Dickinson seems to be suggesting that true prosperity is something that can withstand adversity.
So what is Dickinson trying to say with this poem? At its core, "Reverse cannot befall" is a meditation on the nature of prosperity and how it relates to adversity. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that true prosperity is something that comes from within ourselves, rather than from external sources. This is an important point, as it suggests that we have the power to create our own prosperity, rather than relying on external factors.
Furthermore, Dickinson seems to be suggesting that true prosperity is something that can withstand adversity. This is an important point, as it suggests that adversity is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather something that can be overcome. By focusing on the internal sources of prosperity, Dickinson is suggesting that we have the power to overcome adversity and create a life of true prosperity.
In terms of language and imagery, "Reverse cannot befall" is a masterclass in Dickinson's unique style. Her use of unconventional punctuation and capitalization creates a sense of rhythm and flow that draws the reader in. Furthermore, her use of imagery is both vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a world where prosperity and adversity are constantly in flux.
Overall, "Reverse cannot befall" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its message of self-reliance and resilience is as relevant now as it was when Dickinson first penned it over a century ago. Whether you are a seasoned poetry enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of literature, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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