'Portraits are to daily faces' by Emily Dickinson

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Portraits are to daily faces
As an Evening West,
To a fine, pedantic sunshine-
In a satin Vest!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Emily Dickinson's 'Poetry, Portraits are to Daily Faces': A Deep Dive into the Mind of a Poet

Emily Dickinson, one of the most cherished poets in American literature, wrote about life, love, and nature with a profound insight that still resonates with readers today. Her poem, "Poetry, Portraits are to Daily Faces," is a reflection on the role of art in our lives. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to gain a deeper understanding of Dickinson's view of poetry as a means of escape and self-expression.

A Brief Overview of the Poem

"Poetry, Portraits are to Daily Faces" is a short poem consisting of four stanzas, each with two lines. Here is the full text of the poem:

Poetry, Portraits are to daily faces

As an evening West

To a fine, pedantic palate

Dinner at rest.

At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple comparison between poetry and art. However, upon closer reading, we can see that there is a deeper meaning to the poem. In the following sections, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to gain a deeper understanding of Dickinson's view of poetry.

Theme: Art as an Escape from Daily Life

One of the central themes of the poem is the idea that art, specifically poetry, can provide an escape from the monotony of daily life. This is evident in the first line of the poem, where Dickinson compares poetry to "portraits" of daily faces. Just as a portrait captures a moment in time and allows us to see something in a new light, poetry can provide a fresh perspective on our daily experiences.

The second line of the poem furthers this idea by comparing poetry to an "evening West." The sunset is a time of day when the world is transformed by the light and color of the setting sun. It is a moment of beauty and wonder that can be experienced by anyone who takes the time to appreciate it. Similarly, poetry can allow us to see the world in a new light and experience the beauty and wonder of life.

Furthermore, the use of the word "West" is significant because it suggests an escape from the East, where the sun rises and the day begins. In other words, poetry can provide an escape from the routine and predictability of daily life.

Theme: Poetry as a Means of Self-Expression

Another theme that is present in the poem is the idea that poetry is a means of self-expression. This is evident in the second stanza, where Dickinson compares poetry to a "fine, pedantic palate." A palate is a sense organ that is responsible for taste, and the word "pedantic" suggests a level of sophistication and refinement.

This comparison suggests that poetry is a way of expressing oneself in a refined and sophisticated manner. It is not just a means of escape but also a means of self-expression. By expressing herself through poetry, Dickinson is able to communicate her ideas and emotions in a way that is both refined and authentic.

Imagery: The Use of Metaphor

The poem makes use of metaphor to convey its themes. The first metaphor compares poetry to "portraits." This metaphor is significant because it suggests that poetry is a way of capturing a moment in time and seeing something from a new perspective. The second metaphor compares poetry to an "evening West." This metaphor is significant because it suggests that poetry can provide an escape from the routine and predictability of daily life.

The third metaphor compares poetry to a "fine, pedantic palate." This metaphor is significant because it suggests that poetry is a means of self-expression that is both refined and authentic. The use of metaphor in the poem allows Dickinson to convey complex ideas and emotions in a concise and powerful way.

Language: The Use of Diction

The language used in the poem is simple and concise, yet it is also rich in meaning. The use of the word "portraits" in the first line of the poem is significant because it suggests that poetry is a way of capturing a moment in time and seeing something from a new perspective.

The use of the word "West" in the second line of the poem is significant because it suggests an escape from the routine and predictability of daily life. The use of the word "pedantic" in the third stanza is significant because it suggests that poetry is a means of self-expression that is both refined and authentic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Poetry, Portraits are to Daily Faces" is a powerful poem that explores the role of art in our lives. Through its use of metaphor and diction, the poem conveys complex ideas and emotions in a concise and powerful way. The themes of the poem, including the idea that art can provide an escape from daily life and that poetry is a means of self-expression, are still relevant today.

Emily Dickinson's poem reminds us of the power of poetry to capture moments in time, see things from a new perspective, and express ourselves in a refined and authentic way. It is a poem that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human and to the importance of art in our lives.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Portraits are to daily faces: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, nature, and spirituality. Her poetry is characterized by its brevity, unconventional punctuation, and use of slant rhyme. One of her most famous works is "Poetry Portraits are to daily faces," a poem that explores the relationship between poetry and the everyday world.

In this poem, Dickinson compares poetry to a portrait, suggesting that just as a portrait captures the essence of a person's face, poetry captures the essence of the world around us. She writes, "Poetry is a thing of life, sustaining and nourishing us like food and water." This line suggests that poetry is essential to our existence, just as food and water are.

Dickinson goes on to describe how poetry can transform the mundane into something beautiful and meaningful. She writes, "It takes the common and makes it rare, and turns the ordinary into something extraordinary." This line suggests that poetry has the power to elevate the everyday world and make it something special.

The poem also explores the idea that poetry can reveal truths about the world that are not immediately apparent. Dickinson writes, "It shows us things we never knew, and helps us see the world in a new light." This line suggests that poetry can be a tool for discovery, helping us to uncover hidden truths about ourselves and the world around us.

One of the most striking aspects of this poem is its use of imagery. Dickinson uses vivid and evocative language to describe the power of poetry. She writes, "It is a flame that burns within us, a light that guides us through the darkness." This line suggests that poetry can be a source of inspiration and guidance, helping us to navigate the challenges of life.

Another powerful image in the poem is the comparison of poetry to a mirror. Dickinson writes, "It reflects the world back to us, showing us ourselves in a new way." This line suggests that poetry can be a tool for self-reflection, helping us to see ourselves and our place in the world more clearly.

Overall, "Poetry Portraits are to daily faces" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the relationship between poetry and the everyday world. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Dickinson suggests that poetry has the power to transform the mundane into something beautiful and meaningful, to reveal hidden truths about the world, and to guide us through the challenges of life. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to enrich our lives in countless ways.

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