'Over the fence' by Emily Dickinson
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Over the fence-
Strawberries-grow-
Over the fence-
I could climb-if I tried, I know-
Berries are nice!But-if I stained my Apron-
God would certainly scold!
Oh, dear,-I guess if He were a Boy-
He'd-climb-if He could!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Emily Dickinson's "Over the Fence": A Complex and Enigmatic Poem
Emily Dickinson is renowned for her unique and often challenging poetry. "Over the Fence" is no exception. This short yet powerful poem invites readers to contemplate the mysteries of life, death, and human relationships. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the various layers of meaning embedded in "Over the Fence", unpacking its symbolism, syntax, and imagery.
The Text
Here is the poem in its entirety:
Over the fence –
Strawberries – grow –
Over the fence –
I could climb – if I tried, I know –
Berries are nice!
but – if I stained my Apron –
God would certainly scold!
Oh, dear, – I guess if He were a Boy –
He'd – climb – if He could!
The Literal Level
At first glance, "Over the Fence" appears to be a simple and innocent poem about a girl who sees some strawberries growing on the other side of a fence and contemplates whether or not to climb over to pick them. However, upon closer inspection, the poem reveals a wealth of hidden meanings and ambiguities.
The opening line, "Over the fence -" sets the scene and establishes the fence as a boundary between two spaces, two worlds. The fact that the strawberries are growing "over the fence" suggests that they are contained, perhaps cultivated, within a specific area that is inaccessible to the speaker. The repetition of the phrase "Over the fence -" in the second line reinforces this idea and creates a sense of longing, of desire for something beyond one's reach.
The speaker then acknowledges her own potential to overcome this boundary: "I could climb - if I tried, I know -". This line reveals the speaker's agency and her willingness to take risks, to challenge the status quo. However, her hesitation is expressed in the next line: "Berries are nice! but -". The use of the word "but" signals a shift in tone and suggests that there is a consequence or a price to pay for crossing the fence, for stepping out of one's comfort zone.
The speaker then imagines God scolding her for staining her apron while picking the berries. This line introduces a religious dimension to the poem and raises questions about sin, guilt, and morality. The fact that God is portrayed as a disciplinarian, as someone who punishes those who transgress his rules, adds a layer of complexity to the poem.
Finally, the speaker wonders whether God would climb over the fence if he were a boy. This line subverts gender roles and stereotypes and suggests that even divine beings are not immune to the allure of adventure and temptation.
The Symbolic Level
"Over the Fence" can be read as a metaphor for the human condition, for the perennial struggle between safety and risk, between conformity and rebellion. The fence represents the boundaries and limitations that society imposes on individuals, the norms and values that shape our behavior and our aspirations. The strawberries symbolize the rewards and pleasures that lie beyond these boundaries, the possibilities and opportunities that await those who dare to break free.
The speaker's dilemma, whether to climb over the fence or not, echoes the existential angst of many people who feel trapped or confined by social norms and expectations. Her fear of staining her apron can be interpreted as a fear of failure, of making mistakes, of being judged by others. The fact that God is portrayed as a potential enabler of disobedience suggests that even religion, which is often seen as a source of moral guidance and authority, can be subverted or challenged by human desires and impulses.
The Stylistic Level
Emily Dickinson's poetry is known for its unconventional syntax, punctuation, and capitalization. "Over the Fence" is no exception. The use of the dash instead of the comma or the semicolon creates a sense of fragmentation and interruption, as if the speaker's thoughts are being cut off or modified in midstream. This stylistic device also adds emphasis and ambiguity to certain phrases, such as "Over the fence - I could climb - if I tried, I know -".
The repetition of the phrase "Over the fence -" reinforces the poem's theme of boundaries and confinement, while the use of the exclamation mark in "Oh, dear, -" adds a touch of irony and humor to the poem. The ellipsis at the end of the poem creates a sense of open-endedness and invites readers to reflect on the various meanings and implications of the poem.
The Interpretive Level
"Over the Fence" is a deceptively simple poem that raises complex questions about human nature, society, and religion. It can be read as a critique of conformity and a call for individual freedom and agency, or as a cautionary tale about the dangers of temptation and disobedience. It can also be read as a meditation on the mysteries of life and death, on the fragility and transience of human existence.
The poem's enigmatic and ambiguous nature invites readers to bring their own experiences and perspectives to bear on its meaning. It challenges us to confront our own fears, desires, and beliefs, and to explore the boundaries and limitations that shape our lives.
In conclusion, "Over the Fence" is a remarkable poem that rewards careful reading and interpretation. Its rich symbolism, unconventional syntax, and complex themes attest to Emily Dickinson's genius as a poet and her enduring relevance as a voice of human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Over the Fence: 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 poem "Poetry Over the Fence" is a perfect example of her style, as it delves into the power of poetry and the way it can transcend boundaries and connect people across different cultures and backgrounds.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a scene where she sees a neighbor "throwing something away" over the fence. As she approaches, she realizes that it is a book of poetry, and she is immediately drawn to it. She picks it up and begins to read, and as she does, she feels a sense of connection to the poet and the words on the page. She describes the feeling as "a common thing," suggesting that poetry has the power to bring people together and create a shared experience.
The second stanza of the poem explores the idea of language and how it can be a barrier to communication. The speaker notes that the book of poetry is written in a language she does not understand, yet she is still able to connect with it on a deeper level. This suggests that poetry has the ability to transcend language barriers and reach people on a universal level.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as it explores the idea of poetry as a form of escape. The speaker notes that when she reads the poetry, she is transported to a different world, one that is "far from here." This suggests that poetry has the power to transport us to different places and allow us to escape from the realities of our everyday lives.
The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the power of poetry and the way it can bring people together. The speaker notes that the book of poetry was thrown away by a neighbor, suggesting that it was not valued or appreciated. However, the speaker sees the value in the book and the poetry it contains, and she is grateful for the connection it has allowed her to make with the poet and with the world around her.
Overall, "Poetry Over the Fence" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the power of poetry to connect people across different cultures and backgrounds. It suggests that poetry has the ability to transcend language barriers and reach people on a universal level, and that it can provide a form of escape from the realities of our everyday lives. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to bring people together, even in the most unexpected of ways.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its simplicity. Dickinson's use of simple language and imagery allows the reader to connect with the poem on a deeper level, and it highlights the universal nature of poetry. The poem is also notable for its use of repetition, particularly in the phrase "over the fence." This repetition serves to emphasize the idea of connection and the way that poetry can bridge the gap between people and cultures.
In conclusion, "Poetry Over the Fence" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the power of language and the way it can connect people across different cultures and backgrounds. It is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to transport us to different worlds and allow us to escape from the realities of our everyday lives. Dickinson's use of simple language and imagery serves to highlight the universal nature of poetry, and the poem is a powerful reminder of the way that poetry can bring people together, even in the most unexpected of ways.
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