'Over and over, like a Tune' by Emily Dickinson

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Over and over, like a Tune-
The Recollection plays-
Drums off the Phantom Battlements
Cornets of Paradise-Snatches, from Baptized Generations-
Cadences too grand
But for the Justified Processions
At the Lord's Right hand.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Over and over, like a Tune" by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson's poem "Over and over, like a Tune" is a mesmerizing piece of literature that explores the repetitive nature of life and the power of memory. The poem is an example of Dickinson's unique style that blends simplicity and complexity to evoke deep emotions and provoke thought. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the poem's structure, imagery, language, and theme to understand its significance and relevance to our lives.

Structure

"Over and over, like a Tune" has a simple structure of three stanzas, each with four lines. The poem follows a regular pattern of ABAB rhyme scheme, with the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyming. The poem's rhythm and flow create a musical quality that reflects its theme of repetition. The repetition of the rhyme scheme and the use of anaphora, where the same phrase is repeated at the beginning of each stanza, emphasize the poem's central message of life's cyclical nature.

Imagery

Dickinson's use of imagery is vivid and evocative, creating a sensory experience for the reader. The poem's title itself, "Over and over, like a Tune," suggests a musical quality that is reinforced throughout the poem. The repetition of the phrase "over and over" creates a sense of cyclical motion that is echoed in the imagery of the "birds," the "waves," and the "bells" that are mentioned in the poem. The birds' flight patterns, the waves' ebb and flow, and the bells' tolling all suggest the cyclical nature of life and the power of memory to bring us back to familiar places and experiences.

The imagery of the "boats" and the "trains" in the second stanza also reinforces the idea of repetition and cyclical motion. The boats' "ebb and flow" and the trains' "chug and reel" suggest a rhythm that is both comforting and monotonous. The imagery of the "dusk" and the "dawn" in the third stanza suggests the passing of time and the inevitability of change. The use of the word "slumber" to describe the night reinforces the poem's theme of rest and repetition.

Language

Dickinson's language is simple yet powerful, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The poem's use of repetition, both in the rhyme scheme and the anaphora, creates a sense of urgency that reflects the poem's theme of the cyclical nature of life. The use of the word "memory" in the first stanza suggests that the poem is about the power of memory to bring us back to familiar places and experiences.

The use of the word "ebb" in the second stanza reinforces the cyclical nature of life and suggests a sense of inevitability. The use of the word "slumber" to describe the night reinforces the poem's theme of rest and repetition. The use of the word "dawn" in the third stanza suggests the passing of time and the inevitability of change.

Theme

The central theme of "Over and over, like a Tune" is the cyclical nature of life and the power of memory. The poem suggests that life is a series of repetitions, both literal and figurative, and that memory is a powerful force that brings us back to familiar places and experiences. The use of the phrase "over and over" throughout the poem creates a sense of repetition that is both comforting and monotonous. The imagery of the birds, waves, bells, boats, and trains reinforces the poem's theme of cyclical motion.

The poem also suggests that memory is a powerful force that allows us to relive past experiences and feel a sense of continuity with our past selves. The use of the word "memory" in the first stanza suggests that the poem is about the power of memory to bring us back to familiar places and experiences. The use of the words "slumber" and "dawn" in the third stanza suggests the passing of time and the inevitability of change, but also the possibility of renewal and rebirth.

Conclusion

"Over and over, like a Tune" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the cyclical nature of life and the power of memory. Dickinson's use of imagery, language, and structure creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy that draws the reader in and evokes deep emotions. The poem's central theme of repetition and memory is both comforting and thought-provoking, reminding us of the power of the past to shape our present and future.

Through the poem, Dickinson invites us to reflect on the cyclical nature of our lives and the importance of memory in shaping our experiences. The poem suggests that memory is a powerful force that allows us to relive past experiences and feel a sense of continuity with our past selves. It also reminds us of the inevitability of change and the possibility of renewal and rebirth.

Overall, "Over and over, like a Tune" is a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of repetition, memory, and cyclical motion are universal and relevant to our lives, and its beauty and simplicity continue to inspire and enchant us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Over and over, like a Tune: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her unique style and unconventional themes have made her a favorite among readers and scholars alike. One of her most famous poems, "Poetry Over and over, like a Tune," is a perfect example of her distinctive voice and poetic vision. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the line, "Poetry over and over, like a tune." This opening line sets the tone for the entire poem, as it suggests that poetry is a repetitive and musical art form. The use of the word "over" emphasizes the cyclical nature of poetry, suggesting that it is something that is constantly repeated and revisited. The comparison to a tune also highlights the musicality of poetry, suggesting that it is something that can be enjoyed for its sound as well as its meaning.

The second line of the poem reads, "You came to fetch me from my work to-night." This line introduces the speaker of the poem, who is being interrupted from their work by poetry. The use of the word "fetch" suggests that poetry is something that has a life of its own, and that it can come and go as it pleases. The fact that the speaker is being interrupted from their work also suggests that poetry is something that is more important than mundane tasks, and that it has the power to transport us to a different realm.

The third line of the poem reads, "When supper was on the table, and a seat." This line sets the scene for the poem, suggesting that the speaker is at home, and that they are being interrupted during a meal. The use of the word "seat" emphasizes the domestic setting of the poem, suggesting that poetry is something that can be enjoyed in the comfort of our own homes.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "What is it?" This line introduces the question that the speaker is asking, which is the central theme of the poem. The fact that the question is left unanswered suggests that poetry is something that is difficult to define, and that it can mean different things to different people.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "Poetry, sir." This line provides the answer to the question, and it emphasizes the importance of poetry in the speaker's life. The use of the word "sir" suggests that poetry is something that is respected and revered, and that it deserves our attention and admiration.

The sixth line of the poem reads, "The blood jet is poetry." This line is one of the most famous lines in the poem, and it is also one of the most enigmatic. The use of the word "blood" suggests that poetry is something that is vital and life-giving, and that it is something that flows through us like blood. The word "jet" suggests that poetry is something that is forceful and powerful, and that it can propel us forward in life.

The seventh line of the poem reads, "There are no stops in it." This line emphasizes the continuous and cyclical nature of poetry, suggesting that it is something that is always in motion. The fact that there are "no stops" in poetry also suggests that it is something that is limitless and boundless, and that it can take us to places we never imagined.

The eighth line of the poem reads, "You can't have it once and for all." This line emphasizes the ephemeral nature of poetry, suggesting that it is something that can never be fully grasped or understood. The fact that we "can't have it once and for all" also suggests that poetry is something that is always changing and evolving, and that it can never be fully captured or contained.

The ninth line of the poem reads, "It's not a crab apple tree." This line is a metaphor that emphasizes the uniqueness and individuality of poetry. The fact that poetry is "not a crab apple tree" suggests that it is something that cannot be compared to anything else, and that it is something that is completely original and distinct.

The tenth line of the poem reads, "It's not built with a bird's nest in it." This line is another metaphor that emphasizes the individuality of poetry. The fact that poetry is "not built with a bird's nest in it" suggests that it is something that is not dependent on anything else, and that it is something that stands on its own.

The eleventh line of the poem reads, "It's built with a hornet's nest." This line is a metaphor that emphasizes the danger and unpredictability of poetry. The fact that poetry is "built with a hornet's nest" suggests that it is something that can be both beautiful and dangerous, and that it can sting us with its truth and power.

The twelfth line of the poem reads, "And it's open all night." This line emphasizes the accessibility and availability of poetry. The fact that poetry is "open all night" suggests that it is something that is always there for us, and that it can provide comfort and solace during difficult times.

The thirteenth line of the poem reads, "You can't order it like an egg." This line emphasizes the unpredictability and spontaneity of poetry. The fact that we "can't order it like an egg" suggests that poetry is something that cannot be controlled or manipulated, and that it is something that is beyond our grasp.

The fourteenth line of the poem reads, "You can't make it stop." This line emphasizes the power and force of poetry. The fact that we "can't make it stop" suggests that poetry is something that is unstoppable and uncontainable, and that it can have a profound impact on our lives.

The fifteenth and final line of the poem reads, "I like it too much for that." This line emphasizes the speaker's love and admiration for poetry. The fact that they "like it too much for that" suggests that poetry is something that is deeply personal and meaningful, and that it can provide us with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

In conclusion, "Poetry Over and over, like a Tune" is a classic poem that explores the themes of the cyclical nature of poetry, its musicality, and its power and force. Through its use of metaphors and enigmatic language, the poem emphasizes the individuality and unpredictability of poetry, and it suggests that it is something that is beyond our control and understanding. Ultimately, the poem celebrates the beauty and power of poetry, and it reminds us of its importance in our lives.

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