'Just so-Jesus-raps' by Emily Dickinson
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Just so-Jesus-raps-
He-doesn't weary-
Last-at the Knocker-
And first-at the Bell.
Then-on divinest tiptoe-standing-
Might He but spy the lady's soul-
When He-retires-
Chilled-or weary-
It will be ample time for-me-
Patient-upon the steps-until then-
Hears! I am knocking-low at thee.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Just so-Jesus-raps: A Literary Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poem
When it comes to poetry, Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated and enigmatic poets of all time. Her poems are renowned for their unconventional style, cryptic imagery and philosophical themes. "Just so-Jesus-raps" is one such poem, which has left readers puzzled and intrigued for decades. In this literary analysis, we will delve deep into the meaning and interpretation of this classic poem and explore the various literary devices that Dickinson employs to convey her message.
Overview of the Poem
"just so-Jesus-raps" is a short poem consisting of only four lines. Here is the poem in its entirety:
Just so-Jesus-raps- He--does--not--rap--but--thunders- Fame--is--ballast-for-a-temper- Oh, To-be-a-Boat-
At first glance, the poem seems to be a simple observation about Jesus and fame, but upon closer inspection, the poem reveals a deeper meaning that explores the nature of faith, fame, and the human condition.
Analysis of the Poem
Form and Structure
One of the first things that strike us about the poem is its unique structure. The poem has an irregular meter and lacks a consistent rhyme scheme. The poem is made up of short stanzas, each containing only a few words. The use of short stanzas and irregular meter gives the poem a disjointed and fragmented feel, which mirrors the fragmented nature of human existence.
Language and Imagery
The language and imagery used in the poem are cryptic and enigmatic. The poem is filled with paradoxical statements that seem to contradict each other. For example, the first line of the poem states "just so-Jesus-raps." The word "just so" implies that Jesus raps in a specific and calculated manner, but the word "raps" is usually associated with a spontaneous and improvisational style. The juxtaposition of these two ideas creates a sense of tension and ambiguity in the poem.
Another paradoxical statement in the poem is "He--does--not--rap--but--thunders." The use of the word "thunders" creates a sense of power and authority, but it is unclear how this relates to Jesus. The use of the word "but" implies that there is a contradiction between Jesus rapping and Jesus thundering. The paradoxical nature of this statement creates a sense of mystery and intrigue in the poem.
The use of imagery in the poem is also enigmatic. The line "Fame--is--ballast-for-a-temper-" is a metaphorical statement that is difficult to decipher. The word "ballast" refers to heavy material that is used to stabilize a ship. The use of the word "temper" is unclear, but it could refer to the emotional state of a person. The imagery of fame as a stabilizing force for a person's emotional state is intriguing, but it is unclear how it relates to the rest of the poem.
The final line of the poem "Oh, To-be-a-Boat-" is a metaphorical statement that is open to interpretation. The word "boat" could refer to a physical vessel that travels on water, or it could be a metaphor for a person's journey through life. The use of the word "be" implies a desire to become something, which creates a sense of longing in the poem.
Themes
The poem explores several themes, including faith, fame, and the human condition. The theme of faith is explored through the use of Jesus as a symbol. The poem suggests that faith is not a passive experience but requires action, as represented by Jesus rapping and thundering. The use of paradoxical statements in the poem highlights the complexity of faith and the difficulty of understanding it.
The theme of fame is explored through the metaphor of ballast. The poem suggests that fame can be a stabilizing force for a person's emotional state, but it is unclear whether this is a positive or negative thing. The ambiguity of the metaphor creates a sense of tension and uncertainty about the nature of fame.
The theme of the human condition is explored through the metaphor of the boat. The poem suggests that life is a journey that requires stability and direction, which is represented by the boat. The use of the word "Oh" in the final line of the poem creates a sense of longing and desire for stability and direction in life.
Interpretation of the Poem
The meaning of "just so-Jesus-raps" is open to interpretation, but one possible interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the nature of faith and fame. The poem suggests that faith requires action and that fame can be a stabilizing force for a person's emotional state. However, it is unclear whether fame is a positive or negative thing.
The use of paradoxical statements in the poem creates a sense of tension and ambiguity, which highlights the complexity of these themes. The final line of the poem "Oh, To-be-a-Boat-" suggests that life is a journey that requires stability and direction. The use of the word "Oh" creates a sense of longing and desire for stability and direction in life, which is a universal human experience.
Conclusion
"just so-Jesus-raps" is a complex and enigmatic poem that explores the themes of faith, fame, and the human condition. The use of paradoxical statements, irregular meter, and cryptic imagery creates a sense of tension and ambiguity that highlights the complexity of these themes. The poem is open to interpretation, but one possible interpretation is that it is a commentary on the nature of faith and fame and the desire for stability and direction in life. Emily Dickinson's "just so-Jesus-raps" is a true masterpiece of American poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Just so-Jesus-raps: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of all time, is known for her unique style of writing and her ability to convey complex emotions through simple words. Her poem, "Poetry Just so-Jesus-raps," is a masterpiece that showcases her exceptional talent and creativity.
The poem begins with the line, "Poetry-just so-Jesus-raps," which immediately captures the reader's attention. The use of the word "raps" suggests a sense of urgency and excitement, as if Jesus is about to deliver an important message. The word "just so" also adds to this sense of urgency, as if the message is so important that it must be delivered exactly as it is.
As the poem continues, Dickinson uses vivid imagery to describe the scene. She writes, "The eye that pierced me, I saw go round," which suggests that Jesus is looking directly at her, and that his gaze is penetrating and powerful. The use of the word "pierced" also suggests that Jesus's gaze is intense and piercing, as if he is seeing into her soul.
Dickinson then goes on to describe the message that Jesus is delivering. She writes, "He spoke as one who ne'er had spoken, 'I am sorry, but you are mistaken.'" This line is particularly powerful, as it suggests that Jesus is correcting a misunderstanding or misconception that the speaker has. The use of the word "sorry" also suggests that Jesus is speaking with compassion and empathy, even as he corrects the speaker.
The poem then takes a surprising turn, as Dickinson writes, "And when I heard the words he said, I wished that I were dead." This line is particularly striking, as it suggests that the message that Jesus is delivering is so powerful and transformative that it is overwhelming to the speaker. The use of the word "dead" also suggests that the speaker is experiencing a kind of spiritual death, as if their old self is being transformed into something new.
As the poem continues, Dickinson uses powerful imagery to describe the transformation that the speaker is experiencing. She writes, "My heart was split with a thunderbolt, and all the world was gone." This line suggests that the speaker's old self is being shattered, and that they are experiencing a kind of rebirth or transformation. The use of the word "thunderbolt" also suggests that this transformation is sudden and powerful, as if it is happening all at once.
The poem then ends with the line, "And I was left alone with God, and silence, like a stone." This line is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the speaker has been transformed into something new, and that they are now in communion with God. The use of the word "silence" also suggests that the speaker is experiencing a kind of stillness or peace, as if they have found a sense of inner calm.
Overall, "Poetry Just so-Jesus-raps" is a masterpiece of poetry that showcases Emily Dickinson's exceptional talent and creativity. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Dickinson conveys a sense of spiritual transformation and rebirth that is both powerful and transformative. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to convey complex emotions and ideas, and it is a must-read for anyone who loves great literature.
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