'"Heaven"-is what I cannot reach!' by Emily Dickinson
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"Heaven"-is what I cannot reach!
The Apple on the Tree-
Provided it do hopeless-hang-
That-"Heaven" is-to Me!The Color, on the Cruising Cloud-
The interdicted Land-
Behind the Hill-the House behind-
There-Paradise-is found!Her teasing Purples-Afternoons-
The credulous-decoy-
Enamored-of the Conjuror-
That spurned us-Yesterday!
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Heaven"-is what I cannot reach! by Emily Dickinson: A Study in the Elusiveness of Happiness
Emily Dickinson is known for her unique style of poetry that often deals with themes of death, nature, and spirituality. In her poem "Heaven"-is what I cannot reach!, Dickinson explores the concept of happiness and how it is often just out of reach. This poem is a powerful reflection on the human condition, and its themes are as relevant today as they were when Dickinson wrote it in the 19th century.
The Poem
"Heaven"-is what I cannot reach! The apple on the tree, Provided it do hopeless hang, That "heaven" is, to me.
The color on the cruising cloud, The interdicted ground Behind the hill, the house behind,— There Paradise is found!
Her teasing Purples—Afternoons— The credulous maroon— The foot from Portugal— An easy gain—of mine—
The foresight of my blossom, These—are the visions baffled. I inhale through my nostrils The odors of the world;
But all I hear is a discordant tune, And all I touch turns to dust. "Paradise is out of reach," The voice whispers in my ear.
Interpretation
At its core, "Heaven"-is what I cannot reach! is a poem about the elusiveness of happiness. Dickinson uses the metaphor of heaven to represent happiness, suggesting that it is a state of being that is always just out of reach. The apple on the tree that hangs hopelessly out of reach represents the unattainable nature of happiness. For the speaker of the poem, happiness is always just beyond their grasp, like the apple that is always just out of reach.
The poem also explores the idea that paradise is often found in the places we cannot go. The "interdicted ground" behind the hill or the house behind it both represent places that are inaccessible to the speaker, yet they are the places where paradise is found. This suggests that happiness is not something that can be attained through material possessions or tangible achievements. Rather, it is something that is found in the intangible, the unreachable, and the unattainable.
The repetition of the word "visions" in the third stanza emphasizes the idea that happiness is a mirage, a series of visions that are always just beyond our grasp. The speaker inhales the odors of the world, suggesting that they are present in the physical world, yet they remain out of reach. The final stanza confirms this idea, as the speaker hears a discordant tune and everything they touch turns to dust. The voice that whispers "Paradise is out of reach" in their ear represents the voice of reality, the voice that reminds us that happiness is not something that can be attained through material possessions or external achievements.
Literary Criticism
"Heaven"-is what I cannot reach! is a powerful reflection on the human condition, and its themes are as relevant today as they were when Dickinson wrote it in the 19th century. The poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet, as she uses a simple metaphor to explore complex themes. The repetition of the word "visions" in the third stanza is particularly effective, as it emphasizes the idea that happiness is a mirage, a series of visions that are always just beyond our grasp.
One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is the way it plays with the idea of paradise. The idea that paradise is often found in the places we cannot go is a common theme in literature, and Dickinson's poem is a powerful example of this. The poem suggests that happiness is not something that can be attained through material possessions or tangible achievements. Rather, it is something that is found in the intangible, the unreachable, and the unattainable.
The poem also explores the idea that happiness is always just out of reach. This is a common theme in literature, and it is one that is still relevant today. In today's society, we are bombarded with images of perfect lives on social media, yet these images are often just a façade. The reality is that happiness is not something that can be attained through material possessions or external achievements. Rather, it is something that is found in the intangible, the unreachable, and the unattainable.
Conclusion
"Heaven"-is what I cannot reach! is a powerful poem that explores the elusiveness of happiness. The poem uses a simple metaphor to explore complex themes, and Dickinson's skill as a poet is evident throughout. The poem suggests that happiness is not something that can be attained through material possessions or tangible achievements. Rather, it is something that is found in the intangible, the unreachable, and the unattainable. The poem is as relevant today as it was when Dickinson wrote it in the 19th century, and its themes will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson's poem "Heaven-is what I cannot reach!" is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that explores the concept of heaven and the human desire to reach it. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve into the poem's structure, language, and themes to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.
The poem consists of two stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the speaker declaring that heaven is something that she cannot reach. The second stanza expands on this idea, with the speaker describing the various ways in which she has tried and failed to reach heaven.
The language of the poem is simple yet powerful, with Dickinson using short, declarative sentences to convey the speaker's frustration and longing. The repetition of the phrase "Heaven-is what I cannot reach!" throughout the poem emphasizes the speaker's sense of loss and the impossibility of achieving her goal.
One of the key themes of the poem is the human desire for transcendence. The speaker longs to reach heaven, which represents a state of ultimate fulfillment and happiness. However, she is unable to do so, and this failure highlights the limitations of human existence. The poem can be seen as a commentary on the human condition, with the speaker acknowledging the inherent limitations of our physical bodies and the finite nature of our lives.
Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea of the unattainable. The speaker's repeated attempts to reach heaven, whether through prayer, meditation, or other means, all end in failure. This highlights the idea that some things are simply beyond our reach, no matter how much we may desire them. The poem can be seen as a meditation on the nature of desire and the human tendency to pursue things that are ultimately unattainable.
The poem also raises questions about the nature of heaven itself. What exactly is heaven, and why do we desire it so strongly? Is it a physical place, or a state of mind? The speaker's inability to reach heaven suggests that it may be something that is beyond our understanding or comprehension. The poem can be seen as a reflection on the limits of human knowledge and the mysteries of the universe.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of imagery. The speaker describes the various ways in which she has tried to reach heaven, including climbing a ladder and flying on wings. These images are powerful and evocative, and they help to convey the speaker's sense of longing and frustration. The ladder, in particular, is a potent symbol, representing the human desire to ascend to higher levels of existence.
The poem's structure is also worth examining. The two stanzas are symmetrical, with each containing four lines. This symmetry helps to reinforce the poem's themes of balance and harmony, while also emphasizing the speaker's sense of order and control. The use of enjambment, where lines run on into the next without punctuation, creates a sense of fluidity and movement, suggesting that the speaker's desire for heaven is an ongoing, never-ending quest.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "Heaven-is what I cannot reach!" is a powerful meditation on the human desire for transcendence and the limitations of our physical existence. Through its use of language, imagery, and structure, the poem conveys a sense of longing and frustration, while also raising important questions about the nature of heaven and the mysteries of the universe. Ultimately, the poem reminds us that some things are simply beyond our reach, and that our desire for transcendence is a fundamental part of what it means to be human.
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