'Exultation is the going' by Emily Dickinson

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Exultation is the going
Of an inland soul to sea,
Past the houses-past the headlands-
Into deep Eternity-Bred as we, among the mountains,
Can the sailor understand
The divine intoxication
Of the first league out from land?

Editor 1 Interpretation

Exultation is the going: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Poetic Brilliance

Are you ready to dive into the world of Emily Dickinson's poetry? Buckle up because we are about to embark on a journey of literary exploration, interpretation, and criticism of one of her masterpieces, "Exultation is the going."

Emily Dickinson was a prolific poet who was known for her unique style, unconventional imagery, and complex themes. "Exultation is the going" is a perfect example of her poetic brilliance, which captures the essence of life and death in a mere eight lines. Let's take a closer look at this poem and uncover its secrets.

The Poem

Exultation is the going Of an inland soul to sea, Past the houses—past the headlands— Into deep Eternity— Bred as we, among the mountains, Can the sailor understand The divine intoxication Of the first league out from land?

Initial Impressions

Upon reading this poem, one is struck by its brevity, yet the profundity of its message. The title in itself is intriguing, as it suggests a sense of joyousness in the act of departing. The first line, "Exultation is the going," captures the essence of departure as a celebration, rather than a somber occasion.

The next line, "Of an inland soul to sea," sets the stage for a journey that is not merely physical but also spiritual. The use of the word "inland soul" suggests a person who has been confined or restricted to a particular place or mindset, and is now setting out for a new horizon.

The imagery of "Past the houses—past the headlands" evokes a sense of leaving behind the familiar and venturing into the unknown. The use of the word "headlands" suggests a rugged, rocky coastline, which is often an obstacle in the path of a sailor. The fact that the speaker is leaving these headlands behind suggests a sense of triumph over adversity.

The poem ends with the lines, "Bred as we, among the mountains, / Can the sailor understand / The divine intoxication / Of the first league out from land?" These lines suggest a connection between the speaker, who is bred among the mountains, and the sailor who understands the sense of divine intoxication that comes with setting out into the vast, unknown sea. The use of the word "divine" suggests a sense of spirituality that is associated with this journey.

Themes and Interpretation

The overarching theme of this poem is the journey from life to death. The act of departing is not merely a physical journey but also a spiritual one. The use of the word "Exultation" in the title suggests a sense of joyousness in the act of departing. The poem suggests that death is not something to be feared but rather embraced as a new adventure, a journey into the unknown.

The imagery of "houses" and "headlands" suggests the concept of leaving behind the familiar and venturing into the unknown. The use of the word "headlands" suggests obstacles or challenges that must be overcome in order to reach one's destination. The fact that the speaker is leaving these headlands behind suggests a sense of triumph over adversity.

The reference to being bred "among the mountains" suggests a sense of being restricted or confined to a particular place or mindset. The fact that the speaker is leaving this place behind suggests a sense of liberation and freedom.

The use of the word "divine" suggests a sense of spirituality that is associated with the act of departing. It suggests that there is something transcendent about the act of departing, something that is beyond our understanding.

Overall, the poem suggests that death is not something to be feared but rather embraced as a new adventure, a journey into the unknown. It suggests that there is something transcendent about the act of departing, something that is beyond our understanding.

Literary Analysis

One of the most striking aspects of this poem is the use of imagery. The use of "houses" and "headlands" suggests a sense of place and movement. The fact that the speaker is leaving these places behind suggests a sense of movement, of departure. The use of the word "headlands" suggests obstacles or challenges that must be overcome in order to reach one's destination. The fact that the speaker is leaving these headlands behind suggests a sense of triumph over adversity.

The use of the word "divine" suggests a sense of spirituality that is associated with the act of departing. It suggests that there is something transcendent about the act of departing, something that is beyond our understanding. The use of the word "intoxication" suggests a sense of euphoria or ecstasy that is associated with this act.

Another aspect of this poem is the use of contrast. The contrast between "inland soul" and "sea" suggests a sense of movement, of departure from the familiar to the unknown. The contrast between "houses" and "headlands" suggests a sense of leaving behind the familiar and venturing into the unknown. The contrast between being "bred among the mountains" and the sailor who understands the sense of divine intoxication that comes with setting out into the vast, unknown sea suggests a sense of connection between the speaker and the sailor, despite their different backgrounds.

The use of repetition is also significant in this poem. The repetition of the word "past" suggests a sense of movement, of leaving behind the familiar and venturing into the unknown. The repetition of the word "divine" suggests a sense of spirituality that is associated with the act of departing.

Conclusion

Emily Dickinson's "Exultation is the going" is a masterpiece of poetic brilliance. It captures the essence of departure as a celebration rather than a somber occasion. The poem suggests that death is not something to be feared but rather embraced as a new adventure, a journey into the unknown.

The use of imagery, contrast, and repetition in this poem is significant, as it helps to emphasize the sense of movement, of departure from the familiar to the unknown. The use of the word "divine" suggests a sense of spirituality that is associated with the act of departing.

Overall, this poem is a testament to Emily Dickinson's poetic genius. It is a poem that is both simple and complex, both profound and accessible. It captures the essence of life and death in a mere eight lines and leaves an indelible impression on the reader.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Exultation is the Going: A Celebration of Life by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, was known for her unique style of writing and her ability to capture the essence of life in her poetry. Her poem "Exultation is the Going" is a perfect example of her style and her ability to convey the beauty and joy of life.

The poem begins with the line "Exultation is the going / Of an inland soul to sea," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The word "exultation" suggests a feeling of great joy and excitement, and the idea of an "inland soul" going to the sea suggests a journey or a voyage.

As the poem continues, Dickinson describes the journey of the "inland soul" in more detail. She writes, "Past the houses, past the headlands, / Into deep Eternity." This suggests that the journey is not just a physical one, but a spiritual one as well. The soul is leaving behind the familiar world of houses and headlands and entering into a deeper, more profound realm.

The next stanza of the poem is perhaps the most beautiful and evocative. Dickinson writes, "Bred as we, among the mountains, / Can the sailor understand / The divine intoxication / Of the first league out from land?" Here, she contrasts the experience of the sailor, who is used to the vast expanse of the sea, with that of the person who has grown up among the mountains. The sailor may be accustomed to the beauty and majesty of the sea, but for someone who has never seen it before, the experience is nothing short of divine.

The final stanza of the poem brings everything together. Dickinson writes, "Olympian bards who sung / Divine surprises, / Wove of musk-rose, and of vine / Purple massifs o'er twilight glaciers!" Here, she invokes the image of the ancient Greek poets, who sang of the gods and their divine deeds. She suggests that the experience of the "inland soul" going to the sea is just as awe-inspiring and divine as anything the Olympian bards ever wrote about.

Overall, "Exultation is the Going" is a celebration of life and the beauty of the world around us. Dickinson's use of language and imagery is masterful, and she manages to convey a sense of joy and wonder that is truly inspiring. The poem is a reminder that even in the midst of our daily struggles and challenges, there is still beauty and wonder to be found in the world. It is a call to embrace life and all its mysteries, and to revel in the joy of existence.

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "Exultation is the Going" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of life and the beauty of the world around us. It is a celebration of the human spirit and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still joy and wonder to be found. Dickinson's use of language and imagery is truly remarkable, and her ability to convey complex emotions and ideas in such a concise and powerful way is a testament to her skill as a poet. This poem is a true gem of literature, and it will continue to inspire and delight readers for generations to come.

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