'At least-to pray-is left-is left' by Emily Dickinson
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At least-to pray-is left-is left-
Oh Jesus-in the Air-
I know not which thy chamber is-
I'm knocking-everywhere-Thou settest Earthquake in the South-
And Maelstrom, in the Sea-
Say, Jesus Christ of Nazareth-
Hast thou no Arm for Me?
Editor 1 Interpretation
At least-to pray-is left-is left: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Poetry
Emily Dickinson is one of the most recognizable names in American literature. Her poems, while often short and seemingly simple, delve into complex topics such as death, religion, and the human condition. In her poem "At least-to pray-is left-is left," Dickinson explores the idea of prayer and its significance in times of hardship.
The Poem
"At least-to pray-is left-is left" is a short poem consisting of only three stanzas. Each stanza has two lines, and the poem as a whole follows an AABB rhyme scheme. Here is the poem in its entirety:
At least-to pray-is left-is left- Oh Jesus-in the Air- I know not which thy chamber is- I'm knocking-everywhere-
Thou settest Earthquake in the South- And Maelstrom, in the Sea- Say, Jesus Christ of Nazareth- Hast thou no Arm for Me?
The poem begins with the speaker acknowledging that, in times of distress, prayer is often the only thing left to do. The lines "At least-to pray-is left-is left-" emphasize the idea that prayer is a last resort, something to turn to when all else fails. The second stanza addresses Jesus directly, with the speaker admitting that they do not know where to find him. The final stanza asks Jesus for help, pleading for him to use his power to aid the speaker in their time of need.
Analysis
The first thing that stands out about "At least-to pray-is left-is left" is its use of repetition. The phrase "is left-is left" is repeated twice in the first line, drawing attention to the fact that prayer is often seen as a last resort. This repetition also creates a sense of urgency, as if the speaker is running out of time and options.
The second stanza introduces Jesus as a character in the poem, and the speaker acknowledges their uncertainty about where to find him. This uncertainty could be interpreted as a metaphor for the speaker's uncertainty about their faith. They may believe in Jesus, but they are not sure how to connect with him or access his power.
The final stanza brings the poem to a climax, with the speaker begging Jesus for help. The lines "Say, Jesus Christ of Nazareth-/Hast thou no Arm for Me?" demonstrate the speaker's desperation and despair. They are willing to turn to anyone, even someone they cannot physically see or touch, for help in their time of need.
The references to earthquakes and maelstroms in the second stanza are also significant. These natural disasters are often seen as symbols of chaos and destruction, and the fact that Jesus has the power to control them emphasizes his divine nature. The speaker is essentially asking Jesus to use his power to intervene in their life and make things right again.
Interpretation
"At least-to pray-is left-is left" is a deeply religious poem, but it is also a poem about the human experience. The speaker is not just asking for Jesus to perform a miracle; they are expressing their own vulnerability and acknowledging that they cannot control everything in their life.
The repetition of "is left-is left" also emphasizes the idea that prayer is a last resort. This could be interpreted as a commentary on society's tendency to turn to religion only in times of crisis. The speaker may be questioning why people don't turn to prayer more often, and whether or not this is a healthy or sustainable way to live.
The fact that the speaker does not know where to find Jesus could also be interpreted as a commentary on the state of organized religion. The speaker may believe in Jesus, but they are unsure about the role of the church in their life. They are searching for a more personal connection with their faith, rather than relying on a religious institution to tell them what to believe.
Ultimately, "At least-to pray-is left-is left" is a poem about hope. The speaker may be desperate for help, but they are still holding on to the belief that prayer can make a difference. They are willing to put their faith in a higher power, even if that power is not physically present in their life.
Conclusion
Emily Dickinson's "At least-to pray-is left-is left" is a powerful poem that delves into complex themes of religion, vulnerability, and hope. The poem's use of repetition, metaphor, and religious imagery all contribute to its impact, and the speaker's voice is both desperate and hopeful. This poem is a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, there is always something left to hold on to.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
At Least-To Pray-Is Left-Is Left: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her unique style, marked by her use of unconventional punctuation and capitalization, has made her work stand out among her contemporaries. One of her most famous poems, "At Least-To Pray-Is Left-Is Left," is a powerful meditation on the nature of faith and the human condition. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in this classic poem.
The poem opens with the line, "At least-to pray-is left-is left." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing the importance of prayer in the face of adversity. The repetition of the phrase "is left" emphasizes the idea that prayer is the only thing left when all else fails. This sentiment is echoed in the second line, "Oh Jesus-in the air," which suggests that the speaker is reaching out to a higher power for help.
The next two lines, "I know not which thy chamber is-I'm knocking-everywhere," suggest that the speaker is searching for God but does not know where to find Him. The use of the word "chamber" implies that God is hidden or inaccessible, and the speaker is left knocking on every door in search of Him. This sense of desperation is further emphasized in the next line, "Thou Lord-of-Victory," which suggests that the speaker is in need of a savior.
The next stanza begins with the line, "Oh, incognito in the world," which suggests that God is hidden or disguised in the world. The use of the word "incognito" implies that God is not easily recognizable, and the speaker is left searching for Him. The next line, "At least I know for thee-the sun is shy," suggests that the speaker finds comfort in the fact that God is present in the natural world, even if He is not easily visible.
The next two lines, "The leaves-uncertain if to go or stay," suggest that the speaker is uncertain about the future and is looking for guidance. The use of the word "uncertain" emphasizes the speaker's sense of confusion and doubt. The following line, "And yet-thy garden is the way," suggests that God's garden is the path to salvation. The use of the word "garden" implies that God's path is beautiful and full of life.
The final stanza begins with the line, "I have no wit, no words, no tears," which suggests that the speaker is at a loss for words. The use of the word "wit" implies that the speaker is unable to think clearly, while the absence of tears suggests that the speaker is numb or in shock. The next line, "My heart within me like a stone," emphasizes the speaker's sense of emotional numbness.
The final two lines, "Lest thou, my Lord, shouldst rend in twain/This single garment of my soul," suggest that the speaker is afraid of losing her soul. The use of the word "garment" implies that the soul is something that can be lost or damaged. The final line, "At least take comfort from the thought/That thou hast called thyself my friend," suggests that the speaker finds comfort in the idea that God is her friend.
In terms of literary devices, Dickinson uses repetition throughout the poem to emphasize the importance of prayer. The repetition of the phrase "is left" in the first line emphasizes the idea that prayer is the only thing left when all else fails. The repetition of the word "uncertain" in the third stanza emphasizes the speaker's sense of confusion and doubt. The repetition of the word "garment" in the final stanza emphasizes the idea that the soul is something that can be lost or damaged.
Dickinson also uses imagery throughout the poem to convey her message. The use of the word "chamber" in the second line implies that God is hidden or inaccessible. The use of the word "incognito" in the fourth stanza emphasizes the idea that God is not easily recognizable. The use of the word "garden" in the fifth stanza implies that God's path is beautiful and full of life.
In conclusion, "At Least-To Pray-Is Left-Is Left" is a powerful meditation on the nature of faith and the human condition. Through her use of repetition and imagery, Dickinson emphasizes the importance of prayer in the face of adversity. The poem suggests that even when all else fails, prayer is the one thing that can provide comfort and guidance. Dickinson's unique style and powerful message have made this poem a classic of American literature.
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