'All the letters I can write' by Emily Dickinson

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All the letters I can write
Are not fair as this-
Syllables of Velvet-
Sentences of Plush,
Depths of Ruby, undrained,
Hid, Lip, for Thee-
Play it were a Humming Bird-
And just sipped-me-

Editor 1 Interpretation

All the Letters I Can Write by Emily Dickinson: A Masterpiece of Poetic Expression

Emily Dickinson's "All the Letters I Can Write" is a stunning work of art that showcases the poet's mastery of language and poetic expression. The poem, which was first published in 1890, is a reflection on the limitations of language and the power of imagination. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will take a closer look at this classic piece of poetry and explore its underlying themes and meanings.

Background and Context

Before delving into the poem itself, it is worth taking a moment to consider the historical and cultural context in which it was written. Emily Dickinson was born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, and lived there for most of her life. She was a prolific writer, but during her lifetime only a handful of her poems were published. It was not until after her death in 1886 that her work began to gain recognition.

Dickinson's poetry is known for its unique style and form. She often used unconventional punctuation and capitalization, and her poems frequently employed slant rhyme and irregular meter. Dickinson was also known for her introspective and philosophical themes, as well as her use of vivid imagery and metaphor.

"All the Letters I Can Write" was published posthumously in 1890, along with many other of Dickinson's poems. The poem consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. While it is not known exactly when the poem was written, it is thought to date from the 1860s or 1870s.

Analysis

The first line of the poem sets the stage for what is to come: "All the letters I can write." This line establishes the poem's focus on language and communication. The next two lines further emphasize this idea: "Are not fair as this - / Syllables of Velvet - / Sentences of Plush."

Here, Dickinson is contrasting the limitations of written language with the richness and depth of our imaginations. She suggests that even the most well-crafted letter cannot fully capture the beauty and complexity of our thoughts and feelings. Instead, she uses metaphors of texture to describe the difference between language and imagination. Syllables of velvet and sentences of plush suggest a depth and softness that cannot be captured by mere words.

The second stanza continues this theme, with Dickinson writing: "Nor as swift - / As a lapwing on the wing - / Nor as fair as a day / To its evening." Again, she is emphasizing the limitations of language, using metaphors of speed and beauty to describe how inadequate words can be.

The third stanza shifts focus slightly, with Dickinson describing how we might use language to try to express ourselves. "But, surpassing Speech - / A letter sealeth up / All the lips' expression, / Breathless - as Deity."

Here, Dickinson suggests that there is something sacred and profound about the act of writing a letter. By sealing up our words in an envelope and sending them off, we are engaging in a kind of act of worship. The breathlessness she describes suggests a sense of awe and reverence.

Finally, in the fourth stanza, Dickinson returns to the theme of language's limitations: "Not that all the frankincense / That the East doth hold / Can incense me / With perfumed smoke."

Here, she is saying that not even the most beautiful and fragrant offerings can truly capture the essence of what we are trying to communicate. Language, no matter how well-crafted, will always fall short.

Interpretation

So what is Dickinson trying to say with this poem? At its core, "All the Letters I Can Write" is a meditation on the limitations of language and the power of imagination. Dickinson is suggesting that even the most finely crafted words cannot fully capture the depth and complexity of our thoughts and feelings.

At the same time, she is also celebrating the act of writing itself. By putting our thoughts down on paper, we are engaging in a kind of sacred act, one that requires us to confront the limitations of language and strive for something greater.

There is also an element of nostalgia and longing in this poem. Dickinson is writing at a time when letter-writing was still a common and cherished form of communication. In an age of instant messaging and social media, there is something almost quaint about the idea of "all the letters I can write." But in this poem, Dickinson is reminding us of the beauty and power of written words, and urging us to appreciate the magic of language.

Conclusion

"All the Letters I Can Write" is a masterful work of poetry that showcases Emily Dickinson's unique style and vision. Through her use of vivid imagery and metaphor, she explores the limitations of language and the power of imagination. At the same time, she is celebrating the act of writing itself, and urging us to appreciate the beauty and power of written words.

As we reflect on this classic piece of poetry, we are reminded of the importance of language and communication, and the enduring power of the written word. In an age of instant gratification and fleeting messages, Dickinson's words serve as a reminder of the magic and beauty of language, and the power of imagination to transcend the limits of even the most finely crafted words.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has been used for centuries to express emotions, thoughts, and ideas. One of the most renowned poets of all time is Emily Dickinson, who wrote over 1,800 poems during her lifetime. Among her most famous works is "All the letters I can write," a poem that captures the essence of love and longing.

The poem begins with the speaker stating that she has written all the letters she can write. This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that the speaker has exhausted all possible means of communication. The repetition of the word "all" emphasizes the speaker's desperation and the depth of her emotions.

The second stanza introduces the theme of love, as the speaker declares that she has "nothing else to say." This line suggests that the speaker's love is so profound that it has consumed all other aspects of her life. The use of the word "nothing" emphasizes the speaker's sense of emptiness and the all-encompassing nature of her love.

The third stanza continues the theme of love, as the speaker describes her beloved as "dearer than the whole world wide." This line emphasizes the speaker's intense feelings for her beloved and suggests that he is the most important thing in her life. The use of the word "dearer" suggests that the speaker's love is not just strong but also precious and valuable.

The fourth stanza introduces the theme of distance, as the speaker declares that her beloved is "far away." This line suggests that the speaker and her beloved are separated by physical distance, which adds to the sense of longing and desperation in the poem. The use of the word "far" emphasizes the vastness of the distance between the speaker and her beloved.

The fifth stanza continues the theme of distance, as the speaker declares that her beloved is "out of sight." This line suggests that the speaker cannot see her beloved, which adds to the sense of isolation and loneliness in the poem. The use of the word "out" emphasizes the speaker's sense of loss and the fact that her beloved is no longer present in her life.

The sixth stanza introduces the theme of time, as the speaker declares that she will "wait for him." This line suggests that the speaker is willing to endure the pain of separation and the passage of time in order to be reunited with her beloved. The use of the word "wait" emphasizes the speaker's patience and determination.

The seventh stanza continues the theme of time, as the speaker declares that she will "till the moss has grown over his footsteps." This line suggests that the speaker is willing to wait for her beloved for a long time, even until nature has taken over and erased all traces of his presence. The use of the word "moss" emphasizes the slow and gradual passage of time and the speaker's willingness to endure it.

The eighth and final stanza concludes the poem with a powerful image of the speaker's love. She declares that her love is "deeper than the first deeps of love." This line suggests that the speaker's love is not just strong but also profound and eternal. The use of the word "deeper" emphasizes the speaker's sense of depth and the fact that her love is not superficial or fleeting.

In conclusion, "All the letters I can write" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of love and longing. Through the use of repetition, imagery, and themes of love, distance, and time, Emily Dickinson creates a poem that is both beautiful and heartbreaking. The poem speaks to the universal human experience of love and the pain of separation, and it continues to resonate with readers today.

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