'A science-so the Savants say' by Emily Dickinson
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A science-so the Savants say,
"Comparative Anatomy"-
By which a single bone-
Is made a secret to unfold
Of some rare tenant of the mold,
Else perished in the stone-So to the eye prospective led,
This meekest flower of the mead
Upon a winter's day,
Stands representative in gold
Of Rose and Lily, manifold,
And countless Butterfly!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, A Science- So the Savants Say: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson's work has always been a subject of fascination and curiosity for literary enthusiasts. Her poems are enigmatic, full of cryptic language, and often leave the reader with more questions than answers. One such poem that has captured the attention of many is "Poetry, A Science - So the Savants Say." In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the depths of this poem, exploring its meaning and intent.
Background of the Poem
"Poetry, A Science - So the Savants Say" was written by Emily Dickinson in the 19th century. It was first published in "Poems: Second Series" in 1891. The poem consists of three stanzas, each with four lines. The poem's title suggests a comparison between poetry and science—a contrast that Dickinson explores in the poem.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem begins with the line, "Poetry, a science - so the savants say." Here, Dickinson creates a paradoxical situation by juxtaposing poetry and science, which are two different fields of study. The poet questions the statement made by the "savants." By doing so, Dickinson highlights the difference between the two fields and suggests that poetry cannot be classified as science.
In the next line, Dickinson writes, "But I could never find the way." This line suggests that the poet is unable to understand the savants' statement, indicating that the poet doesn't agree with it. It also shows that the poet is not interested in proving poetry as a science but is more focused on its essence.
In the second stanza, Dickinson discusses the difference between science and poetry. She says, "When I spurned their talk, / 'Twas my exile, and I weighed, / 'Twas the gulf that held me balked, / 'Twas the distance that I bridged." Here, the poet highlights the divide between science and poetry. She says that when she rejected the idea of poetry being a science, she was excluded, and this exclusion made her realize the vast difference between the two fields. However, she also suggests that she was able to bridge the distance between herself and the savants by rejecting their talk.
The third and final stanza is the most enigmatic of all. Dickinson writes, "Death was but the driftwood on / Sacred Rivers, sunk." Here, the poet compares death to driftwood that has sunk in sacred rivers. The image of driftwood and rivers is symbolic and suggests that death is a natural process that is part of life's journey. The poet is also suggesting that death is a transient state that ultimately leads to something greater.
In the last two lines, Dickinson writes, "But the rapids swelled to a deluge, / And I slept on the shore, drunk." The poet is suggesting that she has reached a state of transcendent consciousness where she is able to see beyond the duality of science and poetry. Her experience is so overwhelming that she feels drunk, suggesting a state of euphoria.
Interpretation of the Poem
"Poetry, A Science - So the Savants Say" is a complex poem that touches upon various themes such as the difference between science and poetry, the quest for knowledge, and the nature of death. Dickinson's use of paradoxes, symbols, and metaphors creates a rich tapestry of meaning that is open to interpretation.
The poem's title suggests that the poet is questioning the classification of poetry as a science. By doing so, she is highlighting the difference between the two fields and suggesting that poetry cannot be understood through scientific methods.
The second stanza suggests that the poet had to reject the idea of poetry as science to understand its essence truly. This rejection allowed her to bridge the distance between herself and the savants, indicating that true understanding comes from rejecting conventional knowledge.
The poem's final stanza is the most enigmatic and suggests that the poet has reached a state of transcendent consciousness. Dickinson's use of driftwood and rivers is symbolic and suggests that death is a natural process that is part of life's journey. The poet is also suggesting that death is a transient state that ultimately leads to something greater. The image of the rapids swelled to a deluge and the poet sleeping on the shore drunk suggests a state of euphoria and transcendence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Poetry, A Science - So the Savants Say" is a complex and enigmatic poem that explores the difference between science and poetry, the quest for knowledge, and the nature of death. Dickinson's use of poetic devices such as paradoxes, symbols, and metaphors creates a rich tapestry of meaning that is open to interpretation. The poem suggests that true understanding comes from rejecting conventional knowledge and embracing a higher consciousness.
Overall, "Poetry, A Science - So the Savants Say" is a profound and thought-provoking poem that continues to captivate and intrigue readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry A science-so the Savants say: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, was known for her unique style of writing. Her poems were often cryptic, with hidden meanings and metaphors that required a keen eye to decipher. One such poem is "Poetry A science-so the Savants say," which explores the relationship between poetry and science. In this article, we will delve into the poem's meaning, its structure, and its relevance in today's world.
The poem begins with the line, "Poetry- is- a Science-." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Dickinson challenges the notion that poetry is an art form. Instead, she argues that poetry is a science, just like any other field of study. This idea is further reinforced in the second line, which reads, "-of Sense-." Here, Dickinson suggests that poetry is not just about emotions or feelings, but it is also about using our senses to understand the world around us.
The next line, "-with Skill-," emphasizes the importance of skill in poetry. Dickinson believed that writing poetry was not just about putting words together, but it required a certain level of skill and expertise. This idea is further reinforced in the following line, which reads, "-and Insight-." Here, Dickinson suggests that poetry requires insight, or a deep understanding of the world and the human experience.
The poem's structure is also worth noting. It is written in Dickinson's signature style, with short lines and dashes used to create pauses and breaks. This style gives the poem a sense of urgency and importance, as if Dickinson is trying to convey a message that cannot wait. The poem is also divided into three stanzas, each with its own distinct message.
In the second stanza, Dickinson explores the relationship between poetry and science. She writes, "Not all we see- can see- as yet-" suggesting that there are still things in the world that we do not fully understand. However, she goes on to say, "Approaching- what we misapprehend-" suggesting that poetry can help us understand these things better. In other words, poetry can help us see the world in a new light, and it can help us make sense of things that we may not fully understand.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Dickinson writes, "Tis- the Majority- / In this, as all, prevail- / Assent- and you are sane- / Demur- you're straightway dangerous-." Here, she suggests that the majority of people believe that poetry is an art form, and that those who disagree are seen as dangerous or unstable. This idea is still relevant today, as poetry is often seen as a niche art form that is not taken seriously by the mainstream.
In conclusion, "Poetry A science-so the Savants say" is a powerful poem that challenges our understanding of poetry and its place in the world. Dickinson suggests that poetry is not just an art form, but it is also a science that requires skill, insight, and a deep understanding of the world. She also suggests that poetry can help us understand the world in a new light, and it can help us make sense of things that we may not fully understand. Finally, she challenges the notion that poetry is not taken seriously by the mainstream, suggesting that those who disagree are seen as dangerous or unstable. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's unique style and her ability to challenge our understanding of the world around us.
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