'A precious-mouldering pleasure' by Emily Dickinson

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A precious-mouldering pleasure-'tis-
To meet an Antique Book-
In just the Dress his Century wore-
A privilege-I think-His venerable Hand to take-
And warming in our own-
A passage back-or two-to make-
To Times when he-was young-His quaint opinions-to inspect-
His thought to ascertain
On Themes concern our mutual mind-
The Literature of Man-What interested Scholars-most-
What Competitions ran-
When Plato-was a Certainty-
And Sophocles-a Man-When Sappho-was a living Girl-
And Beatrice wore
The Gown that Dante-deified-
Facts Centuries beforeHe traverses-familiar-
As One should come to Town-
And tell you all your Dreams-were true-
He lived-where Dreams were born-His presence is Enchantment-
You beg him not to go-
Old Volume shake their Vellum Heads
And tantalize-just so-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry as a "precious-mouldering pleasure": An Interpretation of Emily Dickinson's Work

Is there any writer more mysterious, more enigmatic, than Emily Dickinson? The Amherst poet spent most of her life in seclusion, rarely venturing beyond the walls of her family home. And yet, in the 19th-century world of American literature, she remains one of the most celebrated figures, her works revered for their unique style and insight into the human condition. Perhaps no poem captures the essence of Dickinson's artistry better than "A precious-mouldering pleasure," a meditation on the nature of poetry itself.

At its core, "A precious-mouldering pleasure" is a tribute to the power of language. Dickinson begins with the assertion that poetry is a "precious" thing, a word that suggests both rarity and value. She then goes on to describe the physicality of a book of poetry, noting that it is a "mouldering" thing, subject to the ravages of time and decay. But even as she acknowledges the fragility of the written word, Dickinson insists that it is a source of great pleasure, something that can bring joy and comfort even as it fades away.

On one level, "A precious-mouldering pleasure" can be read as a simple declaration of love for poetry. Dickinson was a poet herself, and it's clear that she had a deep appreciation for the art form. But there's more going on here than just a celebration of verse. For one thing, there's the question of why Dickinson chose to describe poetry in such odd, almost contradictory terms. How can something be both "precious" and "mouldering"? Why emphasize the pleasure of poetry even as she acknowledges its inevitable decay?

One possible answer lies in Dickinson's religious beliefs. She was raised in a devout Calvinist household, and her faith was an important part of her life. It's possible that she saw poetry as a kind of secular substitute for religion, a way of finding meaning and comfort in a world that can often seem cruel and unpredictable. In this interpretation, the "precious-mouldering pleasure" of poetry becomes a metaphor for the human condition itself, beautiful and fleeting, subject to the ravages of time and change.

Another possibility is that Dickinson is using poetry as a vehicle to explore the limits of language. She was famously reclusive, and it's clear that she struggled to communicate her ideas and emotions to others. In "A precious-mouldering pleasure," she seems to be acknowledging the limitations of written communication. Even as she celebrates the power of poetry, she's also acknowledging that it is a finite thing, subject to the whims of history and culture. Perhaps she's suggesting that there are some things that can never be adequately expressed in words, that the true essence of human experience will always elude us.

Whatever Dickinson's intentions may have been, there's no denying the power of "A precious-mouldering pleasure." It's a poem that speaks to the heart of what poetry is all about, the way it can capture the ineffable beauty of life even as it slips through our fingers. And in doing so, Dickinson reminds us that in a world of constant change and uncertainty, poetry can offer us a kind of comfort and solace that is both precious and enduring.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has the power to transport us to different worlds, to make us feel emotions we never knew existed, and to leave us with a sense of wonder and awe. One such poem that captures the essence of poetry is Emily Dickinson's "A precious-mouldering pleasure."

In this poem, Dickinson explores the idea of the beauty and power of poetry, and how it can transcend time and space. She begins by describing poetry as a "precious-mouldering pleasure," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "precious" suggests that poetry is something valuable and treasured, while "mouldering" implies that it is old and decaying. This juxtaposition of the old and the new is a recurring theme throughout the poem.

Dickinson goes on to describe how poetry can transport us to different worlds, saying that it can take us "to other worlds of which we never speak." This line suggests that poetry has the power to take us beyond our everyday lives and into new and unexplored territories. It also implies that there are certain things that cannot be expressed in words, and that poetry is the only way to access these hidden worlds.

The next stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as Dickinson describes how poetry can transcend time and space. She says that poetry can "carry us back to the time when we / First knew the leafy woods," and that it can "keep us where the nightingales / Sing the day away." These lines suggest that poetry has the power to transport us to different times and places, and to make us feel as though we are experiencing these moments for the first time.

The use of the word "nightingales" is particularly significant, as it is a symbol of beauty and song. By using this word, Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is not just a means of communication, but a form of art that can evoke powerful emotions and sensations.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant, as Dickinson describes how poetry can outlast even the most enduring monuments. She says that poetry can "outlast / All the monuments of wit," and that it can "outlive all the poets." This line suggests that poetry is not just a passing fad, but a timeless art form that will endure long after the poets themselves have passed away.

The use of the word "monuments" is also significant, as it suggests that poetry is not just a form of entertainment, but a form of cultural heritage. By creating poetry, we are leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered long after we are gone.

Overall, "A precious-mouldering pleasure" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of poetry. It reminds us that poetry is not just a means of communication, but a form of art that can transport us to different worlds, transcend time and space, and outlast even the most enduring monuments. As such, it is a testament to the enduring power and beauty of poetry, and a reminder of why it is such an important part of our cultural heritage.

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