'There's something quieter than sleep' by Emily Dickinson

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There's something quieter than sleep
Within this inner room!
It wears a sprig upon its breast-
And will not tell its name.Some touch it, and some kiss it-
Some chafe its idle hand-
It has a simple gravity
I do not understand!I would not weep if I were they-
How rude in one to sob!
Might scare the quiet fairy
Back to her native wood!While simple-hearted neighbors
Chat of the "Early dead"-
We-prone to periphrasis
Remark that Birds have fled!

Editor 1 Interpretation

There's something quieter than sleep: An Exploration of Emily Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most renowned poets of the 19th century. Her unique voice, sparse imagery and use of enjambment have made her poems a classic example of modernist poetry. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into one of her most beautiful poems, "There's something quieter than sleep," and explore the themes, symbols and literary devices used by the poet.

The Poem

"There's something quieter than sleep" Within this inner room! It wears a sprig upon its breast— And will not tell its name.

Some touch it, and some kiss it— Some chafe its idle hand— It has a simple gravity I do not understand!

While simple-hearted neighbors Chat of the "Early dead"— We—prone to introspection, Esteem ourself alive

To appreciate the poem, one has to understand the context in which it was written. Emily Dickinson was a recluse who rarely left her house and had a fascination with death. Her poetry often reflects her introspective nature and her struggle with mortality. "There's something quieter than sleep" is no exception. The poem explores the idea of death and the mystery that surrounds it.

Theme

The theme of the poem is the mystery of death. Dickinson begins by introducing the idea of something "quieter than sleep" that resides in an "inner room." This is a metaphor for death, which is often referred to as the "eternal sleep." The use of the word "quieter" suggests that death is not just the absence of life, but something else entirely.

The poem suggests that death is a mystery that no one can fully comprehend. Dickinson uses the metaphor of a sprig on the breast to symbolize the enigma that surrounds death. The sprig is a symbol of life and growth, and it suggests that death is not the end of life, but a continuation of it in another form.

Symbols

The poem is rich in symbolism, and each symbol adds to the overall theme. The "inner room" is a symbol of the afterlife, a place that is hidden from the living. The simplicity of the room suggests that death is not a complex process but a simple one.

The sprig on the breast is a powerful symbol in the poem. The sprig represents life and growth, and it suggests that death is not the end of life but a continuation of it. The fact that the sprig is not named adds to the mystery of death, emphasizing the fact that death is a mystery that cannot be fully explained.

The use of the word "idle" to describe the hand of the "something" is significant. The word suggests that death is not a painful process but a peaceful one. The "simple gravity" of the "something" further emphasizes this idea.

Literary Devices

Dickinson's use of enjambment in the poem is significant. The use of enjambment adds to the overall theme of the poem by creating a sense of continuity. The lines flow seamlessly into each other, suggesting that death is not an abrupt end but a continuation of life.

The use of personification is also significant in the poem. The "something" is given human characteristics, such as a breast and a hand. This personification makes the "something" more relatable and allows the reader to connect with the theme of the poem.

Interpretation

The poem can be interpreted in many ways, but at its core, it is about the mystery of death. Dickinson suggests that death is not the end of life but a continuation of it in another form. The simple room and the sprig on the breast suggest that death is not a complex process but a simple one.

The fact that some "touch it" and some "kiss it" suggests that death is not an entirely negative experience. Some people may embrace death as a new beginning, while others may fear it. The fact that the "something" has a "simple gravity" that the speaker does not understand suggests that death is a mystery that cannot be fully explained or understood.

The contrast between the "simple-hearted neighbors" who talk about the "early dead" and the speaker who is "prone to introspection" suggests that death is a personal experience that is different for everyone. The speaker of the poem is more introspective and may see death as a deeper mystery than others.

Conclusion

"There's something quieter than sleep" is a beautiful and enigmatic poem that explores the mystery of death. Dickinson's use of metaphor, symbolism and literary devices adds depth and complexity to the poem. The poem suggests that death is not the end of life but a continuation of it in another form, and that it is a mystery that cannot be fully understood. The poem invites the reader to contemplate the nature of death and to consider the possibility that there is more to life than what we see.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

There's something quieter than sleep - a poem by Emily Dickinson that has captivated readers for generations. This classic piece of literature is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style and her ability to convey complex emotions through simple language. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in this poem to understand its deeper meaning.

The poem begins with the line "There's something quieter than sleep." This line immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that there is something beyond the peacefulness of sleep. The speaker is suggesting that there is a deeper level of tranquility that can be found in the world.

The second line of the poem reads, "Within this inner room!" This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is referring to a specific place or state of being. The use of the word "inner" implies that this place is within the speaker's mind or soul. The word "room" suggests that this place is a confined space, which adds to the sense of intimacy and introspection that is present throughout the poem.

The third line of the poem reads, "It is the failing of the breath." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is referring to death. The use of the word "failing" implies that death is a natural process that occurs when the body can no longer sustain life. The use of the word "breath" is also significant because it is a metaphor for life. The breath is essential for life, and when it fails, life ends.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "To feel thee in the room." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is addressing someone or something. The use of the word "thee" implies that the speaker is addressing a person or a deity. The use of the word "feel" suggests that the speaker is referring to an emotional connection rather than a physical one. The use of the word "room" again suggests that this connection is intimate and personal.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "Succeeding to the chair." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is referring to a transition. The use of the word "succeeding" implies that something is taking the place of something else. The use of the word "chair" suggests that this transition is related to a position of authority or power. This line adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue that is present throughout the poem.

The sixth line of the poem reads, "The opening of the door!" This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is referring to a moment of revelation. The use of the exclamation point adds to the sense of excitement and anticipation that is present throughout the poem. The use of the word "opening" suggests that something is being revealed or uncovered. This line adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue that is present throughout the poem.

The seventh line of the poem reads, "It is the distant strains." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is referring to music. The use of the word "strains" implies that the music is distant and faint. The use of the word "distant" suggests that the music is coming from a far-off place. This line adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue that is present throughout the poem.

The eighth line of the poem reads, "That make the pause in music." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is referring to a moment of silence in music. The use of the word "pause" implies that the music has stopped momentarily. The use of the word "make" suggests that the music is responsible for the pause. This line adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue that is present throughout the poem.

The ninth line of the poem reads, "And reverence is done." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is referring to a moment of respect or admiration. The use of the word "reverence" implies that something is being honored or revered. The use of the word "done" suggests that this moment has passed. This line adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue that is present throughout the poem.

The final line of the poem reads, "I think the heart of Heaven." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is referring to a divine or spiritual realm. The use of the word "Heaven" implies that the speaker is referring to a place of peace and tranquility. The use of the word "heart" suggests that this place is at the center of the divine realm. This line adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue that is present throughout the poem.

In terms of structure, the poem is composed of nine lines, each with a different length and rhythm. The use of varying line lengths and rhythms adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue that is present throughout the poem. The poem is also composed of simple language and imagery, which adds to its accessibility and universal appeal.

In terms of literary devices, the poem makes use of metaphor, imagery, and personification. The use of metaphor is evident in the comparison of breath to life and music to silence. The use of imagery is evident in the descriptions of the inner room, the opening door, and the distant strains of music. The use of personification is evident in the suggestion that something is succeeding to the chair.

In conclusion, "There's something quieter than sleep" is a classic poem that explores the themes of death, spirituality, and mystery. Through its use of simple language, varying line lengths and rhythms, and literary devices such as metaphor, imagery, and personification, the poem conveys a sense of introspection and wonder. This poem is a testament to Emily Dickinson's unique style and her ability to convey complex emotions through simple language.

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