'Sleep is supposed to be' by Emily Dickinson
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Sleep is supposed to be
By souls of sanity
The shutting of the eye.Sleep is the station grand
Down which, on either hand
The hosts of witness stand!Morn is supposed to be
By people of degree
The breaking of the Day.Morning has not occurred!That shall Aurora be-
East of Eternity-
One with the banner gay-
One in the red array-
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sleep is Supposed to Be: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation by Emily Dickinson
Sleep is supposed to be, By souls of sanity, The shutting of the eye.
These opening lines from Emily Dickinson’s poem “Sleep is Supposed to Be” capture the essence of the poem’s subject matter: sleep. However, as with many of Dickinson’s works, there is much more to this poem than meets the eye. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of “Sleep is Supposed to Be” to better understand Dickinson’s unique perspective on the nature of sleep.
Themes
At its core, “Sleep is Supposed to Be” is a meditation on the nature of sleep and its effects on the human psyche. The poem explores the idea that sleep is a necessary escape from the tumultuous world of waking life. Dickinson describes sleep as “the shutting of the eye” and suggests that it is a necessary respite for “souls of sanity.” This idea is echoed in the closing lines of the poem, where Dickinson writes:
“How well the busy bee Disdains to rest awhile! But ours, more versatile, Resigns herself to thee.”
Here, Dickinson suggests that even though humans are more versatile than bees, we too must resign ourselves to sleep. This idea is further underscored by the use of the word “herself,” which suggests that sleep is a feminine force that we must submit to.
Another theme that runs through “Sleep is Supposed to Be” is the idea that sleep is a kind of death. Dickinson writes:
“Sleep is supposed to be, The shutting of the eye. Death is supposed to be The opening of the eye.”
Here, Dickinson draws a parallel between sleep and death, suggesting that they are two sides of the same coin. The use of the word “supposed” in both lines suggests a kind of uncertainty about the true nature of sleep and death. Dickinson is asking us to consider whether sleep is truly a kind of death, or whether it is something else entirely.
Structure
“Sleep is Supposed to Be” is a short poem, consisting of only three quatrains. The poem is written in common meter, which means that the first and third lines of each stanza have eight syllables, while the second and fourth lines have six syllables. This regularity of structure gives the poem a sense of order and balance.
However, despite the poem’s regular structure, there are some irregularities that are worth noting. For example, in the second stanza, Dickinson breaks the meter by using a line with only five syllables:
“Is the closing of the day.”
This irregularity draws attention to the line and gives it added weight. Dickinson is emphasizing the idea that sleep is the end of the day, and that it is a necessary part of the cycle of life.
Another irregularity in the poem is the use of the word “supposed.” This word suggests a kind of uncertainty or doubt, which contrasts with the otherwise certain tone of the poem. Dickinson is using this word to suggest that there is more to sleep than meets the eye, and that it is not fully understood.
Language
One of the most striking aspects of “Sleep is Supposed to Be” is Dickinson’s use of language. Her choice of words and phrasing are often unconventional and unexpected, which gives the poem a sense of mystery and depth.
For example, in the first line of the poem, Dickinson writes:
“Sleep is supposed to be,”
The use of the word “supposed” in this context is unexpected, as it suggests that there is some doubt or uncertainty about the nature of sleep. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which explores the enigmatic nature of sleep.
Similarly, in the second stanza, Dickinson writes:
“Is the closing of the day,”
Again, the use of the word “closing” is unexpected, as it suggests a finality and inevitability that is not present in more conventional descriptions of sleep. Dickinson is using this language to emphasize the idea that sleep is a necessary and natural part of life.
In the third stanza, Dickinson writes:
“How well the busy bee Disdains to rest awhile! But ours, more versatile, Resigns herself to thee.”
The use of the word “versatile” to describe humans is unexpected and adds an element of humor to the poem. However, the humor is tempered by the final line, which suggests that sleep is something that we must submit to. The use of the word “resigns” suggests a kind of resignation, as if we have no choice but to sleep.
Conclusion
“Sleep is Supposed to Be” is a short but powerful poem that explores the enigmatic nature of sleep. Dickinson’s use of language and unconventional structure give the poem a sense of mystery and depth, while the themes of sleep as a necessary escape and a kind of death add a philosophical dimension. Overall, “Sleep is Supposed to Be” is a fascinating and thought-provoking work that demonstrates Dickinson’s unique talent for exploring the mysteries of the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sleep is a classic poem written by the renowned American poet, Emily Dickinson. This poem is a beautiful representation of the poet's unique style and her ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful words. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and the overall meaning of this timeless piece of literature.
The poem begins with the line, "Sleep is supposed to be," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The word "supposed" suggests that there is an expectation or a norm associated with sleep. However, the poet challenges this notion by presenting a different perspective on sleep.
The first stanza of the poem describes sleep as a state of being where the mind is free from the worries and anxieties of the waking world. The poet uses the metaphor of a "cradle" to describe the comfort and security that sleep provides. This metaphor is particularly effective as it evokes a sense of warmth and safety, which is essential for a good night's sleep.
In the second stanza, the poet presents a contrasting image of sleep. She describes it as a "silent moon" that shines over the world, casting a peaceful and calming light. This image is particularly powerful as it suggests that sleep has a transformative effect on the world around us. It is almost as if sleep has the power to heal and restore the world to its natural state of peace and tranquility.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant. Here, the poet describes sleep as a state of being where the soul is free to roam and explore the unknown. She uses the metaphor of a "voyage" to describe this journey of the soul. This metaphor is particularly effective as it suggests that sleep is not just a physical state but also a spiritual one. It is a state where the soul is free to explore the mysteries of the universe and to connect with something greater than itself.
The final stanza of the poem brings the reader back to the reality of the waking world. The poet acknowledges that sleep is not always easy to come by. She describes it as a "precious boon" that is often elusive and difficult to attain. This line is particularly effective as it highlights the importance of sleep and the struggles that many people face in trying to get a good night's rest.
Throughout the poem, the poet uses a variety of literary devices to convey her message. One of the most prominent devices is the use of metaphor. The poet uses metaphors to describe sleep as a cradle, a silent moon, and a voyage. These metaphors are particularly effective as they evoke powerful images and emotions in the reader's mind.
Another literary device that the poet uses is repetition. The phrase "Sleep is supposed to be" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and continuity. This repetition also serves to emphasize the poet's message that sleep is not always what it is supposed to be.
The poem also makes use of imagery to create a vivid and powerful picture in the reader's mind. The image of a cradle, a silent moon, and a voyage all serve to create a sense of peace and tranquility. These images are particularly effective as they evoke a sense of calm and serenity, which is essential for a good night's sleep.
In conclusion, Sleep is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores the complex emotions and experiences associated with sleep. Through the use of metaphor, repetition, and imagery, the poet conveys a message that challenges our preconceived notions of sleep. The poem reminds us of the importance of sleep and the struggles that many people face in trying to get a good night's rest. It is a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today, and it is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience.
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