'A nearness to Tremendousness' by Emily Dickinson


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A nearness to Tremendousness—
An Agony procures—
Affliction ranges Boundlessness—
Vicinity to Laws

Contentment's quiet Suburb—
Affliction cannot stay
In Acres—Its Location
Is Illocality—

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Nearness to Tremendousness: A Critical Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson has always been known for her unconventional approach to poetry. Her poem "A Nearness to Tremendousness" is a perfect example of her unique style of writing. This poem is often considered one of her best works, and it is not hard to see why.

At first glance, the poem seems simple enough. It is only six lines long, and each line is short and to the point. However, upon closer inspection, one can see that there is a lot more going on beneath the surface.

Form and Structure

The poem is written in free verse, which is typical of Dickinson's work. There is no set rhyme scheme or meter, which allows her to experiment with the structure of the poem.

The lack of punctuation and capitalization in the poem is also characteristic of Dickinson's style. This gives the poem a stream-of-consciousness feel and allows the reader to interpret the poem in their own way.

The poem is divided into two stanzas, with the first stanza consisting of three lines and the second stanza consisting of two lines. The first stanza sets the stage for the poem, while the second stanza provides the climax.

Interpretation

The poem begins with the line "There is a word", which immediately grabs the reader's attention. What word is the speaker referring to? The poem does not provide an answer, but this is intentional. Dickinson wants the reader to interpret the poem in their own way.

The second line, "Which bears a sword", adds to the mystery. What does the sword symbolize? Is it a weapon of destruction or a tool of creation? Again, the poem does not provide a clear answer.

The third line, "Can pierce an armed man", is a powerful image. The word mentioned in the first line is not just any word; it is a word that has the power to pierce through armor and strike at the heart.

The second stanza provides the climax of the poem. The first line, "It hurls its barbed syllables", continues the theme of the word being a powerful weapon. The alliteration in this line adds to the sense of urgency.

The final line of the poem, "At once on God", provides the ultimate payoff. The word has the power to reach God himself. This is a powerful and awe-inspiring image.

Theme

The theme of the poem is the power of language. Dickinson is making a statement about the power of words to inspire, to create, and to destroy. Words have the power to change the world and the people in it.

The poem can also be interpreted as a metaphor for the power of art. Just as words have the power to pierce through armor and reach God himself, art has the power to inspire, to challenge, and to change the world.

Conclusion

"A Nearness to Tremendousness" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that showcases Emily Dickinson's unique style of writing. The poem is open to interpretation, which allows the reader to find their own meaning in the words.

At its core, the poem is a statement about the power of language and the way words can shape the world around us. It is a reminder of the importance of using our words wisely and the impact they can have on those around us.

Overall, "A Nearness to Tremendousness" is a masterpiece of poetry and a testament to Emily Dickinson's talent as a writer. It is a poem that will stay with the reader long after they have finished reading it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

A Nearness to Tremendousness: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson's poem "A Nearness to Tremendousness" is a masterpiece of poetic expression. The poem is a meditation on the nature of existence, the relationship between the individual and the universe, and the human experience of awe and wonder. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of the poem to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.

The poem begins with the line "A nearness to Tremendousness," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The word "Tremendousness" suggests something vast, awe-inspiring, and beyond human comprehension. The word "nearness" suggests that the speaker is close to this Tremendousness, but not quite there yet. This sets up a tension between the human experience of the world and the vastness of the universe.

The first stanza of the poem describes the speaker's experience of the world. The speaker says that the world is "too small for the soul's desire," suggesting that there is something within the human experience that cannot be satisfied by the physical world. The speaker also says that the world is "too large for the mind's embrace," suggesting that the human mind is not capable of comprehending the vastness of the universe. This tension between the human experience and the universe is a recurring theme throughout the poem.

The second stanza of the poem describes the speaker's experience of nature. The speaker says that nature is "too thin for the soul's demand," suggesting that there is something within the human experience that cannot be satisfied by the natural world. The speaker also says that nature is "too close for the mind's delight," suggesting that the human mind is not capable of fully appreciating the beauty of nature. This tension between the human experience and nature is another recurring theme throughout the poem.

The third stanza of the poem describes the speaker's experience of the divine. The speaker says that the divine is "too vast for the soul's comprehension," suggesting that there is something within the human experience that cannot be fully understood or grasped. The speaker also says that the divine is "too dear for the mind's attention," suggesting that the human mind is not capable of fully appreciating the beauty and significance of the divine. This tension between the human experience and the divine is the final recurring theme of the poem.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses vivid imagery to convey the speaker's experience of the world, nature, and the divine. In the first stanza, the speaker says that the world is "too small for the soul's desire," and compares the soul to a "gnat." This image suggests that the human soul is small and insignificant compared to the vastness of the universe. In the second stanza, the speaker says that nature is "too thin for the soul's demand," and compares the soul to a "moth." This image suggests that the human soul is fragile and easily overwhelmed by the beauty and power of nature. In the third stanza, the speaker says that the divine is "too vast for the soul's comprehension," and compares the soul to a "bee." This image suggests that the human soul is drawn to the divine, but cannot fully understand or grasp its significance.

Dickinson also uses language to convey the speaker's experience of the world, nature, and the divine. In the first stanza, the speaker says that the world is "too small for the soul's desire," using the word "desire" to suggest that there is something within the human experience that cannot be satisfied by the physical world. In the second stanza, the speaker says that nature is "too close for the mind's delight," using the word "delight" to suggest that the human mind is capable of appreciating the beauty of nature, but not fully understanding its significance. In the third stanza, the speaker says that the divine is "too dear for the mind's attention," using the word "dear" to suggest that the human mind is drawn to the divine, but cannot fully comprehend its significance.

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "A Nearness to Tremendousness" is a powerful meditation on the human experience of the world, nature, and the divine. The poem explores the tension between the human experience and the vastness of the universe, using vivid imagery and language to convey the speaker's sense of awe and wonder. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the ineffable and to convey the human experience of the sublime.

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