'As Summer into Autumn slips' by Emily Dickinson


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As Summer into Autumn slips
And yet we sooner say
"The Summer" than "the Autumn," lest
We turn the sun away,

And almost count it an Affront
The presence to concede
Of one however lovely, not
The one that we have loved—

So we evade the charge of Years
On one attempting shy
The Circumvention of the Shaft
Of Life's Declivity.

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

As Summer into Autumn Slips: A Close Reading of Emily Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson's poem "As Summer into Autumn Slips" is a poignant and reflective work that captures the transition and fleeting nature of seasons, time, and life. With her characteristic sharpness and beauty, Dickinson uses vivid imagery and precise language to convey her thoughts and emotions about the changing of the seasons, the passing of time, and the inevitability of death.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will provide a close reading of this classic poem, exploring its themes, its structure, its language, and its significance. Through careful analysis and interpretation, I hope to shed light on the deep and complex meanings of Dickinson's poem, and to celebrate the beauty and power of her art.

The Poem: As Summer into Autumn Slips

As Summer into Autumn slips And yet we sooner say "The Summer" than "the Autumn," lest We turn the sun away, And almost count it an Affront The presence to concede Of one however lovely, not The one that we have loved -- So we evade the charge of Years On one attempting shy The Circumvention of the Shaft Of Life's Declivity.

Themes

At the heart of Dickinson's poem is the theme of change and transition. The poem captures the moment when summer gives way to autumn, and the speaker reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of aging and death.

The poem also touches on the theme of love and longing. The speaker suggests that we cling to the memory of summer, even as we feel the chill of autumn creeping in, because we fear losing what we love. We prefer to hold onto the past, rather than face the uncertainty of the future.

The poem also explores the theme of mortality and the fear of death. The image of "the Shaft / Of Life's Declivity" suggests the inevitability of aging and decline, and the speaker seems to be struggling with the idea that death is an inescapable part of life.

Structure

The structure of Dickinson's poem is simple but effective. The poem consists of two stanzas, each containing four lines. The first stanza sets up the contrast between summer and autumn, and the second stanza explores the speaker's emotional response to this transition.

The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABCB, with the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyming. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance, and also emphasizes the contrast between summer and autumn.

The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, with each line containing four iambs. This gives the poem a steady and rhythmic quality, and also reinforces the sense of balance and symmetry.

Language

One of the most striking features of Dickinson's poem is her use of vivid and evocative language. The poem is filled with powerful images and metaphors that capture the beauty and transience of nature.

The opening line, "As Summer into Autumn slips," is a perfect example of Dickinson's ability to create a vivid and memorable image with just a few words. The idea of summer slipping into autumn suggests a gradual and almost imperceptible transition, and also conveys a sense of inevitability.

In the second stanza, Dickinson uses the phrase "the Shaft / Of Life's Declivity" to describe the passage of time and the inevitability of aging and death. This metaphor is both powerful and unsettling, suggesting that life is a downward slope that leads inexorably to death.

Interpretation

There are many possible ways to interpret Dickinson's poem, and different readers may take different meanings from it. For me, the poem is a meditation on the passing of time and the inevitability of change.

The speaker seems to be struggling with the idea that all things must come to an end, and that even the things we love will eventually slip away from us. At the same time, the speaker suggests that we cling to the memory of summer, even as we feel the chill of autumn, because we fear losing what we love.

The image of "the Shaft / Of Life's Declivity" is particularly haunting, suggesting that life is a one-way journey that leads inevitably to death. The speaker seems to be searching for a way to evade this fate, but ultimately realizes that it is impossible to escape the passing of time.

Conclusion

Emily Dickinson's poem "As Summer into Autumn Slips" is a masterpiece of poetic language and imagery. Through her skillful use of metaphor and evocative language, Dickinson captures the transience of nature and the inevitability of change.

The poem invites us to reflect on the passing of time and our own mortality, and to consider the ways in which we cling to the past and fear the future. It is a deeply moving and thought-provoking work, and a testament to the power of poetry to capture the complexities of human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

As Summer into Autumn Slips: A Poetic Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of nature, death, and spirituality. Her poem "As Summer into Autumn Slips" is a perfect example of her mastery of language and her ability to capture the essence of the changing seasons.

The poem begins with the line "As Summer into Autumn slips," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "slips" suggests a gradual and almost imperceptible change, which is a common theme in Dickinson's work. She often explores the idea that change can be subtle and slow, but still have a profound impact on our lives.

The next line, "And yet we sooner say 'The Summer' than 'the Autumn,'" is a clever play on words that highlights the human tendency to cling to the familiar. Even as the seasons change, we still refer to the time as "summer" because it is what we are used to. This line also suggests that we are resistant to change and often try to hold onto the past, even as it slips away.

The poem then goes on to describe the changing landscape as the leaves begin to fall and the air grows colder. Dickinson's use of imagery is particularly striking in this section, as she describes the "crimson leaves" and the "frost's severe decree." The use of color and sensory details helps to create a vivid picture of the changing season and the beauty that can be found in even the most fleeting moments.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as Dickinson reflects on the passage of time and the inevitability of change. She writes, "Let Nature, who if she hath made thee, thou art, / Renew thee into her native apart." This line suggests that we are all a part of nature and that we must embrace the changes that come with the passing of time. It is a reminder that we are not separate from the world around us, but rather a part of it.

Overall, "As Summer into Autumn Slips" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of change, nature, and the passage of time. Dickinson's use of language and imagery is masterful, and her ability to capture the essence of the changing seasons is truly remarkable. This poem is a testament to her talent as a poet and her ability to connect with readers on a deep and emotional level.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a poem that will transport you to another time and place, "As Summer into Autumn Slips" is a must-read. It is a timeless piece of literature that speaks to the human experience and reminds us of the beauty that can be found in even the most fleeting moments. So take a moment to read this masterpiece by Emily Dickinson and let yourself be swept away by its beauty and power.

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