'Best Things dwell out of Sight' by Emily Dickinson


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Best Things dwell out of Sight
The Pearl—the Just—Our Thought.

Most shun the Public Air
Legitimate, and Rare—

The Capsule of the Wind
The Capsule of the Mind

Exhibit here, as doth a Burr—
Germ's Germ be where?

Editor 1 Interpretation

Best Things dwell out of Sight by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Emily Dickinson's "Best Things dwell out of Sight" is a short but powerful poem that explores the idea that the best things in life are not always visible or tangible. This poem is a masterful example of Dickinson's unique literary style, which is known for its brevity, ambiguity, and powerful imagery. In this essay, I will provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of "Best Things dwell out of Sight," exploring its themes, imagery, and symbolism.

Poem Analysis

The poem consists of three stanzas, each containing four lines. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem by stating the central message: "Best Things dwell out of Sight." The second stanza provides two examples of these "best things": love and faith. The final stanza shifts the focus to the speaker, who acknowledges that she has experienced these "best things" but cannot describe them or explain how they came to her.

Theme

The theme of "Best Things dwell out of Sight" is the idea that the most valuable and meaningful aspects of life are often intangible and invisible. The poem challenges the reader to consider what truly matters in life and suggests that these things cannot be measured or quantified. Dickinson argues that love and faith, for example, are not things that can be seen or touched, but they are nonetheless the most powerful forces in our lives.

Imagery

Dickinson's use of imagery in the poem is subtle but powerful. The first line, "Best Things dwell out of Sight," immediately creates an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue. The use of the word "dwell" suggests that these "best things" are not just hidden but also permanent, as if they have made their home in the unseen realm. The second stanza employs a garden metaphor to describe love and faith, suggesting that they are both fragile and beautiful. The final stanza uses a bird metaphor to describe the speaker's experience of these "best things," suggesting that they are fleeting and difficult to grasp.

Symbolism

The poem's central symbol is the concept of the "best things" that dwell out of sight. This symbol represents the intangible and invisible aspects of life that are often overlooked or undervalued. The use of the word "best" suggests that these things are not just important but also superior to anything else that we might value. By introducing this symbol, Dickinson challenges the reader to question their own values and to consider what truly matters in life.

Interpretation

"Best Things dwell out of Sight" is a poem that can be interpreted in many different ways, depending on the reader's perspective. One possible interpretation is that the poem is a reflection on the limitations of human perception. Dickinson acknowledges that she has experienced these "best things" but cannot describe them or explain how they came to her. This suggests that there are aspects of life that are beyond our understanding or control, and that we must learn to accept the mystery and uncertainty of the world around us.

Another possible interpretation is that the poem is a meditation on the nature of love and faith. Dickinson suggests that these two qualities are the most valuable and meaningful aspects of life, but also the most elusive. By describing them as fragile and beautiful, she suggests that they must be cherished and protected, like a delicate flower in a garden. This interpretation also reflects Dickinson's personal beliefs, as she was known for her devotion to God and her unconventional views on love and relationships.

Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a commentary on the value of art and literature. Dickinson was a prolific poet, and her work is known for its powerful imagery and unconventional style. By suggesting that the "best things" are intangible and invisible, she is also suggesting that art and literature have the power to transcend the physical world and to connect us with our deepest emotions and desires. This interpretation reflects Dickinson's own views on the power of poetry to express the ineffable aspects of human experience.

Conclusion

"Best Things dwell out of Sight" is a poem that challenges the reader to consider what truly matters in life. Through its use of imagery and symbolism, it suggests that the most valuable and meaningful aspects of life are often intangible and invisible. Whether interpreted as a meditation on the limitations of human perception, a reflection on the nature of love and faith, or a commentary on the value of art and literature, this poem is a powerful example of Dickinson's unique literary style and her ability to express complex ideas in just a few lines of verse. As a reader, I am left with a sense of wonder and awe at the mystery and beauty of the world around us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Best Things Dwell Out of Sight: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, known for her unique style and profound insights into the human condition. Her poem "Best Things Dwell Out of Sight" is a classic example of her work, exploring the idea that the most valuable things in life are often hidden from view. In this article, we will analyze the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and language to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning.

Theme

The central theme of "Best Things Dwell Out of Sight" is the idea that the most valuable things in life are often hidden from view. Dickinson suggests that we should not be too quick to judge the worth of something based solely on its appearance or surface-level qualities. Instead, we should look deeper and seek out the hidden treasures that lie beneath the surface.

The poem begins with the line "The Best things dwell out of sight," immediately setting the tone for what is to come. Dickinson goes on to describe a series of examples of things that are hidden from view but are nonetheless valuable. She mentions "The Violet's little Door," "The Robins not forgot," and "The little Bedford Row," among others. These are all things that might be overlooked or dismissed as insignificant, but Dickinson suggests that they are actually quite valuable.

Structure

"Best Things Dwell Out of Sight" is a short poem, consisting of only four stanzas. Each stanza has four lines, and the poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme of ABCB. This gives the poem a sense of structure and order, which is appropriate given its theme of hidden value. The consistent rhyme scheme also helps to create a sense of unity and coherence throughout the poem.

Language

One of the most striking things about "Best Things Dwell Out of Sight" is its use of language. Dickinson's language is often highly metaphorical and symbolic, and this poem is no exception. She uses a variety of metaphors and symbols to convey her message about hidden value.

For example, she describes the violet's "little door," which is a metaphor for the flower's hidden beauty. The robin, too, is a symbol of hidden value, as it is often overlooked but is nonetheless an important part of the natural world. The "little Bedford Row" is a metaphor for the hidden treasures that can be found in even the most mundane places.

Dickinson's language is also highly evocative, creating vivid images in the reader's mind. She describes the "dew that on the Daisy lies," the "little Cobweb's Band," and the "Cherub in the Cloud." These images help to bring the poem to life and make its message all the more powerful.

Analysis

So what is Dickinson trying to say with "Best Things Dwell Out of Sight"? At its core, the poem is a reminder that we should not be too quick to judge the worth of something based solely on its appearance or surface-level qualities. Instead, we should look deeper and seek out the hidden treasures that lie beneath the surface.

This message is particularly relevant in today's world, where we are often bombarded with superficial images and messages. We are encouraged to value things based on their appearance or popularity, rather than their true worth. Dickinson's poem is a reminder that there is more to life than what meets the eye, and that we should take the time to seek out the hidden treasures that lie beneath the surface.

Conclusion

"Best Things Dwell Out of Sight" is a classic poem that explores the idea that the most valuable things in life are often hidden from view. Through its use of metaphorical language and vivid imagery, the poem encourages us to look deeper and seek out the hidden treasures that lie beneath the surface. This message is as relevant today as it was when Dickinson wrote the poem, and it serves as a powerful reminder that there is more to life than what meets the eye.

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