'Climbing to reach the costly Hearts' by Emily Dickinson


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1566

Climbing to reach the costly Hearts
To which he gave the worth,
He broke them, fearing punishment
He ran away from Earth—

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

Climbing to Reach the Costly Hearts: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

As someone who has always been fascinated by the works of Emily Dickinson, I was thrilled to delve into her poem, "Climbing to Reach the Costly Hearts." It's a poem that has intrigued me for years, with its mysterious title and cryptic verse. So, I was eager to explore its meanings and interpret its symbolism, and write a detailed literary criticism of this classic piece of poetry.

Background Information

Before we dive into the poem, let's take a moment to understand the context in which it was written. Emily Dickinson was an American poet who lived in the 19th century. She was a recluse and rarely left her home in Amherst, Massachusetts. Dickinson's poetry is known for its unconventional style, with irregular meter, and slant rhymes. Her poems often explore the themes of death, love, and nature.

"Climbing to Reach the Costly Hearts" was written in 1861, during the Civil War. It was a time of great turmoil in America, and Dickinson's poetry reflects the uncertainty and anxiety of that period. The poem consists of four stanzas, each with four lines.

Analysis

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson writes, "Climbing to reach the costly Hearts / That perished in the Flood / Surmounted by the Odorless / And individual Cloud." The image of climbing is a recurring motif in the poem, suggesting a struggle towards something that is desirable but difficult to attain. The "costly hearts" that were lost in the flood could be interpreted as a metaphor for lost love or lost opportunities. The "odorless" and "individual cloud" could represent the obstacles that prevent us from reaching our goals.

The second stanza continues the theme of struggle and perseverance. Dickinson writes, "Which too infernal that it be / But Heaven over it / so easier to be perplexed / with a benign Deity." This stanza suggests that the struggle to reach our goals can be so difficult that it feels like a journey to hell. But the idea of a "benign deity" makes it easier to bear the hardships.

The third stanza introduces a new image: "Ascend with me / celestial guide / precious step / not lost in thee." This stanza evokes a sense of spiritual ascent, with the "celestial guide" leading the way. The "precious step" suggests that every step is important and should not be wasted.

The final stanza is the most enigmatic of all. Dickinson writes, "Toward Eternity with firm endeavor / And Calmest Company / With the Ourselves beside the Friend / We shall not feel alone." The idea of climbing towards eternity suggests a spiritual ascent towards a higher realm. The "calmest company" could be interpreted as a reference to death or the afterlife. The last line, "We shall not feel alone," suggests that we are not alone in our struggle, and that there is always someone or something beside us.

Interpretation

So what does "Climbing to Reach the Costly Hearts" really mean? Like many of Dickinson's poems, it's open to interpretation. However, one possible interpretation is that the poem is about the struggle to find meaning in life. The "costly hearts" that were lost in the flood could represent the dreams and aspirations that we have lost along the way. The "odorless" and "individual cloud" could represent the obstacles that prevent us from reaching our goals, such as fear or doubt.

The image of climbing suggests that the journey towards meaning is difficult and requires perseverance. The "celestial guide" and "benign deity" could represent the spiritual forces that can help us along the way. The final stanza suggests that the journey towards meaning is ultimately a personal one, but that we are not alone in our struggle.

Another possible interpretation is that the poem is about the struggle to find love. The "costly hearts" that were lost in the flood could represent lost love or missed opportunities for love. The image of climbing suggests that finding love is difficult and requires effort. The "celestial guide" could represent a higher power that can help us find love.

The final stanza suggests that finding love is ultimately a personal journey, but that we are not alone in our struggle. The "calmest company" could be interpreted as a reference to the comfort that love can bring.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Climbing to Reach the Costly Hearts" is a mysterious and enigmatic poem that can be interpreted in many ways. Whether it's about the struggle to find meaning in life or the struggle to find love, the poem suggests that the journey is difficult but ultimately worthwhile. The image of climbing towards something desirable but difficult to reach is a powerful metaphor that can resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to achieve a goal. Dickinson's unique style and use of imagery make this poem a classic piece of poetry that continues to intrigue and inspire readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Climbing to reach the costly Hearts: A Poem by Emily Dickinson

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, "Climbing to reach the costly Hearts," is a perfect example of her ability to capture complex emotions and ideas in a few simple words. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in this classic poem.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a journey up a steep hill, "with difficulty and pain." The hill represents the challenges and obstacles that we must overcome in order to achieve our goals. The speaker is determined to reach the top, despite the difficulties, because they are "climbing to reach the costly hearts" that await them there.

The phrase "costly hearts" is intriguing and requires some interpretation. It could refer to the hearts of wealthy or powerful individuals, who are difficult to reach and require great effort to win over. Alternatively, it could refer to the hearts of those who are emotionally guarded or closed off, who require a great deal of patience and persistence to connect with. Either way, the phrase suggests that the speaker is pursuing something of great value, something that is worth the effort and sacrifice required to obtain it.

As the speaker climbs higher, they encounter various obstacles and challenges. They must navigate treacherous terrain, endure physical pain, and face their own fears and doubts. However, they are undeterred, driven by their desire to reach the top and claim their prize. The language used to describe these challenges is vivid and evocative, creating a sense of tension and urgency in the poem.

For example, the speaker describes the "slippery ice" that threatens to send them tumbling back down the hill. This image conveys the idea that progress is not always linear or straightforward, and that setbacks and obstacles are inevitable. However, the speaker is determined to keep going, even if it means taking risks and facing danger.

Another powerful image in the poem is the "thunderstorm" that rages around the speaker as they climb. This image suggests that the journey is not only physically challenging, but emotionally and spiritually challenging as well. The storm represents the turmoil and chaos that we often encounter when we pursue our deepest desires and passions. However, the speaker is undaunted, and continues to climb despite the storm.

As the speaker nears the top of the hill, they begin to feel a sense of anticipation and excitement. They know that they are getting closer to their goal, and that the "costly hearts" they seek are within reach. The language used to describe this moment is full of energy and enthusiasm, conveying the speaker's sense of triumph and exhilaration.

For example, the speaker describes the "golden gates" that await them at the top of the hill. This image suggests that the speaker is about to enter a new realm, a place of great beauty and wonder. The gates represent the threshold between the ordinary world and the extraordinary world that the speaker is about to enter.

Finally, the speaker reaches the top of the hill and claims their prize. They have overcome all the obstacles and challenges that stood in their way, and have reached the "costly hearts" that they sought. The language used to describe this moment is simple and direct, but also deeply moving.

For example, the speaker says, "I have won the highest prize." This statement conveys the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that the speaker feels at this moment. They have achieved something that was difficult and challenging, and have emerged victorious.

In conclusion, "Climbing to reach the costly Hearts" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores themes of perseverance, determination, and the pursuit of our deepest desires. The language and imagery used in the poem create a sense of tension and urgency, as the speaker overcomes obstacles and challenges to reach their goal. Ultimately, the poem celebrates the human spirit and our ability to overcome adversity and achieve great things.

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