'Expanse cannot be lost-' by Emily Dickinson


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Expanse cannot be lost-
Not Joy, but a Decree
Is Deity-
His Scene, Infinity-
Whose rumor's Gate was shut so tight
Before my Beam was sown,
Not even a Prognostic's push
Could make a Dent thereon-The World that thou hast opened
Shuts for thee,
But not alone,
We all have followed thee-
Escape more slowly
To thy Tracts of Sheen-
The Tent is listening,
But the Troops are gone!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Expanse Cannot Be Lost: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Emily Dickinson's Poetry

Emily Dickinson was not just a poet, she was a genius. Her works have been studied for decades, and yet they still retain their power and significance today. One of her most famous poems, "Expanse cannot be lost," is a perfect example of her talent and insight. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbols, and language used in the poem to understand its meaning and significance.

Theme

At its core, "Expanse cannot be lost" explores the idea of infinity. The poem suggests that the universe is vast and boundless, and that even if we were to travel to the ends of the earth, we would still not be able to grasp its entirety. Dickinson writes, "Expanse cannot be lost; / Not sun, or wind, or sky / Oceans – my first – seemed never large, / So absolute the sea." The poet is describing her own experience of the ocean, and how even though it is vast and endless, it still pales in comparison to the expanse of the universe.

This theme of infinity is also tied to the idea of mortality. Dickinson suggests that even though we may feel small and insignificant in the face of the universe, we still have a place within it. The poem states, "To see the Summer Sky / Is Poetry, though never in a Book it lie - / True Poems flee." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the beauty and wonder of the universe cannot be contained in words or books, but must be experienced directly. This idea is reminiscent of the Romantic poets, who believed that the beauty of nature was a source of inspiration and poetic expression.

Symbols

One of the key symbols in "Expanse cannot be lost" is the ocean. Dickinson uses the ocean to represent the infinite expanse of the universe, and to suggest that even the largest and most powerful natural forces are small in comparison. The ocean is also a symbol of life and death, as it is both a source of nourishment and a dangerous and deadly force.

Another important symbol in the poem is the summer sky. Dickinson uses the sky to represent the infinite expanse of the universe, but also to suggest that there is beauty and wonder to be found in even the most everyday things. The summer sky is a symbol of the natural world, and of the ways in which we can find meaning and inspiration in our surroundings.

Language

The language used in "Expanse cannot be lost" is simple and direct, but also deeply poetic. Dickinson uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey her ideas, and her language is full of rich, sensory details. For example, she writes, "Not sun, or wind, or sky / Oceans – my first – seemed never large, / So absolute the sea." This language is evocative and powerful, and it helps to create a sense of awe and wonder in the reader.

Dickinson's use of language is also notable for its ambiguity and complexity. Many of the lines in the poem are open to multiple interpretations, and the poet is deliberately vague about some of the details. For example, the line "To see the Summer Sky / Is Poetry, though never in a Book it lie - / True Poems flee" could be read in a variety of ways. This ambiguity adds to the richness and depth of the poem, and encourages the reader to engage with it on a deeper level.

Conclusion

"Expanse cannot be lost" is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. Through its themes of infinity, mortality, and the beauty of the natural world, the poem encourages us to see ourselves as part of something greater, and to find meaning and inspiration in our surroundings. With its rich, evocative language and ambiguous imagery, the poem invites us to engage with it on a deeper level, and to reflect on the profound mystery and wonder of the universe.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Expanse Cannot Be Lost: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her poems are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and profound themes. One of her most famous poems is "Poetry Expanse Cannot Be Lost," which explores the power of poetry and its ability to transcend time and space. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the line, "Poetry expanse cannot be lost," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The word "expanse" suggests something vast and limitless, and Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is just that. It cannot be contained or limited by time or space. This idea is reinforced in the second line, where she writes, "As the diagrams of Giotto or Dante." Here, Dickinson is referencing two famous Italian artists, Giotto and Dante, who are known for their masterpieces that have stood the test of time. By comparing poetry to their works, Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is just as timeless and enduring.

The third line of the poem, "Infinity is poet's realm," further emphasizes the idea that poetry is limitless. The word "infinity" suggests something that has no end, and Dickinson is suggesting that poetry exists in this realm. She is also suggesting that poets have the ability to tap into this realm and create works that are timeless and enduring.

The fourth line of the poem, "The universe his inkstand," is a powerful metaphor that suggests that the universe is the poet's source of inspiration. The word "inkstand" suggests something that holds ink, and Dickinson is suggesting that the universe holds the inspiration that poets need to create their works. This idea is reinforced in the fifth line, where she writes, "His pen a thunderbolt." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that poets have the power to create works that are as powerful as thunderbolts. They have the ability to capture the essence of the universe and express it in their works.

The sixth line of the poem, "His ink the blood of sky," is another powerful metaphor that suggests that the poet's ink is as powerful as the blood of the sky. The word "sky" suggests something vast and limitless, and Dickinson is suggesting that the poet's ink has the power to capture the essence of the sky and express it in their works.

The seventh line of the poem, "From vein to vein run the rivers of his thought," is a powerful metaphor that suggests that the poet's thoughts flow like rivers through their veins. The word "vein" suggests something that carries blood, and Dickinson is suggesting that the poet's thoughts flow through their veins like blood. This idea is reinforced in the eighth line, where she writes, "His heart a well of fire." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the poet's heart is filled with passion and fire, which fuels their creativity.

The ninth line of the poem, "His mind a temple of the muses," is a powerful metaphor that suggests that the poet's mind is a temple dedicated to the muses. The muses were the goddesses of inspiration in Greek mythology, and Dickinson is suggesting that the poet's mind is a sacred place where inspiration is born.

The final line of the poem, "His voice a thunderbolt," is a powerful metaphor that suggests that the poet's voice is as powerful as a thunderbolt. Dickinson is suggesting that the poet's words have the power to shake the world and create change.

In terms of structure, the poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a specific rhyme or meter. This allows Dickinson to express her ideas in a more fluid and natural way, without being constrained by traditional poetic forms.

In terms of literary devices, the poem is filled with metaphors and imagery. Dickinson uses these devices to create a vivid and powerful picture of the poet and their creative process. She also uses repetition, with the word "his" appearing at the beginning of each line, to create a sense of unity and continuity throughout the poem.

In conclusion, "Poetry Expanse Cannot Be Lost" is a powerful and profound poem that explores the power of poetry and its ability to transcend time and space. Through her use of metaphors and imagery, Dickinson creates a vivid and powerful picture of the poet and their creative process. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to inspire and transform the world.

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