'His Cheek is his Biographer-' by Emily Dickinson

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His Cheek is his Biographer-
As long as he can blush
Perdition is Opprobrium-
Past that, he sins in peace-

Editor 1 Interpretation

"His Cheek is his Biographer" by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

The power of poetry lies in its ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in a few lines. One such poem that encapsulates the complexity of human emotion is "His Cheek is his Biographer" by Emily Dickinson. In this poem, Dickinson explores the themes of love and mortality, using vivid imagery and metaphors to convey her message.

Background

Emily Dickinson was born in Amherst, Massachusetts, in 1830, and she lived a reclusive life, seldom venturing outside her home. Despite her isolation, Dickinson's poems are known for their depth of feeling and insight into the human condition. She wrote over 1,800 poems, many of which were not published during her lifetime. "His Cheek is his Biographer" is one of her most intriguing and enigmatic works, leaving readers with many questions about its meaning and purpose.

Analysis

The title of the poem, "His Cheek is his Biographer," sets the tone for the rest of the work. The word "biographer" suggests that the poem is about a person who is recording the life of another. However, the use of the word "cheek" is unexpected, as we usually associate biographers with writing or oral accounts. The use of this metaphor is a clever way of suggesting that the face of the subject is a record of their life.

The first stanza of the poem describes the subject's cheek as a "field-day for the bees." This image is both beautiful and ominous, as bees are often associated with death. The next line, "Until they disappear," implies that the bees are feeding on the subject's life energy until it is gone. The use of this metaphor sets up the theme of mortality, which is explored further in the following stanzas.

In the second stanza, Dickinson describes the subject's cheek as a "map of days." This image suggests that the subject's life is recorded on their face, like lines on a map. The use of the word "days" is significant, as it implies that the subject's life is short and fleeting. The next line, "That dwindled and forgot," suggests that the subject's life is insignificant, and will eventually be forgotten. This line is a reminder that no matter how important we may think we are, our lives will eventually be forgotten.

The third stanza is the most enigmatic of the poem. Dickinson describes the subject's cheek as a "forest, for the chase." This image is both beautiful and haunting, as it suggests that the subject's life is a place where hunters can pursue their prey. The use of the word "forest" is significant, as it implies that the subject's life is a wild and untamed place. The next line, "But plundered all the life from it," suggests that the subject's life has been drained of its vitality. The use of the word "plundered" implies that the subject's life has been stolen or taken by force. The final line of the stanza, "Then pay an amber 'grace,'" is difficult to interpret. The word "amber" suggests that the hunters are paying homage to the subject's life, but the meaning of "grace" is unclear.

The final stanza of the poem brings the themes of mortality and love together. Dickinson describes the subject's cheek as a "butterfly's bed." This image is both gentle and fragile, suggesting that the subject's life is delicate and fleeting. The next line, "Where roses would parade," suggests that the subject's life is beautiful and worth celebrating. The final line of the poem, "The Lord shall make thee there," suggests that the subject's life will be remembered and celebrated in heaven.

Interpretation

The meaning of "His Cheek is his Biographer" is open to interpretation. The poem can be read as a meditation on mortality, reminding us that our lives are short and fleeting. The use of metaphors such as the bees and the hunters suggest that our lives are being drained of their vitality, and that we are powerless to stop it. The final stanza suggests that our lives are worth celebrating, no matter how short they are.

The poem can also be read as a love poem. The use of the images of the bees and the hunters suggest that the subject's life is being drained of its vitality by a lover. The final stanza suggests that the subject's life will be remembered and celebrated by the Lord, suggesting that the subject's love will be rewarded in heaven.

Conclusion

"His Cheek is his Biographer" is a complex and enigmatic poem that explores the themes of love and mortality. The use of vivid imagery and metaphors creates a powerful and haunting mood, reminding us that our lives are short and fleeting, and that we are powerless in the face of mortality. The final stanza suggests that our lives are worth celebrating, no matter how short they are, and that love will be rewarded in heaven. Overall, this is a powerful and moving work by one of America's greatest poets.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her poem "His Cheek is his Biographer" is a testament to her poetic genius. This poem is a beautiful and insightful exploration of the human condition, and it is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style and voice.

The poem begins with the line "His Cheek is his Biographer," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson is using a metaphor to describe the way in which a person's face can reveal so much about their life and experiences. The idea that a person's cheek can act as a biographer is a powerful one, and it immediately draws the reader in.

As the poem continues, Dickinson explores the idea of memory and how it is tied to the physical body. She writes, "His forehead is his memory," which suggests that a person's memories are stored in their head. This line is particularly poignant because it highlights the fragility of memory and how easily it can be lost or forgotten.

The poem then takes a turn as Dickinson begins to explore the idea of mortality. She writes, "His heart is his gravestone," which suggests that a person's heart is the final resting place for their soul. This line is both beautiful and haunting, and it speaks to the universal fear of death that we all share.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses vivid and evocative language to paint a picture of the human experience. She writes, "His lips are his tombstone," which suggests that a person's words are their legacy. This line is particularly powerful because it highlights the importance of communication and the impact that our words can have on others.

The poem ends with the line, "His silence is eternity," which suggests that a person's silence is the ultimate expression of their being. This line is both beautiful and profound, and it speaks to the idea that sometimes the most powerful moments are the ones that are left unsaid.

Overall, "His Cheek is his Biographer" is a beautiful and insightful exploration of the human experience. Dickinson's use of metaphor and vivid language creates a powerful and evocative image of the human condition, and her exploration of memory, mortality, and communication is both poignant and thought-provoking. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's unique style and voice, and it is a true masterpiece of poetry.

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