'Peril as a Possesssion' by Emily Dickinson
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Peril as a Possesssion
'Tis Good to hear
Danger disintegrates Satiety
There's Basis there—
Begets an awe
That searches Human Nature's creases
As clean as Fire.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Peril as a Possession: A Literary Critique of Emily Dickinson's Poem
The works of Emily Dickinson are known for their unique style and complex themes. Her poem "Peril as a Possession" is no exception, as it deals with the concept of danger and how it can be seen as a possession. In this literary critique, we will delve into the many layers of meaning in Dickinson's poem and interpret its significance in the world of literature.
Overview of the Poem
"Peril as a Possession" is a short, four-line poem that is rich in metaphor and symbolism. The poem reads:
"Peril as a possession 'Tis Good to guard the Heart But once a Thing has touched it And case the Owner part"
At first glance, the poem seems straightforward, with its message being that it is good to be cautious and protect oneself from danger. However, as we delve deeper into the poem, we can see that there is much more to it than meets the eye.
Analysis of the Poem
The first line of the poem, "Peril as a possession," sets the stage for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "possession" immediately brings to mind the idea of ownership and control. This is significant because it establishes danger as something that can be owned and controlled, at least to some extent.
The second line, "Tis Good to guard the Heart," reinforces the idea that danger can be controlled. The heart is often seen as the seat of emotions and vulnerability, and guarding it suggests that danger can be kept at bay. However, this line also hints at the idea that it is impossible to completely guard oneself against danger. This is significant because it sets up the conflict between control and vulnerability that runs throughout the poem.
The third line, "But once a Thing has touched it," introduces a new element to the poem. The use of the word "Thing" is deliberately vague, leaving the reader to wonder what exactly has touched the heart. This ambiguity is important because it allows the reader to interpret the line in different ways. It could refer to a physical object, a person, an idea, or an emotion. Regardless of the interpretation, the line suggests that once danger has touched the heart, it is no longer under the control of the owner.
The final line, "And case the Owner part," is the most significant in the poem. The use of the word "part" suggests that the owner is no longer whole, that some part of them has been lost. This loss could be physical, emotional, or spiritual, depending on the interpretation of the poem. However, what is clear is that danger has taken something from the owner, something that cannot be regained.
Themes in the Poem
The poem "Peril as a Possession" is rich in themes and symbolism. Here are some of the most significant themes:
Control vs. Vulnerability
One of the most significant themes in the poem is the tension between control and vulnerability. The first two lines of the poem suggest that danger can be controlled and that it is good to guard oneself against it. However, the third and fourth lines suggest that danger cannot be completely controlled and that it can take something from us. This tension between control and vulnerability is a common theme in Dickinson's work and reflects her own struggles with illness and mortality.
Loss
Another significant theme in the poem is loss. The final line suggests that danger has taken something from the owner, something that cannot be regained. This loss could be physical, emotional, or spiritual, but regardless of the interpretation, it is clear that danger has a cost. This theme of loss is also present in many of Dickinson's other works, particularly those that deal with death and grief.
Ambiguity
The poem "Peril as a Possession" is deliberately ambiguous, with the use of vague language allowing for multiple interpretations. This ambiguity is significant because it reflects the complexity of the theme of danger. Danger is not a straightforward concept, and its effects can be difficult to define. By leaving the interpretation of the poem open to the reader, Dickinson allows us to explore the many facets of danger and its impact on our lives.
Significance in Literature
The poem "Peril as a Possession" is significant in literature for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights Dickinson's unique style and use of metaphor and symbolism. The poem is short, but its impact is significant, with each line carrying multiple layers of meaning.
Secondly, the poem reflects the themes that are present throughout Dickinson's work, particularly her struggles with illness and mortality. The tension between control and vulnerability, and the theme of loss, are recurring motifs in her poetry.
Finally, the poem speaks to a universal human experience, that of facing danger and the unknown. The ambiguity of the poem allows the reader to explore their own experiences with danger and to find meaning in the poem that is personal to them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Peril as a Possession" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores the concept of danger and its impact on our lives. The tension between control and vulnerability, the theme of loss, and the use of ambiguity all contribute to the poem's significance in literature. Despite its short length, the poem carries a powerful message that speaks to the universal human experience of facing the unknown. For these reasons, it is no surprise that the poetry of Emily Dickinson continues to be read and appreciated by readers around the world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Peril as a Possession: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. Among her many poems, one that stands out is "Peril as a Possession," a powerful and thought-provoking piece that explores the nature of danger and its relationship to human experience. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem, examining its themes, imagery, and language to gain a deeper understanding of its message.
The poem begins with a striking assertion: "Peril as a possession / 'Tis good to bear, / Danger lest aught exasperate / Thee, and thee elsewhere!" At first glance, this may seem like a paradoxical statement - how can danger be a possession, and why would anyone want to bear it? However, as we read on, we begin to see the logic behind Dickinson's words. She suggests that peril, or the threat of harm, can actually be a valuable asset to us, as it can protect us from greater harm elsewhere. By facing danger head-on, we can avoid being caught off guard by unexpected threats, and we can develop the strength and resilience needed to overcome adversity.
The second stanza of the poem expands on this idea, using vivid imagery to illustrate the power of peril. Dickinson writes, "Better its Brevity of Bliss / Than its Oblivion's Megaliesse!" Here, she suggests that the fleeting moments of joy and pleasure we experience in life are not as valuable as the lessons we learn from facing danger. While happiness may be fleeting, the knowledge and experience gained from confronting peril can stay with us forever, shaping our character and guiding us through future challenges.
The third stanza of the poem takes a darker turn, as Dickinson acknowledges the reality of death and the role that peril plays in our mortality. She writes, "Heart, that hast no hast no hast no scar! / Life is but a jar, / A fragile earthen vessel, / A flying hour, / A passing breath, / A momentary flower!" Here, she reminds us that life is fragile and fleeting, and that even the strongest among us are vulnerable to the dangers that surround us. However, she also suggests that by embracing peril as a possession, we can make the most of our time on earth, living boldly and fearlessly in the face of adversity.
The final stanza of the poem brings the message full circle, as Dickinson returns to the idea of peril as a protective force. She writes, "Danger gathers he who knows / What it is to die, / And the timid knows no danger, / Better than the brave." Here, she suggests that those who have faced peril and come out the other side are better equipped to handle future challenges, while those who have never experienced danger may be more vulnerable to its effects. By embracing peril as a possession, we can develop the courage and resilience needed to navigate life's ups and downs, and we can emerge stronger and more capable as a result.
In terms of language and imagery, "Peril as a Possession" is a masterful work of poetry. Dickinson's use of paradox and contradiction creates a sense of tension and complexity, forcing the reader to grapple with the poem's central ideas. Her vivid descriptions of danger and mortality are both beautiful and haunting, evoking a sense of awe and reverence for the fragility of life. And her use of repetition and rhyme creates a musicality and rhythm that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged from start to finish.
Overall, "Peril as a Possession" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that speaks to the human experience in profound ways. By exploring the nature of danger and its relationship to our lives, Dickinson reminds us of the importance of courage, resilience, and the willingness to face adversity head-on. Whether we are navigating personal challenges, societal upheaval, or global crises, this poem serves as a reminder that peril can be a possession - a valuable asset that can help us navigate the complexities of life and emerge stronger and more capable on the other side.
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