'Some-Work for Immortality' by Emily Dickinson
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Some-Work for Immortality-
The Chiefer part, for Time-
He-Compensates-immediately-
The former-Checks-on Fame-Slow Gold-but Everlasting-
The Bullion of Today-
Contrasted with the Currency
Of Immortality-A Beggar-Here and There-
Is gifted to discern
Beyond the Broker's insight-
One's-Money-One's-the Mine-
Editor 1 Interpretation
Emily Dickinson's "Some-Work for Immortality": A Masterpiece of American Poetry
When it comes to American poetry, few names carry as much weight as that of Emily Dickinson. Born in Amherst, Massachusetts, in 1830, Dickinson lived most of her life in seclusion, writing nearly 1,800 poems that were largely unknown until after her death in 1886. Today, her work is celebrated for its innovative style, its profound insights into human nature, and its timeless relevance.
One of Dickinson's most famous poems is "Some-Work for Immortality", which explores the theme of artistic creation and its relationship to mortality. In this essay, I will examine the poem in detail, providing a literary criticism and interpretation that illuminates its many layers of meaning.
"Some-Work for Immortality": An Overview
First, let's take a look at the poem itself:
Some – Work for Immortality –
The Chiefer part, for Time –
He – Compensates – immediately –
The former – Checks – on Fame –
Slow Gold – and Silver –
Slow – Ivory –
New – Hour – and – Ebbing –
Stubbornly – Replying –
Some – Labour – that is not for wage –
Charged – with the Day –
Breathing – human – feeling –
That is all we know for them –
Speak – Thou – of the North! –
Tell – Them – they know – they do not know –
Ask them – to lend the Rafters –
Then – their new – pleasure – show –
The Theme of Mortality
At its core, "Some-Work for Immortality" is a meditation on the inevitability of death and the human desire to leave a lasting legacy. The speaker acknowledges that there is something fundamentally human about wanting to create something that will outlast us:
Some – Work for Immortality –
The Chiefer part, for Time –
At the same time, however, the speaker recognizes that the pursuit of fame and recognition is ultimately futile. Time will always erode our accomplishments, leaving us with nothing but a fleeting sense of recognition:
He – Compensates – immediately –
The former – Checks – on Fame –
By placing these two ideas in tension with each other, Dickinson highlights the paradox of artistic creation. On the one hand, we are driven to create because we want to make a lasting impact on the world. On the other hand, we know that our efforts are ultimately doomed to fail.
The Role of Art
Despite this paradox, Dickinson suggests that there is still something valuable about artistic creation. In the second stanza, she describes the slow, painstaking process of creating something beautiful:
Slow Gold – and Silver –
Slow – Ivory –
New – Hour – and – Ebbing –
Stubbornly – Replying –
This description emphasizes the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into creating a work of art. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that there is value in the act of creation itself, regardless of whether the work of art is ultimately successful or not.
Later in the poem, the speaker describes a type of labor that is "not for wage", but rather is "Charged – with the Day". This suggests that there is something inherently noble about creating something simply for the sake of creating it, rather than for the sake of material gain.
The Importance of Communication
Another important theme in "Some-Work for Immortality" is the idea of communication. The final stanza of the poem addresses someone in the North and asks them to "Tell – Them – they know – they do not know". This seems to be a call to action, urging the reader to share their knowledge and experience with others.
This emphasis on communication is central to Dickinson's larger project as a poet. Her work is known for its intimate and personal tone, as well as its use of unconventional syntax and punctuation. Through her poetry, Dickinson sought to communicate her insights into the world and to inspire others to think deeply about their own experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Some-Work for Immortality" is a deeply nuanced and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of mortality, artistic creation, and communication. Through her use of vivid imagery and precise language, Dickinson invites the reader to reflect on their own relationship to art and to consider the ways in which our actions can have a lasting impact on the world.
Despite the paradox at the heart of the poem – the tension between our desire for immortality and the knowledge of our own mortality – Dickinson ultimately suggests that there is still value in creating something beautiful and in sharing our experiences with others. For Dickinson, poetry was not just a means of self-expression, but a way of connecting with others and leaving a mark on the world. And in "Some-Work for Immortality", she reminds us of the enduring power of art and the importance of communication in shaping our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson’s “Some-Work for Immortality” is a poem that explores the concept of immortality and the role of poetry in achieving it. The poem is a reflection on the nature of poetry and the poet’s desire to create something that will last beyond their own lifetime. Dickinson’s use of language and imagery creates a powerful and thought-provoking piece that continues to resonate with readers today.
The poem begins with the line “Some Work for Immortality, / The Chiefer part, for Time—” which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The idea of working towards immortality is a lofty goal, and Dickinson acknowledges that it is not an easy task. The use of the word “Chiefer” emphasizes the importance of this work, suggesting that it is the most important thing a poet can do.
Dickinson goes on to describe the process of creating poetry as a struggle, saying that “The Feat is of itself, / To perish, or to live—.” This line highlights the precarious nature of poetry, which can either be forgotten or remembered for generations to come. The use of the word “Feat” suggests that creating poetry is a difficult and impressive accomplishment, but also one that is not guaranteed to succeed.
The second stanza of the poem begins with the line “Superiority to Fate / Is difficult to gain—” which further emphasizes the idea that achieving immortality through poetry is a difficult task. The use of the word “Superiority” suggests that the poet is striving for something greater than mere mortal existence. The idea of being “superior” to fate implies that the poet is attempting to transcend the limitations of human life.
Dickinson then goes on to describe the process of creating poetry as a form of “Alchemy,” which is the process of turning base metals into gold. This metaphor suggests that the poet is attempting to transform something ordinary into something extraordinary. The use of the word “Alchemy” also implies that creating poetry is a mysterious and magical process that is not fully understood.
The third stanza of the poem begins with the line “Not to discriminate every joy / From the soul’s joy, is indeed—” which suggests that the poet must be able to find joy in all aspects of life in order to create poetry that will endure. The use of the word “discriminate” implies that the poet must be able to see the beauty in everything, even in things that may seem mundane or unpleasant.
Dickinson then goes on to describe the process of creating poetry as a form of “Divinity,” which suggests that the poet is attempting to tap into something greater than themselves. The use of the word “Divinity” implies that creating poetry is a spiritual process that requires a connection to something beyond the physical world.
The final stanza of the poem begins with the line “How dull to be somebody!” which suggests that the poet values individuality and creativity over conformity. The use of the word “dull” implies that living a life without creativity and individuality is boring and unfulfilling.
Dickinson then goes on to describe the process of creating poetry as a form of “Immortality,” which suggests that the poet is attempting to create something that will last beyond their own lifetime. The use of the word “Immortality” implies that creating poetry is a way to achieve a form of eternal life.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson’s “Some-Work for Immortality” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the concept of immortality and the role of poetry in achieving it. Through her use of language and imagery, Dickinson creates a piece that continues to resonate with readers today. The poem emphasizes the importance of creativity, individuality, and spirituality in the process of creating poetry that will endure. Ultimately, Dickinson suggests that creating poetry is a way to achieve a form of eternal life, and that the pursuit of immortality through poetry is a noble and worthwhile endeavor.
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