'Some keep the Sabbath going to Church' by Emily Dickinson
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Some keep the Sabbath going to Church—
I keep it, staying at Home—
With a Bobolink for a Chorister—
And an Orchard, for a Dome—
Some keep the Sabbath in Surplice—
I just wear my Wings—
And instead of tolling the Bell, for Church,
Our little Sexton—sings.
God preaches, a noted Clergyman—
And the sermon is never long,
So instead of getting to Heaven, at least—
I'm going, all along.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Some keep the Sabbath going to Church" by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most popular American poets of the 19th century, wrote the poem "Some keep the Sabbath going to Church" in 1864. This poem is a reflection of Dickinson's views on religion and spirituality. It is a unique and thought-provoking piece of literature that continues to inspire readers today.
Literal Interpretation
The poem is structured in three stanzas, each with four lines. The first line of the poem, "Some keep the Sabbath going to Church," introduces the topic of religion and the Sabbath. The speaker of the poem then states that she chooses not to go to church on the Sabbath. Instead, she says that she keeps the Sabbath by experiencing the beauty of nature. She goes on to say that she feels closer to God in nature than in a church.
The second stanza describes the speaker's relationship with God. She says that she feels like a "little girl" when she is in nature, and that she can "run and skip" without feeling weighed down by the expectations of religion. She acknowledges that there are "saints" who find solace in church, but suggests that her own path to spirituality is different.
The final stanza concludes the poem by stating that the speaker's appreciation of nature is a form of worship. She says that she feels like she is in a "cloister" when she is surrounded by nature, and that she is able to find peace and happiness in her own way.
Interpretation and Analysis
At its core, Dickinson's poem is a reflection on the nature of spirituality and religion. The speaker of the poem suggests that there is no one right way to connect with God. She acknowledges that some people find comfort and meaning in religion, while others find it in nature. The poem is not a rejection of religion, but rather a celebration of the diversity of spiritual experiences.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of imagery. Dickinson's descriptions of nature are vivid and evocative. For example, she describes the "orchard for a dome" and the "bobolinks for a choir." These images create a sense of beauty and wonder, suggesting that nature is a source of inspiration and awe.
Another key element of the poem is its use of language. Dickinson's writing is dense and complex, with multiple layers of meaning. For example, the word "cloister" in the final stanza can be interpreted as a reference to a monastery or convent, implying that the speaker's experience of nature is a form of religious retreat. However, the word can also be interpreted more broadly as a reference to a secluded or peaceful place.
The poem can also be read as a critique of organized religion. The speaker suggests that some people go to church out of habit or obligation, rather than a genuine desire to connect with God. By contrast, the speaker's experience of nature is spontaneous and joyful, without the burden of expectations or rules.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Some keep the Sabbath going to Church" is a powerful and provocative poem that challenges our assumptions about religion and spirituality. Through vivid imagery and complex language, Dickinson celebrates the diversity of spiritual experiences and suggests that there is no one right way to connect with God. The poem is a testament to the power of nature and the importance of finding one's own path to spiritual fulfillment.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson's poem "Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church" is a classic piece of literature that has been studied and analyzed by scholars and readers alike for decades. The poem, which was written in 1861, is a reflection on the concept of Sabbath and the different ways in which people choose to observe it. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in the poem to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning.
Themes
The central theme of the poem is the idea that one can observe the Sabbath in different ways. The speaker of the poem, who is assumed to be Dickinson herself, suggests that some people choose to go to church on Sundays to observe the Sabbath, while others find their own ways to connect with God and nature. The poem celebrates the latter group of people, who find spiritual fulfillment in the natural world around them.
Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea of individualism. The speaker of the poem is a non-conformist who chooses to observe the Sabbath in her own way. She rejects the traditional notion of going to church and instead finds solace in the natural world. This theme of individualism is a recurring motif in Dickinson's poetry, and it reflects her own personal beliefs and values.
Structure
The poem is structured in four stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, which means that the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyme. The meter is iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four iambs, or metrical feet, consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. This gives the poem a rhythmic and musical quality.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem and introduces the central theme. The speaker begins by stating that "Some keep the Sabbath going to Church," which establishes the traditional way of observing the Sabbath. However, she immediately follows this with the contrasting statement, "I keep it, staying at Home," which introduces the idea of individualism.
The second stanza describes the speaker's personal way of observing the Sabbath. She says that she "praises" God in her own way, by "Nature's Table" and "by the Orchard." This imagery of nature is significant, as it suggests that the speaker finds spiritual fulfillment in the natural world around her.
The third stanza continues this theme of nature, as the speaker describes how she hears "a Bobolink" singing on Sundays. The Bobolink is a type of bird that is known for its beautiful song, and its presence in the poem reinforces the idea that nature can be a source of spiritual inspiration.
The fourth and final stanza brings the poem to a close by summarizing the speaker's message. She says that she is "going to Heaven," just like those who go to church on Sundays. However, she suggests that her way of observing the Sabbath is just as valid as the traditional way. She ends the poem with the powerful statement, "So instead of getting to Heaven, at last-- / I'm going, all along."
Literary Devices
Dickinson uses a variety of literary devices in the poem to convey her message. One of the most prominent devices is imagery. Throughout the poem, she uses vivid and sensory language to describe the natural world. For example, in the second stanza, she describes the "Orchard for a Dome" and the "Bobolinks for a Choir." These images create a sense of beauty and wonder, and they reinforce the idea that nature can be a source of spiritual fulfillment.
Another literary device that Dickinson uses is repetition. The phrase "Some keep the Sabbath going to Church" is repeated twice in the first stanza, which emphasizes the traditional way of observing the Sabbath. However, the repetition is broken in the second line, when the speaker says "I keep it, staying at Home." This creates a sense of contrast and introduces the theme of individualism.
Finally, Dickinson uses metaphor to convey her message. The natural world is used as a metaphor for God and spirituality. For example, in the second stanza, the speaker says that she "praises" God at "Nature's Table." This metaphor suggests that the natural world is a place where one can connect with God and find spiritual fulfillment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church" is a powerful reflection on the concept of Sabbath and the different ways in which people choose to observe it. The poem celebrates the idea of individualism and suggests that one can find spiritual fulfillment in the natural world. Through its themes, structure, and literary devices, the poem conveys a message that is both timeless and relevant to our modern world.
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