'The Only News I know' by Emily Dickinson
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The Only News I know
Is Bulletins all Day
From Immortality.
The Only Shows I see—
Tomorrow and Today—
Perchance Eternity—
The Only One I meet
Is God—The Only Street—
Existence—This traversed
If Other News there be—
Or Admirable Show—
I'll tell it You—
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Only News I Know by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism
Introduction
The Only News I Know is a poem written by the enigmatic American poet, Emily Dickinson, in the 19th century. Like many of her works, this poem is marked by its brevity and its dense, layered meaning. In just eight short lines, Dickinson manages to convey a sense of deep existential questioning, exploring themes such as the nature of truth, the limits of language, and the relationship between the self and the universe.
Analysis
The poem begins with a bold statement: "The only news I know / Is bulletins all day / From Immortality." This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, establishing a sense of urgency and importance that will continue throughout. The use of the word "bulletins" is interesting, as it suggests a kind of official or authoritative communication, perhaps from a higher power or a divine realm.
Dickinson then goes on to describe the content of these bulletins: "The only shows I see, / Tomorrow and Today; / Perchance a Vane or two / About the way." Here, she is suggesting that the only things that truly matter to her are the eternal and the present moment. The use of the word "shows" is intriguing, as it implies something superficial or temporary, but in this context, it takes on a more profound meaning. The vane, or weather vane, is also a significant image, as it represents the fleeting, ever-changing nature of the world.
The following lines, "But that's imperious / I must have — / A thing that gladdens me, / A face in the street!" reveal the speaker's desire for something tangible, something that can provide comfort or joy in the midst of all this existential questioning. The use of the word "imperious" suggests a sense of urgency or desperation, as if the speaker cannot continue without this thing that she must have.
The poem ends with the line "Nor news, nor show, / Nor vane, nor voice, / But only Silence, / And the hush of Choice." This final stanza is perhaps the most powerful and enigmatic of the entire poem. Dickinson is saying that the only thing that truly matters in the end is the silence that comes when we are faced with a choice. This silence is not a negative thing, but rather a space for contemplation and self-reflection. It is the silence that allows us to make a choice, to assert our own agency in the face of the vastness of the universe.
Interpretation
The Only News I Know is a poem that is both deeply personal and universal in its themes. Dickinson is wrestling with the same questions that have plagued philosophers and poets for centuries: what is the nature of truth? What is the meaning of existence? How do we reconcile our finite selves with the infinite universe?
At the same time, the poem is very much a reflection of Dickinson's own life and experiences. She was known for her reclusive lifestyle, often preferring the company of her own thoughts and imagination to that of other people. In many ways, this poem can be seen as a reflection of her own search for meaning in a world that often seems chaotic and meaningless.
The use of the word "bulletins" in the first stanza is particularly significant, as it suggests a kind of divine communication or revelation. Dickinson was known for her interest in spiritual matters, and this poem can be seen as a reflection of her own spiritual journey. The bulletins from Immortality could be seen as a metaphor for the insights and revelations that come from a deep spiritual practice.
Similarly, the final stanza can be read as an affirmation of the importance of silence and contemplation in the spiritual life. It is only in the silence that we can truly hear the voice of our own inner selves and make meaningful choices about the direction of our lives.
The poem can also be read as a commentary on the limitations of language and the human capacity for understanding. Dickinson is suggesting that there are some things that are beyond words, beyond explanation. The only way to truly understand them is to experience them directly, to enter into that space of silence and contemplation.
Conclusion
The Only News I Know is a powerful and enigmatic poem that speaks to the deepest questions of the human experience. Through its spare, evocative language, Emily Dickinson manages to convey a sense of the infinite and the eternal, while also acknowledging the importance of the present moment and the individual self. It is a poem that invites us to contemplate our own place in the universe and to embrace the silence that comes with the hush of choice.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Only News I know: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with her unique style and profound insights. Her poem, The Only News I know, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and death in a way that is both poignant and thought-provoking. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem and explore the themes that make it a timeless work of art.
The Only News I know is a short poem that consists of just four lines, but its impact is immense. The poem reads:
The Only News I know Is Bulletins all Day From Immortality. The Only Shows I see, Tomorrow and Today.
At first glance, the poem may seem simple and straightforward, but a closer examination reveals a deeper meaning that is both profound and complex. The poem is a reflection on life and death, and the way in which we perceive the world around us.
The first line of the poem, "The Only News I know," sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It suggests that the speaker is not interested in the mundane news of the day, but is instead focused on something more profound and eternal. The second line, "Is Bulletins all Day," reinforces this idea, suggesting that the speaker is receiving constant updates from a source that is beyond the physical world.
The third line of the poem, "From Immortality," is perhaps the most significant. It suggests that the speaker is receiving news from a source that is eternal and unchanging. This could be interpreted as a reference to God or some other higher power that transcends the physical world. The use of the word "Immortality" suggests that the speaker is receiving news from a source that is beyond death, which reinforces the idea that the poem is a reflection on life and death.
The final line of the poem, "The Only Shows I see, Tomorrow and Today," is a powerful conclusion that ties the poem together. It suggests that the speaker is not concerned with the past or the future, but is instead focused on the present moment. The use of the word "shows" suggests that the speaker is seeing something that is beyond the physical world, which reinforces the idea that the poem is a reflection on the spiritual realm.
One of the most significant themes of the poem is the idea of mortality. The poem suggests that death is not the end, but is instead a transition to a higher state of being. The use of the word "Immortality" suggests that there is something beyond death that is eternal and unchanging. This theme is reinforced by the use of the word "shows," which suggests that the speaker is seeing something that is beyond the physical world.
Another significant theme of the poem is the idea of the present moment. The final line of the poem suggests that the speaker is focused on the present moment, and is not concerned with the past or the future. This theme is reinforced by the use of the word "today," which suggests that the speaker is living in the moment and is not concerned with what has happened in the past or what may happen in the future.
The poem also touches on the idea of spirituality. The use of the word "Immortality" suggests that the speaker is receiving news from a source that is beyond the physical world. This could be interpreted as a reference to God or some other higher power that transcends the physical world. The use of the word "shows" also suggests that the speaker is seeing something that is beyond the physical world, which reinforces the idea that the poem is a reflection on the spiritual realm.
In conclusion, The Only News I know is a masterpiece by Emily Dickinson that captures the essence of life and death in a way that is both poignant and thought-provoking. The poem explores themes of mortality, the present moment, and spirituality, and suggests that there is something beyond death that is eternal and unchanging. The poem is a testament to Dickinson's unique style and profound insights, and is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.
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