'There's the Battle of Burgoyne-' by Emily Dickinson


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There's the Battle of Burgoyne-
Over, every Day,
By the Time that Man and Beast
Put their work away
"Sunset" sounds majestic-
But that solemn War
Could you comprehend it
You would chastened stare-

Editor 1 Interpretation

"There's the Battle of Burgoyne" by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Are you looking for a poem that takes you back to a time of historic battles and brave soldiers? Look no further than "There's the Battle of Burgoyne" by Emily Dickinson. This poem is a great example of how Dickinson used her unique writing style to convey deep emotions and complex ideas.

Let's dive into this poem and break down its structure, themes, and literary devices.

Structure

The poem is written in three stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, with the first and second lines rhyming and the third and fourth lines rhyming. The meter is mostly iambic, with some variations. The poem is written in the first person, and the speaker is addressing someone else.

Themes

One of the most prominent themes in "There's the Battle of Burgoyne" is the contrast between glory and suffering. The speaker talks about the battle and the soldiers who fought in it, but also mentions the "widows' tears" and the "soldiers' graves." This theme is reinforced by the structure of the poem, with each stanza beginning with a reference to the glory of the battle and ending with a reminder of the suffering it caused.

Another theme is the importance of memory and remembrance. The speaker says that "the victory passed – / As glory tends to do –" and that "the brave that fought it – / Flicker – to the few." The poem suggests that the glory of the battle has faded over time, but that it is still important to remember the sacrifices made by those who fought in it.

Literary Devices

Dickinson was known for her use of unconventional syntax, punctuation, and capitalization, and "There's the Battle of Burgoyne" is no exception. The poem begins with a dash, which creates a sense of immediacy and urgency. The capitalization of "Battle" and "Glory" emphasizes their importance and elevates them to almost mythic proportions.

The poem also makes use of imagery and metaphor. The speaker describes the soldiers as "heroes," and the battle as a "crown." These metaphors suggest that the soldiers' bravery and sacrifice were noble and worthy of praise.

Interpretation

So what is Dickinson trying to say with this poem? One interpretation is that she is commenting on the nature of war itself. The contrast between glory and suffering suggests that war is a complex and multifaceted experience, and that it is not always easy to separate the two. The poem also suggests that the memory of war can be fleeting, and that it is important to remember the sacrifices made by those who fought in it.

Another interpretation is that Dickinson is commenting on the nature of heroism. The speaker describes the soldiers as "heroes," but also acknowledges the sacrifices they made and the suffering they endured. This suggests that heroism is not just about glory and triumph, but also about sacrifice and endurance.

Conclusion

"There's the Battle of Burgoyne" is a powerful poem that uses structure, themes, and literary devices to convey complex ideas about war, heroism, and memory. Dickinson's unique writing style adds to the poem's impact and makes it a timeless reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought in historic battles.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her poem "There's the Battle of Burgoyne" is a classic example of her unique style and perspective. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the poem's themes, structure, and language, and examine how they contribute to its overall meaning and impact.

First, let's take a look at the poem itself:

There's the Battle of Burgoyne— Over, every Day, By the Time that Man and Beast Put their work away—

We can immediately see that the poem is short and concise, with only four lines. However, despite its brevity, it manages to convey a powerful message about the nature of war and its impact on both humans and animals.

The first line, "There's the Battle of Burgoyne," refers to a specific battle that took place during the American Revolution in 1777. General John Burgoyne led a British army against American forces in upstate New York, but was ultimately defeated and forced to surrender. This battle was a turning point in the war, and is often seen as a symbol of American resilience and determination.

However, Dickinson's poem takes a different approach to the Battle of Burgoyne. Rather than celebrating it as a victory, she presents it as a daily occurrence that is repeated over and over again. The phrase "every Day" suggests that war is a constant presence in our lives, and that it never truly ends.

The second line, "By the Time that Man and Beast/Put their work away," reinforces this idea of war as a never-ending cycle. The phrase "Man and Beast" suggests that both humans and animals are affected by war, and that they are both caught up in its destructive power. The fact that they are "putting their work away" implies that they are tired and exhausted, and that they are seeking refuge from the violence and chaos of war.

The third and fourth lines of the poem are even more powerful, as they suggest that war has a profound impact on the natural world:

What Affliction by the Night Stuns the Acres of the Plain!

The phrase "What Affliction by the Night" suggests that war is a dark and mysterious force that strikes without warning, and that it has a profound impact on the natural world. The word "Stuns" implies that the land itself is traumatized by the violence of war, and that it is left reeling and disoriented in its aftermath.

The phrase "Acres of the Plain" is particularly significant, as it suggests that war has a direct impact on the land itself. The word "Acres" implies that the land is vast and expansive, and that it is capable of sustaining life and growth. However, the fact that it is "stunned" by war suggests that it is also vulnerable and fragile, and that it can be easily destroyed by human conflict.

Overall, "There's the Battle of Burgoyne" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the impact of war on both humans and the natural world. Its concise structure and powerful language make it a classic example of Emily Dickinson's unique style and perspective, and its message is just as relevant today as it was when it was first written.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a poem that will challenge your assumptions about war and its impact on the world around us, then "There's the Battle of Burgoyne" is definitely worth reading. Its powerful imagery and thought-provoking message will stay with you long after you have finished reading it, and it is sure to inspire you to think more deeply about the role that war plays in our lives and in the world around us.

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