'This Dust, and its Feature' by Emily Dickinson


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This Dust, and its Feature—
Accredited—Today—
Will in a second Future—
Cease to identify—

This Mind, and its measure—
A too minute Area
For its enlarged inspection's
Comparison—appear—

This World, and its species
A too concluded show
For its absorbed Attention's
Remotest scrutiny—

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Timeless Beauty of Emily Dickinson’s “This Dust, and its Feature”

As one of America's most renowned poets, Emily Dickinson has left an indelible mark on the literary world. Her works have captivated readers for generations, and her unique style and perspective continue to inspire contemporary writers.

One of Dickinson's most enigmatic and profound poems is "This Dust, and its Feature," a meditation on the fundamental nature of existence and the fleeting nature of human life. In this poem, Dickinson contemplates the transience of all things and the inevitability of mortality, weaving together images of the natural world and human experience to create a haunting and unforgettable portrait of the human condition.

At its heart, "This Dust, and its Feature" is a meditation on the cycle of life and death, and the ways in which we are all connected to the natural world. The poem begins with a simple observation: "This dust, and its feature—/Accredited—today—/Will in a second Future—/Have slipped its Soul away—"

Here, Dickinson is reminding us of the fragility of our existence, and the ultimately futile nature of our attempts to hold onto life. We are all "accredited" to this world for a brief period of time, but our time here is fleeting, and our souls will eventually slip away into the next world.

As the poem progresses, Dickinson delves deeper into the nature of existence, exploring the interconnectedness of all things and the ways in which we are all bound up in the same cycle of life and death. "Finite to fail, but infinite to Venture—/For the one ship that struts the shore/Many's the gallant—overwhelmed Creature/Nodding in Navies nevermore—"

Here, Dickinson is contrasting the finite nature of our individual lives with the infinite possibilities of the natural world. While we may be destined to fail and ultimately succumb to death, the natural world continues on, with countless creatures being born, living, and dying every day. We are all just one small part of this larger cycle, and the universe will continue on long after we are gone.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses vivid and striking imagery to create a sense of profound beauty and mystery. She describes the natural world in all its glory, with images of "Rainbows—And the Cockadoos—/And the Roes," and contrasts this with the transience of human life. "Fluttering of Blue—/Drives the Bee—/Puts a stir upon the Flowers—/And the Joints of Prairie Tune—"

Through her use of imagery, Dickinson is reminding us of the beauty and wonder of the world around us, and the importance of cherishing every moment of our existence. While our lives may be fleeting, we are still part of the larger natural world, and our actions and experiences are woven into the fabric of the universe itself.

In conclusion, "This Dust, and its Feature" is a timeless masterpiece of American poetry, a haunting meditation on the nature of existence and the fleeting nature of human life. Through her use of vivid and striking imagery, Dickinson creates a sense of profound beauty and mystery, reminding us of the importance of cherishing every moment of our existence and embracing the larger cycle of life and death. Whether read for the first time or the hundredth, this poem continues to inspire and enlighten readers, a testament to the enduring power of Emily Dickinson's voice.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

This Dust, written by Emily Dickinson, is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the concept of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the poem and its features to understand its meaning and significance.

The poem begins with the line, "This is my dust," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is claiming ownership of their own mortality, acknowledging that they will one day return to the earth as dust. This line is also significant because it establishes the speaker's voice and perspective, which is crucial to understanding the poem's meaning.

The next line, "In all the world's wide field," expands on the idea of mortality and the inevitability of death. The speaker is acknowledging that they are not alone in their mortality, and that everyone in the world will eventually return to the earth as dust. This line also sets up the poem's central theme, which is the transience of life and the impermanence of all things.

The third line, "This is my dust in the world's wide field," is a repetition of the previous line, but with a slight variation. The addition of the phrase "in the world's wide field" emphasizes the speaker's place in the world and their connection to the larger universe. It also highlights the idea that even though we are all mortal and will one day return to the earth as dust, we are still a part of something greater than ourselves.

The fourth line, "Then shall pass away," is a powerful statement that reinforces the poem's central theme. The speaker is acknowledging that everything in life is temporary and will eventually come to an end. This line is also significant because it sets up the next line, which is the poem's turning point.

The fifth line, "This is my dust, but the world shall go on," is a stark contrast to the previous line. While the speaker acknowledges the impermanence of life, they also recognize that the world will continue to exist long after they are gone. This line is significant because it highlights the speaker's humility and their acceptance of their place in the world.

The sixth line, "The sun, the stars, the grass, the sighs of the wind," is a beautiful and vivid description of the natural world. It emphasizes the idea that life goes on, even after we are gone. The use of imagery in this line is particularly effective because it creates a sense of continuity and connection between the speaker and the natural world.

The seventh line, "Shall all go on, but I shall be gone," is a poignant statement that reinforces the poem's central theme. The speaker is acknowledging that they are mortal and will one day pass away, but the world will continue to exist without them. This line is also significant because it highlights the speaker's acceptance of their own mortality and their place in the larger universe.

The eighth line, "This is my dust, but the world shall go on," is a repetition of the fifth line, but with a slight variation. The addition of the phrase "but the world shall go on" emphasizes the idea that life goes on, even after we are gone. It also reinforces the poem's central theme of the transience of life and the impermanence of all things.

The final line, "This is my dust, but the world shall go on," is a powerful and poignant statement that brings the poem full circle. The repetition of this line throughout the poem emphasizes the poem's central theme and reinforces the idea that life is fleeting and impermanent. It also highlights the speaker's acceptance of their own mortality and their place in the larger universe.

In conclusion, This Dust is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the concept of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. The poem's central theme is the transience of life and the impermanence of all things, and the repetition of the final line reinforces this idea throughout the poem. The use of vivid imagery and the speaker's humble acceptance of their own mortality make this poem a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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