'Two swimmers wrestled on the spar' by Emily Dickinson
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Two swimmers wrestled on the spar—
Until the morning sun—
When One—turned smiling to the land—
Oh God! the Other One!
The stray ships—passing—
Spied a face—
Upon the waters borne—
With eyes in death—still begging raised—
And hands—beseeching—thrown!
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Two swimmers wrestled on the spar" - A Critical Analysis
Emily Dickinson's "Two swimmers wrestled on the spar" is a poem that speaks to the complexity of human relationships and the struggles that come with them. Through the use of metaphor and imagery, Dickinson explores the ways in which people interact with one another and the tensions that can arise as a result.
At its core, the poem is about two individuals who are struggling to maintain their balance on a spar, or a long piece of wood that is used as a support for a boat's sails. As they grapple with one another, they are also grappling with the forces of nature that threaten to pull them apart. Ultimately, the poem is a meditation on the fragility of human connection and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Understanding the Metaphor
The spar is a powerful metaphor in this poem, representing both the physical support that keeps the two swimmers afloat and the emotional connection that binds them together. Through their struggle to maintain their balance on the spar, the two swimmers are also struggling to maintain their connection to one another.
The spar is a precarious support, constantly shifting and moving in response to the forces of wind and water. In much the same way, human relationships are also constantly shifting and changing, affected by both external and internal forces. The struggle to maintain one's balance on the spar is a metaphor for the struggle to maintain one's connection to another person in the face of these changes.
The Tension Between Cooperation and Competition
One of the most interesting aspects of this poem is the tension between cooperation and competition that is evident throughout. On the one hand, the two swimmers are working together to maintain their balance on the spar. They are dependent on one another for support, and without each other, they would surely fall into the water.
At the same time, however, there is a sense of competition between the two swimmers. They are "wrestling" with one another, vying for control of the spar. This tension between cooperation and competition is a reflection of the complex nature of human relationships. We often find ourselves simultaneously working with and against one another, seeking to find a balance between these two competing impulses.
The Importance of Perseverance
Throughout the poem, there is a sense of struggle and perseverance. The two swimmers are struggling to maintain their balance on the spar, and they are determined to keep going despite the challenges they face. This perseverance is a reflection of the importance of maintaining human connections, even in the face of adversity.
The spar represents the fragile support that keeps the two swimmers afloat, and it is constantly shifting and moving in response to the forces of nature. In much the same way, human relationships are also constantly shifting and changing, affected by both external and internal forces.
Despite these challenges, however, the two swimmers continue to struggle and persevere. They are determined to maintain their connection to one another, even in the face of adversity. This perseverance is a testament to the strength and resilience of human relationships, and the importance of working to maintain these connections even when it is difficult.
Conclusion
In "Two swimmers wrestled on the spar," Emily Dickinson explores the complex nature of human relationships through the use of metaphor and imagery. The spar represents both the physical support that keeps the swimmers afloat and the emotional connection that binds them together. Through their struggle to maintain their balance on the spar, the swimmers are also struggling to maintain their connection to one another.
The tension between cooperation and competition that is evident throughout the poem is a reflection of the complex nature of human relationships. We are constantly working with and against one another, seeking to find a balance between these two competing impulses.
Ultimately, however, the poem is a meditation on the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges they face, the two swimmers continue to struggle and persevere, determined to maintain their connection to one another even in the face of the shifting and changing forces of nature. It is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of human relationships, and the importance of working to maintain these connections even when it is difficult.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Two Swimmers Wrestled on the Spar: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most renowned poets in American literature, known for her unique style and unconventional themes. Her poem "Two Swimmers Wrestled on the Spar" is a classic example of her work, and it has been analyzed and interpreted by scholars and enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this poem, exploring its themes, imagery, and literary devices.
The Poem
Two Swimmers wrestled on the Spar –
Until the morning Sun –
When One – turned smiling to the land –
Oh God! the Other One!
The stray ships – passing – Spied a face –
Upon the waters borne –
With eyes in death – still begging raised –
And hands – beseeching – thrown!
Themes
The poem revolves around the theme of mortality and the inevitability of death. The two swimmers represent human beings struggling against the current of life, trying to stay afloat and survive. However, despite their efforts, one of them succumbs to the power of the sea and drowns. The image of the "stray ships passing" emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the fact that we are all just passing through, like ships in the night.
Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of the unknown and the mysterious. The poem leaves many questions unanswered, such as who the two swimmers are, why they are wrestling, and what their relationship is. The fact that one of them dies and the other survives adds to the sense of mystery and uncertainty. The image of the "eyes in death – still begging raised" suggests that there is something beyond death, something that we cannot fully comprehend or understand.
Imagery
Dickinson's use of imagery is one of the most striking aspects of the poem. The spar, which is a long, thin pole used to support the sails of a ship, represents the precariousness of life and the struggle to stay afloat. The fact that the two swimmers are wrestling on it adds to the sense of danger and instability. The image of the "morning Sun" suggests a new beginning, a fresh start, but it also highlights the fact that the struggle has been going on for some time.
The image of the "stray ships passing" emphasizes the idea of transience and the fleeting nature of life. The fact that they "spied a face" suggests that the swimmers are not just anonymous figures, but individuals with their own stories and histories. The image of the "eyes in death – still begging raised" is particularly haunting, as it suggests that even in death, there is a sense of longing and yearning for something more.
Literary Devices
Dickinson's use of literary devices is also noteworthy. The repetition of the word "One" in the third line emphasizes the contrast between the two swimmers and their fates. The exclamation "Oh God!" adds to the sense of shock and horror at the suddenness of the death. The use of dashes throughout the poem creates a sense of fragmentation and disjointedness, as if the poem itself is struggling to make sense of what has happened.
The poem also contains several instances of personification, such as the "morning Sun" and the "stray ships passing." These images give a sense of life and movement to the natural world, emphasizing the fact that life goes on even in the face of death.
Conclusion
"Two Swimmers Wrestled on the Spar" is a powerful and haunting poem that explores the themes of mortality, transience, and the unknown. Dickinson's use of imagery and literary devices creates a sense of tension and unease, as if the poem itself is struggling to come to terms with the suddenness and finality of death. The fact that the poem leaves many questions unanswered adds to its enigmatic quality, making it a classic example of Dickinson's unique style and vision.
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