'Water makes many Beds' by Emily Dickinson


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Water makes many Beds
For those averse to sleep—
Its awful chamber open stands—
Its Curtains blandly sweep—
Abhorrent is the Rest
In undulating Rooms
Whose Amplitude no end invades—
Whose Axis never comes.

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

Water Makes Many Beds: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated American poets of all time, and "Water Makes Many Beds" is one of her most intriguing poems. In this work, she explores the power of water and how it shapes the world around us. However, there are many layers to this poem, and it can be interpreted in a variety of ways. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbols, and imagery in "Water Makes Many Beds" and try to understand what Dickinson was trying to communicate through this poem.

The Poem

Before we dive into the analysis, let's take a look at the poem itself:

Water makes many Beds For those averse to sleep — Its awful chamber open stands — Its Curtains blandly sweep —

Abhorrent is the Rest In undulating Rooms Whose Amplitude no end invades — Whose Axis never comes —

Themes

One of the key themes in "Water Makes Many Beds" is the power of nature. Dickinson portrays water as a force that shapes the world around us and has the power to both create and destroy. She describes how water makes "many Beds" for those who are "averse to sleep," suggesting that water is a natural sleep aid that can lull us into a peaceful slumber.

At the same time, however, Dickinson also portrays water as a force that can be terrifying and overwhelming. She describes the "awful chamber" of water, which is open and inviting but also suggests a sense of danger and risk. The "undulating Rooms" of water are described as "abhorrent," suggesting a sense of repulsion or disgust.

Another theme in "Water Makes Many Beds" is the idea of restlessness and anxiety. Dickinson portrays the undulating rooms of water as infinite and endless, with no axis or limit. This suggests a sense of restlessness and anxiety, as if the speaker is trapped in a never-ending cycle of motion and change. The curtains of water "blandly sweep," suggesting a sense of calm and tranquility, but this is juxtaposed with the sense of unease and discomfort that permeates the poem.

Symbols

Dickinson uses a number of symbols in "Water Makes Many Beds" to convey her themes and ideas. One of the key symbols is water itself, which represents the natural world and the forces that shape our lives. Water is both a symbol of life and a symbol of death, as it can bring both nourishment and destruction.

The "many Beds" that water makes can be seen as a symbol of the many different paths that life can take. Each bed represents a different possibility or outcome, and the speaker seems to be struggling with the uncertainty and anxiety that comes with these choices.

The curtains of water can be seen as a symbol of the veil that separates us from the unknown. The speaker is both drawn to and repulsed by the open chamber of water, and the curtains suggest a sense of mystery and intrigue that surrounds this force of nature.

Imagery

Dickinson's use of imagery in "Water Makes Many Beds" is both vivid and evocative. She describes the undulating rooms of water as "abhorrent," a word that suggests a sense of repulsion or disgust. The image of the water's amplitude invading with no end suggests a sense of overwhelming power and unpredictability.

The curtains of water are described as "blandly sweep[ing]," suggesting a sense of calm and tranquility. However, this is juxtaposed with the sense of unease and anxiety that permeates the poem. The curtains also suggest a sense of mystery and intrigue, as if there is something hidden behind them that the speaker cannot see.

Interpretation

So, what does all of this mean? It can be difficult to pin down exactly what Dickinson was trying to say in "Water Makes Many Beds," but one interpretation is that she was exploring the relationship between nature and humanity. The undulating rooms of water represent the natural world, which is both beautiful and terrifying, while the speaker represents humanity, which is drawn to and repulsed by this force of nature.

The many beds that water makes can be seen as a symbol of the different paths that life can take, and the uncertainty and anxiety that comes with these choices. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that while the natural world can be overwhelming and even frightening, it also has the power to bring us peace and tranquility.

Conclusion

"Water Makes Many Beds" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores the power of nature and the relationship between humanity and the natural world. Through her use of symbols and imagery, Emily Dickinson creates a vivid and evocative picture of the undulating rooms of water and the many beds that it makes.

While the exact meaning of the poem may be open to interpretation, it is clear that Dickinson was exploring some of the deepest and most profound questions of human existence. "Water Makes Many Beds" is a testament to her skill as a poet and her ability to capture the essence of the human experience in just a few short lines.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Water Makes Many Beds: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems, "Water makes many Beds," is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the power of nature and the human experience. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and analyze its themes, imagery, and symbolism.

The poem begins with the line, "Water makes many Beds," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "beds" is interesting, as it can be interpreted in a variety of ways. On one hand, it could refer to the literal beds that water can create, such as the ripples and waves in a lake or ocean. On the other hand, it could be a metaphor for the many paths and journeys that life can take us on, each one a different "bed" that we must lie in.

The next line, "For those averse to sleep," adds another layer to this interpretation. It suggests that the "beds" that water creates are not necessarily comfortable or restful, but rather challenging and perhaps even unsettling. This could be seen as a metaphor for the struggles and hardships that we all face in life, and the idea that we must learn to adapt and find comfort in uncomfortable situations.

The third line, "Its soothing lullaby," introduces the idea of water as a calming and soothing force. This is a common theme in literature and poetry, as water is often associated with tranquility and peace. The use of the word "lullaby" reinforces this idea, as it suggests a gentle and comforting melody that can lull us into a state of relaxation and peace.

The fourth line, "Itself cannot slumber," is perhaps the most interesting and thought-provoking line in the poem. It suggests that while water can create a sense of calm and tranquility, it is always in motion and never truly at rest. This could be interpreted in a number of ways, but one possible interpretation is that it represents the constant change and evolution of life. No matter how calm or peaceful things may seem, there is always movement and change happening beneath the surface.

The fifth line, "On the contrary," reinforces this idea by suggesting that water is actually quite active and dynamic. It is not a passive force that simply exists, but rather an active agent that shapes and transforms the world around it. This could be seen as a metaphor for the power of human agency and the idea that we have the ability to shape our own lives and the world around us.

The final line, "Blue isles enroute," adds a touch of mystery and intrigue to the poem. The use of the word "isles" suggests a journey or voyage, and the fact that they are "blue" adds a sense of wonder and beauty to the image. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the many paths and journeys that we take in life, each one leading us to new and exciting destinations.

Overall, "Water makes many Beds" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores a number of themes and ideas related to the human experience. Through its use of vivid imagery and powerful symbolism, it encourages us to embrace the challenges and struggles of life, find comfort in the midst of discomfort, and appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world around us.

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