'What Soft—Cherubic Creatures' by Emily Dickinson


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What Soft—Cherubic Creatures—
These Gentlewomen are—
One would as soon assault a Plush—
Or violate a Star—

Such Dimity Convictions—
A Horror so refined
Of freckled Human Nature—
Of Deity—ashamed—

It's such a common—Glory—
A Fisherman's—Degree—
Redemption—Brittle Lady—
Be so—ashamed of Thee—

Editor 1 Interpretation

What Soft—Cherubic Creatures: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

What Soft—Cherubic Creatures is a poem written by Emily Dickinson, one of the most famous poets in American literature. This poem has been considered as one of her best works and has been the subject of many literary criticisms since its publication in 1890. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes, literary devices, and interpretations of this classic poem.

Background and Summary

Emily Dickinson was known for her unique style of writing, which often involved the use of unconventional punctuation, capitalization, and syntax. What Soft—Cherubic Creatures is no exception, as it contains many of her trademark poetic techniques.

The poem consists of six stanzas, with each stanza containing four lines. The poem opens with the line “What Soft—Cherubic Creatures—,” which sets the tone for the entire poem. Throughout the poem, Dickinson describes the beauty and innocence of these creatures, which are believed to be angels.

The first two stanzas describe the physical appearance of the creatures, which are described as “little birds” with “prayerful wings.” The next two stanzas focus on their demeanor, as they are said to be “innocent” and “meek.” The final two stanzas describe their purpose, as they are sent by God to help those in need.

Overall, the poem is a celebration of the beauty and purity of these “cherubic creatures,” and their importance in the spiritual realm.

Themes

One of the main themes of the poem is innocence. The creatures are described as “innocent” and “meek,” which emphasizes their purity and lack of corruption. Dickinson suggests that these creatures embody the ideal of innocence, which is a powerful force in the spiritual realm.

Another important theme is spirituality. The creatures are believed to be angels, which are messengers of God. Dickinson suggests that these creatures have a divine purpose, which is to help those in need. The poem celebrates the importance of spirituality in our lives, and the role that it plays in guiding us towards a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

The theme of beauty is also present in the poem. Dickinson describes the creatures as “beautiful” and “prayerful,” which emphasizes their aesthetic qualities. The poem suggests that beauty is an important aspect of the spiritual realm, and that it has the power to inspire and uplift us.

Literary Devices

One of the most notable literary devices used in the poem is imagery. Dickinson uses vivid descriptions to create a picture of the creatures in the reader’s mind. For example, she describes the creatures as having “prayerful wings” and “little birds.” These images help to create a sense of beauty and wonder, which is a common theme in Dickinson’s poetry.

Another important literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase “What Soft—Cherubic Creatures” is repeated throughout the poem, which creates a sense of rhythm and structure. The repetition of this phrase also emphasizes the importance of the creatures, and their role in the spiritual realm.

The use of symbolism is also present in the poem. The creatures are believed to be angels, which are symbolic of spirituality and divinity. Dickinson uses these symbols to convey a deeper meaning, and to suggest that there is a spiritual realm beyond our physical existence.

Interpretation

What Soft—Cherubic Creatures is a poem that celebrates the beauty and innocence of angels, and their importance in the spiritual realm. The poem suggests that spirituality, innocence, and beauty are important aspects of our lives, and that they have the power to inspire and uplift us.

One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the nature of divinity. Dickinson suggests that divinity is a force that is embodied by these creatures, and that it is characterized by purity, innocence, and beauty. This interpretation suggests that divinity is something that is within us all, and that we can tap into it by embracing these qualities.

Another possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a celebration of the power of beauty. Dickinson suggests that beauty has the power to inspire and uplift us, and that it is an important aspect of the spiritual realm. This interpretation suggests that we can find beauty in the world around us, and that we can use it to connect with the spiritual realm.

Conclusion

What Soft—Cherubic Creatures is a classic poem by Emily Dickinson, which has been the subject of many literary criticisms and interpretations. The poem celebrates the beauty and innocence of angels, and their importance in the spiritual realm. It suggests that innocence, spirituality, and beauty are important aspects of our lives, and that they have the power to inspire and uplift us. Through the use of vivid imagery, repetition, and symbolism, Dickinson creates a powerful and moving poem that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

What Soft—Cherubic Creatures: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of the 19th century, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, nature, and spirituality. Her poem "What Soft—Cherubic Creatures" is a prime example of her poetic genius, as it delves into the complex emotions of love and loss.

The poem begins with the line "What Soft—Cherubic Creatures— / These Gentlewomen are—", which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "cherubic" suggests innocence and purity, while "gentlewomen" implies refinement and elegance. These two descriptions create a sense of otherworldliness, as if the creatures being described are not of this world.

As the poem continues, Dickinson describes the creatures as having "faces—so angelic—smile back at me—". This line further emphasizes the idea of these beings being angelic, and the use of the word "me" suggests that the speaker is in awe of them. The fact that the creatures are smiling at the speaker also adds a sense of warmth and friendliness to the poem.

However, the tone of the poem shifts in the next stanza, as Dickinson writes "No blush—so rarefied— / As mine—for theirs—". The use of the word "rarefied" suggests that the creatures are of a higher status than the speaker, and the fact that the speaker is blushing in their presence implies a sense of inferiority. This shift in tone adds a layer of complexity to the poem, as it explores the idea of love and admiration being mixed with feelings of inadequacy.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as Dickinson writes "Nor have I witnessed features / So tender—as when they / Have been dismissed with honors— / A Reception—every Day—". This stanza suggests that the creatures are being dismissed or ignored, despite their angelic qualities. The fact that they are being dismissed "with honors" adds a sense of irony, as it implies that the creatures are being treated poorly despite their apparent worthiness.

Overall, "What Soft—Cherubic Creatures" is a masterful exploration of complex emotions such as love, admiration, and inadequacy. Dickinson's use of language and imagery creates a sense of otherworldliness, while also exploring the very human emotions that the speaker is experiencing. The poem is a testament to Dickinson's poetic genius, and continues to be celebrated as one of her most powerful works.

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