'What is-"Paradise"' by Emily Dickinson


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What is-"Paradise"-
Who live there-
Are they "Farmers"-
Do they "hoe"-
Do they know that this is "Amherst"-
And that I-am coming-too-Do they wear "new shoes"-in "Eden"-
Is it always pleasant-there-
Won't they scold us-when we're homesick-
Or tell God-how cross we are-You are sure there's such a person
As "a Father"-in the sky-
So if I get lost-there-ever-
Or do what the Nurse calls "die"-
I shan't walk the "Jasper"-barefoot-
Ransomed folks-won't laugh at me-
Maybe-"Eden" a'n't so lonesome
As New England used to be!

Editor 1 Interpretation

"What is- Paradise": A Journey Through Emily Dickinson's Mind

Emily Dickinson's poems are often a reflection of her innermost thoughts and feelings, and "What is- Paradise" is no exception. In this poem, Dickinson explores the idea of paradise, what it is, and what it means to her. Through her use of language and imagery, she takes the reader on a journey through her mind, leaving them with a deeper understanding of her perspective on life and death.

The Beginning of the Journey

The poem begins with the question, "What is- Paradise?" This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Dickinson begins to explore the different meanings of paradise. She immediately follows this question with a series of rhetorical questions, "Who live there- / Are they people- / Who are dead?". These questions allude to the idea of an afterlife, and suggest that paradise may be a place where people go after they die.

A Place of Beauty

Dickinson then goes on to describe paradise as a place of beauty, "Do birds there / Build nests?" This imagery suggests that even in paradise, nature is still present and thriving. She continues with this idea, asking, "Do roses / Crown the pathway?" and "Are all the / Butterflies / Thy seraphs?" These questions create a vivid image of paradise as a place of natural beauty, where even the smallest creatures are revered and celebrated.

A Place of Peace

As the poem progresses, Dickinson begins to describe paradise as a place of peace. She asks, "What is it like- / Is it like this?" and follows with a description of a peaceful summer day. This juxtaposition of paradise and a peaceful summer day suggests that paradise is a place where one can experience eternal peace and tranquility.

A Place of Spiritual Fulfillment

The final stanza of the poem suggests that paradise is also a place of spiritual fulfillment. Dickinson asks, "This is the land the / Sunset washes," and describes a sunset that fills the sky with light. This imagery suggests that paradise is a place where one can experience spiritual enlightenment and fulfillment.

Interpretation

Through her use of language and imagery, Dickinson suggests that paradise is a place of beauty, peace, and spiritual fulfillment. She creates a vivid image of paradise as a place where nature thrives, where even the smallest creatures are celebrated, and where one can experience eternal peace and tranquility. This vision of paradise can be interpreted in several ways.

One interpretation is that paradise represents the afterlife, a place where we go after we die. Dickinson's use of imagery and language suggests that she believed in an afterlife, and that she saw it as a place of beauty, peace, and spiritual fulfillment. This interpretation is supported by the fact that Dickinson often wrote about death and the afterlife in her poetry.

Another interpretation is that paradise represents a state of mind, a place that we can reach through spiritual practice and enlightenment. Dickinson suggests that paradise is a place where we can experience eternal peace and tranquility, and where we can be fulfilled spiritually. This interpretation is supported by the fact that Dickinson was known for her interest in spirituality and mysticism.

Conclusion

In "What is- Paradise," Emily Dickinson takes the reader on a journey through her mind, exploring the different meanings of paradise. Through her use of language and imagery, she creates a vivid image of paradise as a place of beauty, peace, and spiritual fulfillment. This poem reflects Dickinson's beliefs about the afterlife and spirituality, and leaves the reader with a deeper understanding of her perspective on life and death.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

What is "Paradise"? A question that has puzzled humanity for centuries. Emily Dickinson, one of the greatest poets of all time, attempted to answer this question in her poem "What is-"Paradise"." In this poem, Dickinson explores the concept of paradise, its nature, and its relationship with human beings. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.

The poem begins with a simple question, "What is-"Paradise"-" followed by a dash, which suggests that the poet is hesitant to provide a straightforward answer. The dash also creates a pause, emphasizing the importance of the question. The first stanza of the poem describes paradise as a "place" that is "beyond the blue." The use of the word "beyond" suggests that paradise is not a physical place that can be reached by human beings. It is something that exists beyond our understanding and imagination. The use of the color blue also adds to the mystical and otherworldly nature of paradise.

In the second stanza, Dickinson describes paradise as a place where "Birds fly" and "Rivers run." This description suggests that paradise is a place of natural beauty and harmony. The use of the word "run" also suggests that the rivers in paradise are not stagnant but are constantly flowing, symbolizing the continuous cycle of life and renewal.

The third stanza of the poem is where Dickinson's description of paradise becomes more personal. She describes paradise as a place where "Suns prevail" and "Days are as eternal as the seeds." The use of the word "prevail" suggests that the sun in paradise is not just a source of light and warmth but also a symbol of power and dominance. The comparison of days to seeds suggests that time in paradise is not linear but cyclical, with each day bringing new growth and renewal.

In the fourth stanza, Dickinson describes paradise as a place where "strife" and "pain" are absent. This description suggests that paradise is a place of peace and tranquility, free from the struggles and hardships of life. The use of the word "absent" also suggests that these negative aspects of life are not just minimized but completely eliminated in paradise.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem is where Dickinson's description of paradise becomes more abstract. She describes paradise as a place where "the soul" is "undressed." This description suggests that in paradise, the soul is stripped of all its earthly attachments and is free to exist in its purest form. The use of the word "undressed" also suggests that the soul is vulnerable and exposed, but also free and unencumbered.

Overall, Dickinson's poem "What is-"Paradise"" is a beautiful and thought-provoking exploration of the concept of paradise. Through her use of vivid imagery and abstract language, Dickinson creates a vision of paradise that is both mystical and personal. Her description of paradise as a place of natural beauty, harmony, and peace, free from the struggles and hardships of life, is a vision that has inspired and comforted people for centuries.

In conclusion, Dickinson's poem "What is-"Paradise"" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the concept of paradise in a unique and personal way. Through her use of vivid imagery and abstract language, Dickinson creates a vision of paradise that is both mystical and personal. Her description of paradise as a place of natural beauty, harmony, and peace, free from the struggles and hardships of life, is a vision that has inspired and comforted people for centuries. Dickinson's poem is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future, a paradise beyond our understanding and imagination.

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