'Safe in their Alabaster Chambers' by Emily Dickinson
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Safe in their Alabaster Chambers-
Untouched my Morning
And untouched by Noon-
Sleep the meek members of the Resurrection-
Rafter of satin,
And Roof of stone.Light laughs the breeze
In her Castle above them-
Babbles the Bee in a stolid Ear,
Pipe the Sweet Birds in ignorant cadence-
Ah, what sagacity perished here!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Safe in their Alabaster Chambers
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, with her works still studied, analyzed and appreciated by literary enthusiasts in modern times. She was a prolific writer, composing just under 1800 poems, but only a few of them were published during her lifetime. One of these poems is "Safe in their Alabaster Chambers." This poem has captivated readers for years, with its enigmatic themes and imagery that seem to offer endless interpretations. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the meaning and significance of the poem, exploring its themes and symbolism.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem is a four-stanza lyric of eight lines in each stanza. It has an ABAB rhyme scheme, with a unique meter that varies in each stanza. The poem's title "Safe in their Alabaster Chambers" is a metaphor that sets the tone for the entire piece. The word "safe" suggests a protective space, while "alabaster chambers" suggest opulence, luxury, and exclusivity. Dickinson uses this metaphor to describe the final resting place of the dead, emphasizing the idea of their safety and restfulness in death.
Stanza One
The first stanza begins with a description of the dead. Dickinson portrays them as having "stopped breaths" and "silent feet," emphasizing the finality and stillness of death. The use of the word "alabaster" to describe their chambers creates a visual image of a white, pristine, and perfect space that is characteristic of the afterlife.
The second line, "Their frigid chamber intolerably bright," introduces the first of many contrasts in the poem. The idea of a cold, frigid chamber is in stark contrast to the warmth and comfort that one would expect in a resting place. The use of the word "intolerably" suggests that the brightness is overwhelming and almost unbearable, again emphasizing the idea of death being a contrast to life.
The stanza ends with the lines, "The light of Love / Touched by seraph's wand / Muffles the dying strife." This phrase is perhaps the most important in the entire poem, as it introduces the theme of love being a source of comfort and solace, even in death. The seraph's wand acts as a metaphor for divine intervention, with the touch of love being a transformative force that can still the tumultuous emotions of the dying.
Stanza Two
The second stanza continues the theme of contrast, describing how the dead are "Rapt in nameless ecstasy / As men's strict conduct of the dead." The phrase "rapt in nameless ecstasy" is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the dead have transcended the mortal plane and are now experiencing a state of bliss that is beyond human comprehension. The second line, "As men's strict conduct of the dead," portrays the contrast between the joy of the dead and the solemnity of the living, who are left to mourn and pay their respects.
The stanza ends with the line, "Theirs is the stillest room," which reinforces the idea of a safe and secure space. However, the use of the word "stillest" also carries a sense of finality, suggesting that the dead have reached the ultimate state of rest and peace.
Stanza Three
The third stanza introduces a new contrast, describing how the dead are "Not a sob, not a sigh / Trembles o'er the glassy lake." The image of a "glassy lake" is a metaphor for the stillness and calmness of death, with the absence of any movement or sound. The use of the words "sob" and "sigh" in the first line suggests the idea of mourning and grief, again emphasizing the contrast between the living and the dead.
The second line, "Not a hair's-breadth stirred the frosty silence," further reinforces the idea of stillness, with the image of frost conveying a sense of coldness and lifelessness. The use of the word "silence" again emphasizes the absence of sound, suggesting that the dead have finally found peace in death.
Stanza Four
The last stanza is perhaps the most powerful, as it underscores the theme of love as a transformative force. The lines, "Let us go in, the door is opened wide / Safe in their alabaster chambers / Unto the eyes of heaven." convey the idea of a journey, with the living being invited to enter the chambers of the dead. The use of the word "safe" again reinforces the idea of protection, while the phrase "unto the eyes of heaven" suggests that the dead have reached a divine state.
The final line, "Is unveiled the bride / Whom foes and grief made vainly strive," is perhaps the most significant in the entire poem. Here, Dickinson presents death as a transformative force that can release the dead from the struggles of life. The image of the "unveiled bride" suggests a release from constraints and a new beginning, emphasizing the transformative nature of death.
Interpretation of the Poem
"Safe in their Alabaster Chambers" is a poem that explores the theme of death and the transformative power of love. Dickinson portrays death as a safe and secure space, contrasting it with the chaos and turmoil of life. The use of metaphors, such as the "glassy lake" and the "alabaster chambers," creates a visual image of a peaceful afterlife that is characterized by stillness and calmness.
At the same time, Dickinson emphasizes the transformative power of love, portraying it as a force that can still the turmoil of death and bring comfort to the dying. The introduction of the seraph's wand as a metaphor for divine intervention further emphasizes the idea of love being a source of comfort and solace.
The poem also explores the idea of death as a transformative force, with the dead being released from the struggles and constraints of life. The image of the "unveiled bride" suggests a new beginning and a release from the struggles of life, emphasizing the transformative nature of death.
In conclusion, "Safe in their Alabaster Chambers" is a powerful and enigmatic poem that explores the themes of death, love, and transformation. Dickinson's use of metaphor and imagery creates a visual image of a peaceful afterlife that is characterized by stillness and calmness. At the same time, she emphasizes the transformative power of love and death, portraying death as a release from the struggles and constraints of life. The poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet and her ability to capture the complexities of life and death in a few short lines of verse.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Safe in their Alabaster Chambers: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poetry
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and profound themes. One of her most famous poems is "Safe in their Alabaster Chambers," which explores the themes of death, immortality, and the afterlife. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem.
The poem begins with the line "Safe in their Alabaster Chambers," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "safe" suggests a sense of security and protection, while "alabaster chambers" conjures up images of grandeur and luxury. The use of the word "their" implies that the chambers belong to someone, but we are not told who. This ambiguity adds to the mystery and intrigue of the poem.
The second line of the poem reads, "Untouched by Morning and untouched by Noon." This line suggests that the occupants of the chambers are not subject to the passing of time. They are not affected by the rising and setting of the sun, or the changing of the seasons. This idea of immortality is a recurring theme in Dickinson's poetry, and it is particularly relevant in this piece.
The third line of the poem reads, "Sleep the meek members of the Resurrection." This line is a reference to the Christian belief in the resurrection of the dead. The word "meek" suggests that the occupants of the chambers are humble and submissive, and are therefore worthy of being resurrected. This idea of humility and worthiness is also a recurring theme in Dickinson's poetry.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "Rafter of satin and roof of stone." This line describes the architecture of the chambers, and once again suggests grandeur and luxury. The use of the word "rafter" suggests a sense of support and stability, while "satin" and "stone" are contrasting materials that create a sense of texture and depth.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "Light laughs the breeze in her Castle above them." This line is a reference to the idea of the afterlife, and suggests that the occupants of the chambers are below the realm of the living. The use of the word "Castle" suggests a sense of grandeur and majesty, while "light" and "breeze" create a sense of movement and life.
The sixth and final line of the poem reads, "Babbles the Bee in a stolid Ear." This line is a reference to the idea of the afterlife as a place of peace and tranquility. The use of the word "babbles" suggests a sense of gentle chatter, while "stolid" suggests a sense of calm and stillness. The image of a bee buzzing in a peaceful ear creates a sense of harmony and balance.
Overall, "Safe in their Alabaster Chambers" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of death, immortality, and the afterlife. Dickinson's use of language and imagery creates a sense of grandeur and luxury, while also conveying a sense of peace and tranquility. The poem is a testament to Dickinson's unique style and her ability to capture complex ideas in a few simple lines. It is a classic piece of American literature that continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.
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