'Dominion lasts until obtained—' by Emily Dickinson


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Dominion lasts until obtained—
Possession just as long—
But these—endowing as they flit
Eternally belong.

How everlasting are the Lips
Known only to the Dew—
These are the Brides of permanence
Supplanting me and you.

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dominion Lasts Until Obtained: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson is a master of poetry characterized by her unique and unconventional style. She often uses imagery to convey complex ideas in her work, and her poem "Dominion lasts until obtained" is no exception. In this literary criticism, we will delve into the meaning of this poem, exploring the themes, symbols, and literary devices that Dickinson employs.

The Poem

Before we dive into the analysis, let us read the poem in its entirety:

Dominion lasts until obtained

Achieved, but never held

Dominion over all you own

Wiser to move within

On the surface, the poem seems straightforward. But as we unravel each line, we realize that Dickinson's words hold a more profound meaning.

Analysis

Title

The title of the poem, "Dominion lasts until obtained," sets the tone of the piece. Dominion refers to power or control over something, and the phrase "lasts until obtained" implies that this power is fleeting. This title suggests that control is not permanent and that it must be obtained continuously.

The First Line

The opening line of the poem, "Dominion lasts until obtained," emphasizes the transitory nature of power. The word "lasts" implies that control is not permanent, and the phrase "until obtained" suggests that power is something that must be earned.

The Second Line

The second line, "Achieved, but never held," further underscores the idea that control is fleeting. Even if we achieve power, we cannot hold onto it indefinitely. This line emphasizes the idea that we must continually work to maintain control.

The Third Line

The third line, "Dominion over all you own," is a crucial line in the poem. The phrase "all you own" implies that we have control over our possessions. However, it also suggests that we are limited in our control. We can only dominate what we own or possess physically.

The Fourth Line

The final line of the poem, "Wiser to move within," provides a resolution to the poem's themes. This line seems to suggest that we should focus on our inner selves rather than seeking control over external factors. The word "move" suggests that we should take action, but the phrase "within" implies that this action should be directed inward.

Themes

The poem explores several themes, including the fleeting nature of control, the limitations of ownership, and the importance of self-reflection. The central theme of the poem is the idea that power is fleeting and must be continually maintained. Dickinson emphasizes that control is something that must be earned and cannot be held onto indefinitely. The poem also explores the idea that ownership is limited. We can only control what we possess physically, and even then, our control is temporary.

Finally, the poem highlights the importance of self-reflection. Dickinson suggests that we should focus on our inner selves rather than seeking control over external factors. This theme is particularly relevant in today's society, where people are often obsessed with controlling their environment.

Literary Devices

Dickinson employs several literary devices to convey her ideas effectively. The most prominent literary device in the poem is imagery. The poem is full of vivid images that help to convey the themes of the piece. For example, the phrase "Dominion over all you own" conjures up an image of someone with their hands outstretched, trying to grasp everything they possess.

The poem also uses repetition to emphasize the central themes. The phrase "Dominion lasts until obtained" is repeated twice in the poem, emphasizing the fleeting nature of control. The repetition of the phrase "move within" also emphasizes the importance of self-reflection.

Symbolism

The poem uses several symbols to convey its themes. The most prominent symbol is the idea of ownership. Dickinson suggests that we have control over our possessions, but this control is limited. The idea of ownership symbolizes the limitations of control.

Another symbol used in the poem is the idea of "moving within." This phrase symbolizes the importance of self-reflection and the idea that we should focus on our inner selves rather than seeking control over external factors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "Dominion lasts until obtained" explores the idea that control is fleeting and must be continually maintained. The poem suggests that ownership is limited, and we can only control what we possess physically. The piece highlights the importance of self-reflection and the need to focus on our inner selves rather than seeking control over external factors. Dickinson employs several literary devices and symbols to convey these themes effectively, making the poem a masterpiece of poetic literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Dominion Lasts Until Obtained: A Poetic Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, nature, and spirituality. Her poem "Dominion lasts until obtained" is a perfect example of her exceptional talent in crafting thought-provoking and powerful pieces of literature.

The poem begins with the line "Dominion lasts until obtained," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "dominion" refers to power or control over something, and the phrase "until obtained" suggests that this power is not easily acquired. This opening line is a powerful statement that sets the stage for the rest of the poem.

The second line of the poem, "Achievement is joy," further emphasizes the idea that obtaining power or control over something is a significant accomplishment. The word "achievement" suggests that this power is not given but earned through hard work and dedication. The word "joy" suggests that the reward for this hard work is a sense of happiness and fulfillment.

The third line of the poem, "Success is but a nether birth," is a bit more cryptic. The word "success" suggests that the achievement of power or control is not the end goal but rather a stepping stone to something greater. The phrase "nether birth" is a bit more difficult to interpret, but it could suggest that this success is only the beginning of a new journey or a new phase of life.

The fourth line of the poem, "Grief only breeds the finer clay," is a powerful statement that suggests that the hardships and struggles that come with the pursuit of power or control are what make us stronger and more resilient. The word "grief" suggests that these struggles are not easy, but the phrase "finer clay" suggests that they are necessary for our growth and development.

The fifth and final line of the poem, "All ignorance is viler still," is a powerful statement that suggests that ignorance is the greatest obstacle to obtaining power or control. The word "ignorance" suggests that lack of knowledge or understanding is what holds us back from achieving our goals. The word "viler" suggests that ignorance is not just a minor obstacle but a significant barrier to success.

Overall, "Dominion lasts until obtained" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of power, control, and the pursuit of success. Emily Dickinson's use of language and imagery is masterful, and the poem is a testament to her exceptional talent as a writer.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language. Dickinson's use of words like "dominion," "achievement," and "success" creates a sense of power and importance that is central to the poem's message. The use of words like "grief" and "ignorance" creates a sense of struggle and hardship that is necessary for growth and development.

Another striking aspect of the poem is its use of imagery. The phrase "finer clay" is a powerful image that suggests that the struggles and hardships we face are what make us stronger and more resilient. The image of "nether birth" is also a powerful one that suggests that success is only the beginning of a new journey or a new phase of life.

In conclusion, "Dominion lasts until obtained" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of power, control, and the pursuit of success. Emily Dickinson's use of language and imagery is masterful, and the poem is a testament to her exceptional talent as a writer. The poem's message is clear: the pursuit of power and control is not easy, but it is necessary for growth and development. The struggles and hardships we face are what make us stronger and more resilient, and ignorance is the greatest obstacle to success.

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