'Besides this May' by Emily Dickinson
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Besides this May
We know
There is Another—
How fair
Our Speculations of the Foreigner!
Some know Him whom We knew—
Sweet Wonder—
A Nature be
Where Saints, and our plain going Neighbor
Keep May!
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Besides this May" by Emily Dickinson: A Masterpiece of Poetic Artistry
Oh, how I cannot contain my excitement to delve into the world of Emily Dickinson's exquisite poem, "Besides this May"! This classic work of literature is a true masterpiece of poetic artistry, filled with rich imagery and complex themes that leave a lasting impression on the reader.
Background Information
Before we dive into the interpretation of the poem, let us take a moment to explore the context in which it was written. Emily Dickinson was a prolific poet who lived in the mid-1800s in Amherst, Massachusetts. Despite her reclusive lifestyle, she is often regarded as one of the greatest American poets of all time.
"Besides this May" was likely written in the late 1850s or early 1860s, during a time of great change and upheaval in the United States. The country was on the brink of the Civil War, and Dickinson's poetry often reflected the anxiety and uncertainty of the era.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem begins with a bold statement: "Besides this May / There is Heaven." At first glance, this may seem like a simple statement of fact, but upon closer examination, there is much more going on here.
The word "besides" suggests that there is something else happening, something beyond the beauty of May. This is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry - the idea that there is more to life than what we can see or experience through our physical senses.
As the poem continues, Dickinson goes on to describe the joys and wonders of May - the "bobolinks" singing, the "orchard for a dome," the "dew on the grass." These images are vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a world bursting with life and vitality.
But even as she celebrates the beauty of May, Dickinson never loses sight of the fact that there is something more, something beyond what we can see or experience in this world. The line "There is Heaven - then there is Heaven" underscores this point, emphasizing that there are levels of existence beyond our earthly realm.
As the poem draws to a close, Dickinson offers a final image - "The cordiality of death." This is a striking phrase, and one that may seem jarring at first. But in the context of the poem, it makes perfect sense. Death, after all, is the ultimate mystery, the ultimate unknown. And yet, Dickinson suggests that even in the face of death, there is a kind of warmth and comfort, a sense of "cordiality."
Themes
At its core, "Besides this May" is a meditation on the transcendent nature of existence. Dickinson is grappling with the big questions - what lies beyond this world, what happens when we die - and she does so with a sense of wonder and awe.
One of the most striking things about the poem is its use of imagery. Dickinson is a master of metaphor and symbolism, and she uses these tools to great effect here. The images of May - the singing birds, the blooming flowers, the dew on the grass - all serve to underscore the beauty and transience of life.
But even as Dickinson celebrates the joys of this world, she never loses sight of the fact that there is something more. The line "There is Heaven - then there is Heaven" is a powerful reminder that there are levels of existence beyond our earthly realm.
Finally, the image of "the cordiality of death" is a potent one. Dickinson suggests that even in the face of death, there is a kind of warmth and comfort, a sense that all will be well in the end.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Besides this May" is a stunning work of poetry that explores the transcendent nature of existence with a sense of wonder and awe. Dickinson's use of imagery and metaphor is masterful, and she paints a vivid picture of a world bursting with life and vitality.
At the same time, she reminds us that there is much more to life than what we can see or experience in this world. The poem is a meditation on the unknown and the unknowable, a celebration of the mystery and beauty of life.
Overall, "Besides this May" is a true masterpiece of poetic artistry, and one that deserves to be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Besides this May: A Celebration of Nature and Life
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers even today. One of her most famous poems, "Besides this May," is a beautiful celebration of nature and life, and it showcases Dickinson's unique style and perspective.
In this 14-line poem, Dickinson paints a vivid picture of the beauty of nature in the month of May. She describes the "orchard for a dome" and the "sky for a cup," highlighting the vastness and grandeur of the natural world. The poem is full of sensory imagery, with references to the "fragrant balms" and the "dewy grass," which help to create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader.
But "Besides this May" is more than just a celebration of nature. It is also a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living in the present moment. Dickinson writes, "Life is but a day at most," reminding us that our time on this earth is limited and precious. She urges us to "drink life's cup while sweet," encouraging us to savor every moment and make the most of our time here.
The poem is also notable for its use of language and form. Dickinson was known for her unconventional style, and "Besides this May" is no exception. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. This creates a musical and rhythmic quality to the poem, which adds to its overall beauty and impact.
In addition, Dickinson's use of language is both simple and complex. The poem is full of everyday words and phrases, such as "orchard," "dewy grass," and "fragrant balms." But Dickinson also uses more complex and abstract language, such as "life's cup" and "eternity's sunrise." This creates a sense of depth and complexity to the poem, inviting the reader to explore its many layers of meaning.
Overall, "Besides this May" is a beautiful and inspiring poem that celebrates the beauty of nature and the importance of living in the present moment. It showcases Dickinson's unique style and perspective, and it continues to resonate with readers today. So the next time you find yourself outside on a beautiful spring day, take a moment to appreciate the beauty around you, and remember the words of Emily Dickinson: "Drink life's cup while sweet."
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