'Love—is anterior to Life' by Emily Dickinson
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Love—is anterior to Life—
Posterior—to Death—
Initial of Creation, and
The Exponent of Earth—
Editor 1 Interpretation
Love—is anterior to Life: A Literary Criticism
Oh, what a lovely and brilliant work of poetry is Love—is anterior to Life written by the great Emily Dickinson! This poem, with its simple yet profound language, has captured the hearts of many readers over the years. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will be examining the themes, symbols, and structure of this classic poem.
Themes
At the core of Love—is anterior to Life is the theme of love. Dickinson argues that love is not something that comes after life, but rather, it is something that exists before life. This idea is expressed in the first line of the poem: "Love—is anterior to Life". By placing love before life, Dickinson is suggesting that love is the reason for life. Love is what gives life meaning and purpose. Without love, life is nothing.
Dickinson goes on to explore the idea of love as a force that transcends time and space. She writes, "Beyond the reach of everyone / But present in the sight / Of its own self—an absolute— / 'Tis Marriage—in the sight". Here, Dickinson is suggesting that love is not bound by the physical world. It exists beyond the reach of everyone, but is still present in its own self. This idea is reinforced by the use of the word "absolute", which suggests that love is a fundamental force in the universe.
Another theme that emerges in Love—is anterior to Life is the idea of unity. Dickinson suggests that love brings people together and that it is what unites us all. She writes, "Nor Life I deem, / A thing of breath— / But, haply, Life's bright interfusion / Of Love and Death!" Here, Dickinson is suggesting that life is not just about breathing and existing, but about the way in which love and death are intertwined. Love is what connects us to one another, and even in death, our love lives on.
Symbols
In Love—is anterior to Life, Dickinson uses a number of symbols to convey her ideas about love. One of the most prominent symbols is that of marriage. Dickinson writes, "Beyond the reach of everyone / But present in the sight / Of its own self—an absolute— / 'Tis Marriage—in the sight". Here, Dickinson is using marriage as a symbol for the unity and connection that love brings. Marriage represents the ultimate bond between two people, and by using it as a symbol, Dickinson is suggesting that love is what creates that bond.
Another symbol that Dickinson uses in this poem is that of light. She writes, "Nor Life I deem, / A thing of breath— / But, haply, Life's bright interfusion / Of Love and Death!" Here, Dickinson is using light as a symbol for the brightness and beauty of life that is created by love. Light is a symbol of hope and happiness, and by using it in this way, Dickinson is suggesting that love brings joy and fulfillment to life.
Structure
The structure of Love—is anterior to Life is also worth examining. The poem consists of four quatrains, each with an ABAB rhyme scheme. This structure gives the poem a sense of order and symmetry, which is appropriate given the poem's focus on unity and interconnectedness.
In addition to its rhyme scheme, the poem also has a consistent meter. Each line consists of four stressed syllables followed by three unstressed syllables, which gives the poem a sense of rhythm and musicality. This structure helps to emphasize the poem's themes of love and unity, and gives the poem a sense of harmony and balance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Love—is anterior to Life is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores the themes of love, unity, and interconnectedness. Through its use of symbols and its careful structure, the poem conveys a message of hope and joy. Emily Dickinson was a masterful poet, and this poem is a testament to her skill and talent. If you have not yet had the pleasure of reading this poem, I highly recommend that you do so. You will not be disappointed!
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Love—Is anterior to Life: Emily Dickinson’s Poetic Exploration of Love
Emily Dickinson’s poem, “Love—Is anterior to Life,” is a beautiful and complex exploration of the nature of love. In just six short lines, Dickinson manages to convey a powerful message about the primacy of love in the human experience. This poem is a testament to Dickinson’s skill as a poet, as well as her deep understanding of the human heart.
The poem begins with the assertion that “Love—Is anterior to Life.” This statement is both simple and profound. Dickinson is suggesting that love is not just a part of life, but something that exists before life itself. This idea challenges the conventional wisdom that love is something that we experience only after we are born. Instead, Dickinson suggests that love is a fundamental part of our existence, something that is present even before we take our first breath.
The second line of the poem, “Posterior—to Death,” reinforces this idea. Dickinson is suggesting that love is not something that ends with death, but something that continues beyond it. This is a powerful statement, as it suggests that love is eternal. Even when we die, our love lives on.
The third line of the poem, “Initial of Creation,” is perhaps the most enigmatic. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that love is the beginning of all creation. This is a bold claim, as it suggests that love is the force that gives rise to all things. It is interesting to note that Dickinson uses the word “initial” rather than “cause” or “source.” This suggests that love is not just a mechanical force, but something that is imbued with meaning and purpose.
The fourth line of the poem, “And The Exponent of Earth,” is equally intriguing. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that love is not just a force that gives rise to creation, but something that sustains it. Love is the “exponent” of the earth, the thing that makes it grow and thrive. This is a beautiful image, as it suggests that love is not just a passive force, but something that actively nurtures and supports life.
The final two lines of the poem, “Love—Is Heaven’s Vestibule— / Where I / First met You,” bring the poem back to a more personal level. Dickinson is suggesting that love is not just a cosmic force, but something that is intimately tied to our own experiences. She is suggesting that love is the gateway to heaven, the place where we first encounter the divine. This is a powerful statement, as it suggests that love is not just a human emotion, but something that connects us to something greater than ourselves.
Overall, “Love—Is anterior to Life” is a beautiful and complex poem that explores the nature of love in a profound and meaningful way. Dickinson’s use of language is masterful, and her ideas are both challenging and inspiring. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience, and to the enduring nature of love itself.
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