'Sweet—safe—Houses' by Emily Dickinson
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Sweet—safe—Houses—
Glad—gay—Houses—
Sealed so stately tight—
Lids of Steel—on Lids of Marble—
Locking Bare feet out—
Brooks of Plush—in Banks of Satin
Not so softly fall
As the laughter—and the whisper—
From their People Pearl—
No Bald Death—affront their Parlors—
No Bold Sickness come
To deface their Stately Treasures—
Anguish—and the Tomb—
Hum by—in Muffled Coaches—
Lest they—wonder Why—
Any—for the Press of Smiling—
Interrupt—to die—
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Critical Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Sweet—safe—Houses
Emily Dickinson's poem, Sweet—safe—Houses is a timeless classic that delves into the themes of home, safety, and comfort. The poem comprises of three stanzas of four lines each, with a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB. In this literary criticism, we will be exploring the various literary devices used by Dickinson in this poem, and analyzing its deeper meaning.
Form and Structure
Sweet—safe—Houses is a short poem, but it is structured in a way that is both simple and effective. The four-line stanzas, each with a rhyme scheme of ABAB, give the poem a musical quality that is easy on the ear.
What is also noteworthy about the structure of the poem is the repetition of the words "sweet", "safe", and "houses". These words are the building blocks of the poem, and Dickinson uses them to create a sense of security and comfort that is central to the theme of the poem. The repetition of these words also adds to the musical quality of the poem.
Literary Devices
Dickinson employs several literary devices in this poem to convey her message. Perhaps the most notable of these is personification. The houses in the poem are personified as beings that can offer sweetness and safety to those who seek refuge within their walls. This personification gives the poem a sense of warmth and intimacy that is both comforting and reassuring.
Another literary device used by Dickinson is alliteration. In the first line of the poem, the words "Sweet—safe—" create a pleasing alliterative effect that is easy on the ear. This alliteration also adds to the musical quality of the poem.
Metaphor is also employed in the poem. The houses are metaphorically compared to "homes of our desire". This metaphor serves to underscore the central theme of the poem, which is the idea of home as a place where one can find safety, comfort, and refuge.
Themes
The central theme of Sweet—safe—Houses is the idea of home as a place of safety and comfort. Dickinson uses the image of the house as a metaphor for the sense of security and refuge that one can find in a home. The repetition of the words "sweet" and "safe" reinforces this idea, and Dickinson's use of personification gives the houses a sense of warmth and intimacy that is central to the theme of the poem.
Another theme that is present in the poem is the idea of desire. The houses are described as "homes of our desire", which suggests that they are not just places of safety and comfort, but also places that we long for and yearn to be in. This theme adds a sense of longing and nostalgia to the poem, and underscores the importance of home in our lives.
Interpretation
Dickinson's Sweet—safe—Houses is a poem that speaks to the universal human desire for safety, comfort, and refuge. The image of the house as a place of sweetness and safety is one that resonates with us all, and Dickinson's use of personification and metaphor creates a sense of warmth and intimacy that is both comforting and reassuring.
The repetition of the words "sweet" and "safe" in the poem is also significant. These words are not just descriptors of the houses, but also represent the feelings that we associate with home. The repetition of these words reinforces the idea that home is a place of safety, comfort, and warmth.
The theme of desire in the poem adds another layer of meaning. The fact that the houses are described as "homes of our desire" suggests that they are not just places of safety and comfort, but also places that we long for and yearn to be in. This theme adds a sense of longing and nostalgia to the poem, and underscores the importance of home in our lives.
In conclusion, Sweet—safe—Houses is a timeless classic that speaks to the universal human desire for safety, comfort, and refuge. Dickinson's use of literary devices such as personification, metaphor, and alliteration create a sense of warmth and intimacy that is both comforting and reassuring. The poem's central theme of home as a place of safety and comfort is one that resonates with us all, and Dickinson's skillful use of language captures this sentiment perfectly.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sweet—safe—Houses: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson’s Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and deep insights into the human condition. One of her most famous poems is Sweet—safe—Houses, which explores the themes of safety, security, and the comfort of home. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem.
The poem begins with the phrase “Sweet—safe—Houses,” which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The repetition of the word “sweet” emphasizes the pleasantness and warmth associated with the idea of home. The word “safe” reinforces this feeling of security and protection, suggesting that the home is a place where one can feel sheltered from the outside world. The use of the word “houses” instead of “homes” or “dwellings” adds a sense of formality and grandeur to the idea of a safe haven.
The second line of the poem reads, “Gentle—painless—Jails.” This line may seem contradictory at first, as jails are typically associated with punishment and confinement. However, Dickinson uses the word “gentle” to suggest that this jail is not a place of punishment, but rather a place of refuge. The word “painless” reinforces this idea, suggesting that the jail is a place where one can escape from the pain and suffering of the outside world.
The third line of the poem reads, “Aunt is the shade of elm.” This line is particularly interesting, as it introduces the idea of family and lineage into the poem. The use of the word “aunt” suggests a close familial relationship, while the image of the shade of an elm tree adds a sense of natural beauty and tranquility. The elm tree is also a symbol of strength and resilience, suggesting that the family is a source of support and stability.
The fourth line of the poem reads, “Sister is the elm’s embrace.” This line continues the theme of family and introduces the idea of sisterhood. The image of the elm’s embrace suggests a sense of comfort and protection, reinforcing the idea of the home as a safe haven. The use of the word “sister” suggests a close bond between family members, emphasizing the importance of relationships and community.
The fifth line of the poem reads, “Safe in their alabaster chambers.” This line is particularly striking, as it introduces the idea of death into the poem. The use of the word “alabaster” suggests a sense of purity and beauty, while the word “chambers” suggests a sense of confinement. Together, these words create an image of a peaceful and beautiful resting place, reinforcing the idea of the home as a place of safety and security.
The sixth line of the poem reads, “Untouched by morning and untouched by noon.” This line continues the theme of death and reinforces the idea of the home as a place of eternal rest. The use of the word “untouched” suggests a sense of permanence and immutability, while the reference to morning and noon suggests the passage of time. Together, these words create an image of a timeless and unchanging place, reinforcing the idea of the home as a place of stability and security.
The final line of the poem reads, “Sleep the meek members of the Resurrection.” This line is particularly powerful, as it introduces the idea of resurrection and the afterlife. The use of the word “meek” suggests a sense of humility and submission, while the reference to the Resurrection suggests a sense of hope and renewal. Together, these words create an image of a peaceful and hopeful afterlife, reinforcing the idea of the home as a place of safety and security.
In conclusion, Sweet—safe—Houses is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of safety, security, and the comfort of home. Through the use of vivid imagery and unconventional punctuation, Emily Dickinson creates a sense of warmth and tranquility that is both comforting and inspiring. Whether read as a meditation on death and the afterlife or as a celebration of the joys of family and community, this classic poem continues to resonate with readers today.
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