'On a Columnar Self' by Emily Dickinson
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On a Columnar Self—
How ample to rely
In Tumult—or Extremity—
How good the Certainty
That Lever cannot pry—
And Wedge cannot divide
Conviction—That Granitic Base—
Though None be on our Side—
Suffice Us—for a Crowd—
Ourself—and Rectitude—
And that Assembly—not far off
From furthest Spirit—God—
Editor 1 Interpretation
On a Columnar Self by Emily Dickinson
Have you ever read a poem that made you stop and think, "What in the world did I just read?" Well, that's what happened to me when I first read Emily Dickinson's "On a Columnar Self." This enigmatic poem is short, but it's packed with so much meaning that it's hard to unpack it all. But fear not, dear reader. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will do my best to shed some light on this masterpiece.
The Poem
First, let's take a look at the poem itself.
On a Columnar Self –
How ample to rely
In Tumult – or Extremity –
How good the Certainty
That Lever cannot pry –
And Wedge cannot divide
Conviction – That Granitic Base –
Though None be on our Side –
At first glance, it seems like the poem is about a columnar self. But what exactly is that? Well, a "columnar self" can be interpreted as a person who is strong, unmovable, and unshakeable in their beliefs. Dickinson is saying that it's good to have a columnar self because it can be relied upon in tumultuous times or in times of extreme stress.
The first line, "How ample to rely," suggests a feeling of security and comfort that comes with having a strong sense of self. The second line goes on to explain this further by saying that a columnar self is especially valuable in times of turmoil or stress. This could be interpreted as an affirmation of the value of stoicism, or a belief that one can face any challenge by being stoic and unemotional.
The third and fourth lines, "How good the Certainty / That Lever cannot pry," suggest that this sense of self is so strong that nothing can shake it. The use of the word "Lever" implies that this is not just any force, but one that is powerful enough to move mountains. The fact that the columnar self cannot be moved by such a force means that it is incredibly powerful and unbreakable.
The fifth and sixth lines, "And Wedge cannot divide / Conviction – That Granitic Base," reinforce this idea by saying that even something as powerful as a wedge (a tool used for splitting wood or rock) cannot divide the conviction of the columnar self. The use of the word "granitic" suggests that this sense of self is as immovable as a solid block of granite.
The final line, "Though None be on our Side," is interesting because it suggests that even if no one else agrees with our beliefs or supports us, we can still rely on our columnar self to see us through. This could be interpreted as a kind of individualism or self-reliance that is valued in American culture.
But what exactly is Dickinson trying to say with this poem? Let's explore some possible interpretations.
Interpretations
One interpretation of "On a Columnar Self" is that it is a celebration of individualism and self-reliance. Dickinson was known for her strong sense of self and her refusal to conform to societal norms. In this poem, she seems to be saying that having a strong sense of self is valuable even if it means going against the grain.
Another interpretation is that the poem is about the power of conviction. Dickinson was a deeply religious person and often wrote about her faith. In this poem, she could be celebrating the power of faith and the strength that comes with believing in something deeply.
Yet another interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the power of the human will. Dickinson suffered from depression and spent much of her life as a recluse. In "On a Columnar Self," she could be saying that even in the darkest of times, we have the power to rely on ourselves and our own sense of purpose to get us through.
Overall, "On a Columnar Self" is a powerful poem that celebrates the strength of the human spirit. Dickinson's use of language is masterful, and the poem's many interpretations make it a work of art that is both timeless and universal. So if you're ever feeling down and in need of some inspiration, take a cue from Dickinson and rely on your own columnar self to see you through.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
On a Columnar Self: A Masterpiece of Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, is known for her unique and unconventional style of writing. Her poems are often characterized by their brevity, their use of dashes, and their exploration of themes such as death, nature, and the human condition. One of her most famous poems, "On a Columnar Self," is a prime example of her distinctive style and her ability to convey complex ideas in just a few lines.
The poem begins with the line, "As a Columnar Self," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "columnar" suggests a sense of strength and stability, as if the speaker is comparing themselves to a sturdy column that can withstand any challenge. This idea is reinforced in the next line, which reads, "Departing Summer goes." Here, Dickinson is using the changing of the seasons as a metaphor for the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The fact that the speaker is able to remain strong and steadfast despite the changing seasons is a testament to their resilience and inner strength.
The next few lines of the poem are perhaps the most famous, and they have been the subject of much analysis and interpretation over the years. They read:
"Like a Gyrating Toy, Driven by the One Deposed of Joy Defaced the means—by which it might attain—"
At first glance, these lines may seem somewhat confusing or even nonsensical. However, upon closer examination, they reveal a great deal about the speaker's state of mind and their relationship to the world around them. The use of the word "gyrating" suggests a sense of movement and motion, as if the speaker is being tossed around by the forces of life. The fact that they compare themselves to a toy suggests a sense of powerlessness or lack of control over their own destiny.
The next line, "Driven by the One," is perhaps the most enigmatic of the entire poem. It is unclear who or what "the One" refers to, but it could be interpreted as a higher power or a force beyond the speaker's control. The fact that this force has "deposed of Joy" suggests that the speaker has experienced some kind of loss or disappointment in their life. This loss has "defaced the means—by which it might attain," meaning that the speaker's ability to achieve their goals or find happiness has been compromised in some way.
Despite these challenges, however, the speaker remains resilient and determined. The final lines of the poem read:
"Joy to have merited the Pain— To merit the Release— Joy to have perished every step— To Compass Paradise—"
Here, the speaker is expressing a sense of gratitude for the challenges they have faced and the pain they have endured. They see these experiences as a necessary part of their journey towards enlightenment or spiritual fulfillment. The fact that they use the word "merited" suggests that they believe they have earned these experiences through their own actions or choices.
The final line of the poem, "To Compass Paradise," is perhaps the most significant. It suggests that the speaker sees their struggles and hardships as a means to an end, rather than an end in themselves. They believe that by enduring these challenges, they will eventually reach a state of paradise or enlightenment. This idea is reinforced by the use of the word "compass," which suggests a sense of direction or purpose.
In conclusion, "On a Columnar Self" is a masterpiece of Emily Dickinson's unique and unconventional style. Through her use of metaphor and imagery, she is able to convey complex ideas about the human condition and the nature of existence. The poem is a testament to the resilience and inner strength of the human spirit, and it serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can find meaning and purpose in our lives.
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