'That Distance was between Us' by Emily Dickinson
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That Distance was between Us
That is not of Mile or Main—
The Will it is that situates—
Equator—never can—
Editor 1 Interpretation
"That Distance was between Us" by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned American poets, is known for her enigmatic and unconventional style of writing. Her poems are often characterized by their brevity, their use of dashes and capitalization, and their complex themes. "That Distance was between Us" is a classic example of Dickinson's unique style and her ability to convey deep emotions through simple language.
Overview
"That Distance was between Us" is a short poem consisting of only four stanzas. The poem is written in Dickinson's typical style, with dashes and capitalization used to emphasize certain words and phrases. The poem is about the distance between two people, both physically and emotionally. It explores the idea of how even when two people are close to each other, there can still be a sense of distance between them.
Analysis
The poem begins with the line, "That Distance was between Us," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The word "distance" is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the poem. It refers to the physical space between two people, as well as the emotional distance that can exist between them.
The second stanza of the poem describes the physical distance between the two people. The speaker says that they were standing "side by side," but there was still a sense of distance between them. This is emphasized by the use of the word "far" in the line, "Yet nearer than the Sky." The sky is often used as a symbol of distance or separation, so the fact that the two people are "nearer than the Sky" suggests that they are very close to each other, but there is still a sense of separation between them.
The third stanza of the poem focuses on the emotional distance between the two people. The speaker says that they were "too close for the closeness"—in other words, they were so close to each other that it was almost uncomfortable. This is emphasized by the use of the word "stifling" in the line, "We stood as near the Years As 'twere a yesterday." The phrase "as 'twere a yesterday" suggests that the two people have known each other for a very long time, but there is still an emotional distance between them.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most enigmatic. The speaker says, "Distance begets Despair—/ Distance—Delight—/Distance—Death—." This suggests that distance can have both positive and negative effects on a relationship. It can lead to despair and death, but it can also lead to delight. The use of the dash after each word suggests that there are many different ways to interpret this final stanza.
Interpretation
"That Distance was between Us" is a poem that explores the complexities of human relationships. It suggests that even when two people are physically close to each other, there can still be a sense of emotional distance between them. This emotional distance can be stifling and can lead to despair and even death. However, the poem also suggests that distance can have positive effects on a relationship, leading to delight and a renewed sense of closeness.
One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is about the difficulty of truly connecting with another person. The physical and emotional distance between the two people in the poem suggests that even when we are close to someone, there is still a sense of separateness that we can never fully overcome. This sense of separateness can lead to feelings of despair and loneliness, even when we are surrounded by people we love.
Another possible interpretation of the poem is that it is about the inevitability of change. The phrase "as 'twere a yesterday" suggests that the two people in the poem have known each other for a very long time. However, even though they have a shared history, they are still emotionally distant from each other. This suggests that even when we have known someone for a long time, we can still change and grow apart from each other over time.
Conclusion
"That Distance was between Us" is a classic example of Emily Dickinson's unique style of writing. The poem explores the idea of emotional and physical distance between two people, and suggests that even when we are close to someone, there can still be a sense of separateness that we can never fully overcome. However, the poem also suggests that distance can have positive effects on a relationship, leading to delight and a renewed sense of closeness. Overall, "That Distance was between Us" is a thought-provoking and complex poem that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
That Distance was between Us: A Poetic Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her poem "That Distance was between Us" is a true masterpiece. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style, which is characterized by her use of unconventional punctuation, capitalization, and syntax. In this article, we will analyze and explain the meaning and significance of this classic poem.
The poem begins with the line "That Distance was between Us," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The word "distance" is a metaphor for the emotional and physical separation between two people. This distance can be caused by many factors, such as time, space, or even emotional barriers. The fact that the distance is described as "between us" suggests that the two people were once close, but something has come between them.
The second line of the poem reads, "As the Distance of Time." This line reinforces the idea that the distance between the two people is not just physical, but also temporal. Time has passed, and the two people have grown apart. The use of the word "distance" in both lines creates a sense of repetition and emphasizes the theme of separation.
The third line of the poem reads, "And when I say 'Distance' -- I mean." This line is significant because it shows that the speaker is aware of the metaphorical nature of the word "distance." The speaker is not just talking about physical distance, but also emotional distance. The use of the word "mean" suggests that the speaker is trying to convey a deeper meaning than what is on the surface.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "Distance in You." This line is interesting because it suggests that the distance between the two people is not just caused by external factors, but also by something within the other person. The use of the word "you" creates a sense of intimacy and suggests that the speaker knows the other person well enough to understand what is causing the distance.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "Is not the Distance of Mine." This line is significant because it shows that the speaker is not responsible for the distance between the two people. The use of the word "mine" suggests that the speaker is taking ownership of their own emotions and is not blaming the other person for the distance.
The sixth line of the poem reads, "Your Distance from Me, is not so Far." This line is interesting because it suggests that the distance between the two people is not as great as it may seem. The use of the word "far" creates a sense of distance, but the word "so" suggests that the distance is not as great as it may appear.
The seventh line of the poem reads, "That I cannot lay both my Hand." This line is significant because it shows that the speaker is unable to physically touch the other person. The use of the word "lay" creates a sense of intimacy and suggests that the speaker wants to be close to the other person.
The eighth line of the poem reads, "Upon it -- and you." This line is interesting because it suggests that the speaker wants to touch the other person, but is unable to do so. The use of the word "you" creates a sense of intimacy and suggests that the speaker wants to be close to the other person.
The ninth line of the poem reads, "Across that wide Moat -- / Alas, that Distance is not Near." This line is significant because it shows that the distance between the two people is not just physical, but also emotional. The use of the word "moat" creates a sense of separation and suggests that the two people are on opposite sides of a divide. The word "alas" creates a sense of sadness and suggests that the speaker wishes the distance was not so great.
The final line of the poem reads, "To an Opened Heart." This line is interesting because it suggests that the speaker wants the other person to open their heart to them. The use of the word "opened" creates a sense of vulnerability and suggests that the speaker wants the other person to be open and honest with them.
In conclusion, "That Distance was between Us" is a beautiful and complex poem that explores the theme of separation between two people. The use of metaphor, repetition, and unconventional syntax creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that is characteristic of Emily Dickinson's unique style. This poem is a true masterpiece that continues to inspire and move readers to this day.
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