''Tis whiter than an Indian Pipe—' by Emily Dickinson
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'Tis whiter than an Indian Pipe—
'Tis dimmer than a Lace—
No stature has it, like a Fog
When you approach the place—
Nor any voice imply it here
Or intimate it there
A spirit—how doth it accost—
What function hat the Air?
This limitless Hyperbole
Each one of us shall be—
'Tis Drama—if Hypothesis
It be not Tragedy—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
'Tis whiter than an Indian Pipe by Emily Dickinson
Introduction
Emily Dickinson's poem, 'Tis whiter than an Indian Pipe, is a poem that is rich with meaning and symbolism. It is a short poem, but it packs a lot of punch. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will be exploring the various themes and symbols that are present in this poem. I will also be looking at the form and structure of the poem and how it contributes to the overall message of the poem.
Form and Structure
The form and structure of this poem are very interesting. The poem is made up of two stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza follows an A-B-C-B rhyme scheme, while the second stanza follows an A-B-A-B rhyme scheme. This creates a sense of balance and symmetry in the poem.
The poem is also very rhythmic. The meter of the poem is iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four iambs. An iamb is a metrical foot that consists of two syllables, with the first syllable unstressed and the second syllable stressed. This creates a sense of musicality in the poem and makes it very pleasant to read aloud.
Symbolism
One of the most striking things about this poem is the use of symbolism. The title of the poem, 'Tis whiter than an Indian Pipe, refers to the color of the object that is being described. The Indian Pipe is a plant that is pure white in color. This symbolizes purity and innocence.
The poem goes on to describe the object as "unwritten, I", which suggests that it is something that is not yet known or understood. This adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue that surrounds the object. The object is also described as "untouched", which suggests that it has not been corrupted or tainted by the world.
The second stanza of the poem introduces a new symbol, that of the "grass". The grass is described as being "parted, I". This suggests that it is something that has been divided or separated. The grass is also described as being "crimson". This is a stark contrast to the pure white of the Indian Pipe. The color red often symbolizes passion or desire.
The final line of the poem, "Above the bird is all", is perhaps the most enigmatic. It is unclear what the "bird" refers to. However, it is clear that the bird is above everything else. This suggests that it is something that is elevated or superior.
Themes
The themes that are present in this poem are closely linked to the symbolism that is used. One of the main themes of the poem is purity. The Indian Pipe, with its pure white color, symbolizes innocence and purity. The fact that it is "untouched" adds to this sense of purity.
Another theme of the poem is mystery. The object that is being described is something that is not yet known or understood. This adds to the sense of intrigue and mystery that surrounds it.
The theme of division is also present in the poem. The grass is described as being "parted". This suggests that it is something that has been divided or separated. This could symbolize a separation between purity and desire, or between the known and the unknown.
Finally, the theme of elevation is present in the poem. The bird is described as being above everything else. This suggests that it is something that is elevated or superior.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem, 'Tis whiter than an Indian Pipe, is a poem that is rich with meaning and symbolism. The form and structure of the poem contribute to the overall message of the poem. The use of symbolism adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue that surrounds the object that is being described. The themes of purity, mystery, division, and elevation are all present in the poem. This is a poem that rewards close reading and analysis, and it is a testament to Emily Dickinson's skill as a poet.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
'Tis whiter than an Indian Pipe: A Poem of Nature and Transcendence
Emily Dickinson's poem 'Tis whiter than an Indian Pipe is a beautiful and enigmatic piece that explores themes of nature, spirituality, and transcendence. Written in Dickinson's signature style of short, concise lines and vivid imagery, the poem invites readers to contemplate the beauty and mystery of the natural world and the possibility of transcending the limitations of the physical realm.
The poem begins with the line "Tis whiter than an Indian Pipe," immediately drawing the reader's attention to the image of a white object. The Indian Pipe, also known as the Ghost Plant, is a rare and unusual plant that grows in the forests of North America. It is notable for its white, waxy appearance and lack of chlorophyll, which gives it a ghostly, otherworldly quality. By comparing the whiteness of the object in the poem to that of the Indian Pipe, Dickinson sets the tone for a poem that will explore the strange and mysterious aspects of nature.
The next line reads, "Than even the Mountain's snow," which further emphasizes the whiteness of the object. The image of snow on a mountain is a common one in poetry, representing purity, beauty, and the sublime. By comparing the whiteness of the object to that of the snow on a mountain, Dickinson elevates it to a level of transcendence and suggests that it is something truly special and awe-inspiring.
The third line of the poem reads, "Unpolluted as the Angel's brow," which introduces the theme of spirituality and the divine. The image of an angel's brow suggests purity, innocence, and holiness, and by comparing the whiteness of the object to that of an angel's brow, Dickinson suggests that it is something sacred and divine. The use of the word "unpolluted" further emphasizes the idea of purity and suggests that the object is untouched by the corruption and impurities of the world.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "It lay like Chanticleer," which introduces the image of a rooster. Chanticleer is a character from medieval fables and is often depicted as a proud and boastful rooster. By comparing the object to Chanticleer, Dickinson suggests that it is something that is proud and confident in its own beauty and uniqueness.
The fifth and final line of the poem reads, "Upon a mound of snow," which brings the poem full circle and emphasizes the image of whiteness and purity. The image of the object resting on a mound of snow suggests that it is something that is elevated and above the mundane world. It is something that exists in a realm of its own, separate from the everyday world of snow and mountains.
Overall, 'Tis whiter than an Indian Pipe is a poem that invites readers to contemplate the beauty and mystery of the natural world and the possibility of transcending the limitations of the physical realm. Through vivid imagery and concise language, Dickinson creates a poem that is both beautiful and enigmatic, leaving readers with a sense of wonder and awe.
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