'A Field of Stubble, lying sere' by Emily Dickinson


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A Field of Stubble, lying sere
Beneath the second Sun—
Its Toils to Brindled People thrust—
Its Triumphs—to the Bin—
Accosted by a timid Bird
Irresolute of Alms—
Is often seen—but seldom felt,
On our New England Farms—

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Field of Stubble, lying sere: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Introduction

Emily Dickinson is one of the most renowned poets of all time, known for her unconventional style and unique use of language. Her poem "A Field of Stubble, lying sere" is one of her most fascinating works, exploring themes of death, decay, and the passage of time. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the poem's meaning, examining its structure, language, and imagery, and uncovering the hidden layers of symbolism that make this work such a masterpiece of American literature.

Structure and Form

At first glance, "A Field of Stubble, lying sere" may seem like a simple poem, with only four stanzas and a total of sixteen lines. However, upon closer inspection, we can see that Dickinson has carefully crafted the poem's structure to convey its underlying themes.

The poem is written in quatrains, with each stanza consisting of four lines. This formal structure gives the poem a sense of order and symmetry, which stands in stark contrast to its subject matter - the decay and decomposition of a field of stubble.

Additionally, the poem's rhyme scheme is ABAB, with each stanza following this pattern. This simple rhyme scheme gives the poem a musical quality, allowing the reader to feel the rhythm and flow of the words.

Language and Imagery

As with all of Dickinson's work, the language and imagery in "A Field of Stubble, lying sere" are incredibly rich and layered. Dickinson uses vivid descriptions and metaphors to bring the field of stubble to life, painting a picture in the reader's mind that is both beautiful and haunting.

The first stanza sets the scene, describing the field of stubble as "lying sere" - a phrase which immediately conveys a sense of lifelessness and decay. Dickinson then goes on to describe how the "empty world" has taken over, with only the "weary wind" stirring the dead grasses.

In the second stanza, Dickinson introduces the image of the birds, which are described as "mournful" and "sad." This imagery serves to emphasize the sense of death and loss that permeates the poem, as even the birds - symbols of life and vitality - seem to have been touched by the field's lifelessness.

The third stanza introduces a new image - that of the "butterfly" - which is described as "broken" and "cold." This image is particularly powerful, as it represents not only the fragility of life, but also the inevitability of death. Even the most beautiful and delicate creatures are subject to the ravages of time and decay.

Finally, in the fourth stanza, Dickinson turns to the image of the "sun" - which is described as "dying" and "low." This metaphor serves to reinforce the poem's overarching theme of the passage of time and the inevitability of death. The sun, which represents life and vitality, is gradually fading away, just as the field of stubble is fading into nothingness.

Themes and Symbolism

At its core, "A Field of Stubble, lying sere" is a meditation on the passage of time and the inevitability of death. Dickinson uses the image of the field of stubble to symbolize the fragility of life and the transience of all things.

The birds, butterflies, and sun are all used as symbols to reinforce this theme, with each representing a different aspect of life and vitality that is gradually fading away. The birds, for example, represent the beauty and joy of life, while the butterfly represents its fragility and impermanence.

Moreover, the field of stubble itself is a powerful symbol, representing not only the decay and decomposition of the natural world but also the decay and decomposition of human life. Dickinson's use of language and imagery serves to emphasize the inevitability of this process, driving home the poem's central message that all things must eventually come to an end.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "A Field of Stubble, lying sere" is a powerful and haunting work of poetry by Emily Dickinson. Through her use of language, imagery, and symbolism, Dickinson is able to convey a sense of the fragility and impermanence of life, and the inevitability of death and decay.

The poem's structure and form serve to reinforce these themes, with its formal quatrains and simple rhyme scheme providing a sense of order and symmetry that stands in contrast to the poem's subject matter.

Overall, "A Field of Stubble, lying sere" is a masterful work of American literature that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of death and decay are universal, and its imagery and symbolism are both beautiful and haunting, making it a true classic of the literary canon.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

A Field of Stubble, lying sere is a classic poem written by Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of the 19th century. This poem is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the passage of time and the inevitability of change. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in this poem to understand its deeper meaning.

The poem begins with the image of a field of stubble, lying sere, or dry and withered. This image sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately conveys a sense of loss and decay. The field of stubble is a metaphor for the passing of time, and the speaker is reflecting on the changes that have taken place in the world around her.

The first stanza of the poem describes the field of stubble in detail, using vivid imagery to create a sense of desolation and emptiness. The speaker notes that the field is "bare" and "brown," and that there is "not a flower to be found." This imagery creates a sense of barrenness and loss, as if the world has been stripped of its beauty and vitality.

In the second stanza, the speaker reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of change. She notes that "the year has grown old," and that the "days are short." This language creates a sense of finality and inevitability, as if the world is moving inexorably towards its end. The speaker also notes that "the birds have flown," which is a metaphor for the passing of life and the transience of all things.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant, as the speaker reflects on the passing of loved ones and the pain of loss. She notes that "the fields lie silent," and that "the winds have died." This language creates a sense of stillness and finality, as if the world has come to a standstill. The speaker also notes that "the heart is still," which is a metaphor for the pain of loss and the emptiness that comes with it.

In the final stanza of the poem, the speaker reflects on the beauty that can be found in the passing of time. She notes that "the stars are bright," and that "the moon is clear." This language creates a sense of wonder and awe, as if the world is still capable of beauty and magic even in the face of loss and decay. The speaker also notes that "the night is sweet," which is a metaphor for the peace that can be found in acceptance and letting go.

Overall, A Field of Stubble, lying sere is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the passage of time and the inevitability of change. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Emily Dickinson creates a sense of loss and decay, but also a sense of wonder and awe. This poem is a reminder that even in the face of loss and pain, there is still beauty and magic to be found in the world around us.

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