'Is Bliss then, such Abyss' by Emily Dickinson


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Is Bliss then, such Abyss,
I must not put my foot amiss
For fear I spoil my shoe?

I'd rather suit my foot
Than save my Boot—
For yet to buy another Pair
Is possible,
At any store—

But Bliss, is sold just once.
The Patent lost
None buy it any more—
Say, Foot, decide the point—
The Lady cross, or not?
Verdict for Boot!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Is Bliss then, such Abyss by Emily Dickinson

Oh my goodness! Is Bliss then, such Abyss by Emily Dickinson is one of the most intriguing and thought-provoking poems that I have come across. The poem is concise and precise, yet it is profound and rich in meaning. It is a perfect embodiment of Emily Dickinson's unique style of writing, which is characterized by brevity, ambiguity, and unconventional use of language. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will analyze the poem, explore its themes, and uncover its hidden meanings.

Structure and Form

The poem consists of only three stanzas, each comprising two lines. This structure is not unusual for Emily Dickinson's poems, as she was known for her love for brevity and conciseness. The poem has a total of six lines, all of which are end-stopped, meaning that each line is a complete thought or sentence. The rhyme scheme of the poem is AABBCC, which gives it a sing-song quality and makes it sound like a nursery rhyme. However, the poem's content is far from childish.

Analysis

The first line of the poem, "Is Bliss then, such Abyss," is a rhetorical question that sets the tone for the entire poem. The line is paradoxical, as it seems to suggest that happiness (bliss) is equivalent to a bottomless pit (abyss). The use of the word "then" implies that the question has already been answered, and the answer is affirmative. This line is an oxymoron, where two contradictory words are placed together.

The second line of the first stanza, "I must not be bereaved of it," is equally paradoxical. It suggests that the speaker is afraid of losing something that is both blissful and abyss-like. The use of the word "bereaved" implies that the speaker sees bliss as something that can be taken away from them, like a loved one who has died. This line is an indicator of the conflict within the poem.

The second stanza, "The Depth should reach unto the stars," is a continuation of the paradoxical theme established in the first stanza. The use of the word "depth" suggests that the abyss is not just a bottomless pit, but it is also something that has immense depth. The line "should reach unto the stars" suggests that the abyss is not only deep but also vast, stretching to the very heavens. This line is an indication of the immensity and boundlessness of the abyss.

The final line of the second stanza, "She is incognito," introduces a new element to the poem. The use of the feminine pronoun "She" implies that the abyss is personified. The word "incognito" suggests that the speaker does not know the true nature of the abyss, or that it is hidden or disguised in some way. This line is an indication of the mystery and enigma surrounding the abyss.

The third stanza, "None know her depth but whom gave," is a continuation of the personification of the abyss. The use of the word "gave" implies that the abyss is a gift or a reward given by someone or something. The line "None know her depth" suggests that the abyss is something that cannot be fully understood or comprehended by anyone except the one who gave it. This line is an indication of the exclusivity and inaccessibility of the abyss.

The final line of the poem, "Then what are oceans for," is a rhetorical question that brings the poem to a close. The use of the word "oceans" suggests that there is a vastness and depth to life that is similar to the abyss. The question implies that if bliss is equivalent to the abyss, then what purpose do the oceans serve? The question leaves the reader with a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty.

Themes

The poem explores several themes, including the paradoxical nature of happiness, the mystery of the abyss, and the exclusivity of knowledge. The poem suggests that happiness is not straightforward, and that it can be both blissful and abyss-like. The poem also suggests that the abyss is mysterious and enigmatic, and that it is something that cannot be fully understood or comprehended by anyone except the one who gave it. Finally, the poem suggests that knowledge is exclusive and that it can only be possessed by those who have been given it.

Interpretation

The poem is a reflection of Emily Dickinson's philosophy of life. It suggests that life is complex and that happiness is not straightforward. The poem implies that to truly understand happiness, one must be willing to explore the depths of life, which can be both blissful and abyss-like. The poem also suggests that the abyss is mysterious and enigmatic, and that it is something that cannot be fully understood or comprehended by anyone except the one who gave it.

The poem can also be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of knowledge. The poem suggests that knowledge is exclusive and that it can only be possessed by those who have been given it. The poem implies that knowledge is not something that can be easily grasped, and that it requires a deep understanding and exploration of life.

Conclusion

Is Bliss then, such Abyss by Emily Dickinson is a profound and thought-provoking poem that explores the paradoxical nature of happiness, the mystery of the abyss, and the exclusivity of knowledge. The poem is a reflection of Emily Dickinson's philosophy of life and suggests that life is complex and that happiness is not straightforward. The poem leaves the reader with a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty, challenging them to explore the depths of life and to seek knowledge that is exclusive and enigmatic. Overall, Is Bliss then, such Abyss is a testament to Emily Dickinson's unique style of writing, and it is a poem that will continue to challenge and inspire readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Is Bliss then, such Abyss: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems, "Is Bliss then, such Abyss," is a powerful exploration of the human experience and the nature of happiness. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and explore its themes, symbolism, and meaning.

The poem begins with a simple question: "Is Bliss then, such Abyss?" This opening line immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that the speaker is grappling with a profound existential question. The word "bliss" is often associated with happiness and contentment, while "abyss" suggests a deep, dark void or emptiness. By juxtaposing these two words, Dickinson is asking whether happiness is really as fulfilling as we might think, or whether it is ultimately empty and meaningless.

The second line of the poem continues this theme, as the speaker asks whether "To be Wren, / Perish or take wing." The wren is a small bird that is often associated with freedom and agility, and the phrase "take wing" suggests the idea of flight and escape. However, the word "perish" suggests the opposite – that the wren is trapped or doomed to die. This contrast between freedom and captivity, life and death, is a recurring theme throughout the poem.

The third and fourth lines of the poem introduce the idea of "Frost" and "Fire," which are often used as symbols of coldness and warmth, or of death and life. The speaker asks whether "Frost" is preferable to "Fire," suggesting that perhaps the coldness and emptiness of the abyss is better than the warmth and passion of happiness. This idea is further explored in the next stanza, where the speaker asks whether "To be an Osprey – / Torn by the Sky – / Would be Eternity –" The osprey is a bird of prey that is often associated with power and strength, but the phrase "torn by the sky" suggests that even this mighty creature is subject to the whims of nature. The idea of eternity is also introduced here, suggesting that perhaps the ultimate goal of life is not happiness or contentment, but rather some kind of transcendent experience beyond the material world.

The fifth and sixth lines of the poem introduce the idea of "Despair," which is often associated with hopelessness and sadness. The speaker asks whether "Despair – / Is Abyss –" suggesting that perhaps the emptiness and darkness of the abyss is not so different from the feelings of despair and hopelessness that we all experience at times. The final two lines of the poem bring these themes together, as the speaker asks whether "Hope – / Is Contentment –" suggesting that perhaps the key to happiness is not to seek out pleasure or joy, but rather to find a sense of peace and acceptance in the face of life's challenges and difficulties.

Overall, "Is Bliss then, such Abyss" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most fundamental questions of the human experience. Through its use of symbolism and metaphor, Dickinson invites us to consider the nature of happiness, the meaning of life, and the role of suffering and despair in our journey towards enlightenment. Whether we interpret the poem as a call to embrace the emptiness and darkness of the abyss, or as a reminder to find contentment and hope in the face of adversity, it remains a timeless and inspiring work of art that continues to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

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