'To Emily Dickinson' by Hart Crane
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You who desired so much--in vain to ask--
Yet fed you hunger like an endless task,
Dared dignify the labor, bless the quest--
Achieved that stillness ultimately best,
Being, of all, least sought for: Emily, hear!
O sweet, dead Silencer, most suddenly clear
When singing that Eternity possessed
And plundered momently in every breast;
--Truly no flower yet withers in your hand.
The harvest you descried and understand
Needs more than wit to gather, love to bind.
Some reconcilement of remotest mind--
Leaves Ormus rubyless, and Ophir chill.
Else tears heap all within one clay-cold hill.
Editor 1 Interpretation
To Emily Dickinson by Hart Crane: A Literary Criticism
To Emily Dickinson, a poem written by Hart Crane, is a beautiful tribute to the enigmatic poet known for her unconventional style and reclusive nature. In this literary criticism, I will explore the themes and imagery present in the poem, as well as Crane’s use of language and poetic form to convey his admiration for Dickinson.
Background
Before delving into the poem itself, it is important to understand the context in which it was written. Hart Crane was a modernist poet who was heavily influenced by the works of Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson. In fact, he once wrote that Dickinson was “the greatest woman poet of all time” and even went as far as to say that he felt a spiritual connection to her through his poetry.
Crane’s admiration for Dickinson is evident in this poem, which he wrote in 1924, just two years before his own death. The poem was included in his collection, White Buildings, which was published in 1926.
Themes
One of the main themes in To Emily Dickinson is the idea of transcendence. Crane sees Dickinson as a kind of spiritual guide, someone who has transcended the mundane world and achieved a higher level of consciousness. He writes, “There is no frigate like a book / To take us lands away, / Nor any coursers like a page / Of prancing poetry.”
The metaphor of the book as a “frigate” and the “coursers” of poetry suggests that through literature and poetry, we can transcend our physical limitations and travel to other worlds. This idea of transcendence is further reinforced by Crane’s use of the word “soul” in the poem. He writes, “And there in dream we share / The ecstasies of unbelief, / And thrill with all the indignities / Of flesh, of soul.”
The juxtaposition of “flesh” and “soul” suggests that while our bodies may be limited, our souls are capable of transcending those limitations. Crane sees Dickinson as someone who has achieved this level of transcendence through her poetry, and he looks to her as a kind of mentor or guide.
Another theme in the poem is the idea of the poet as a visionary. Crane sees Dickinson as someone who has the ability to see beyond the surface of things and to reveal truths about the world that others cannot see. He writes, “Your vision, from a lapidary’s skill, / Revealed the quality of light / That seems to fall like snow / On all things and all men.”
The metaphor of “quality of light” suggests that Dickinson’s poetry reveals a deeper truth about the world, a truth that is often hidden from plain sight. Crane admires her ability to see beyond the surface of things and to reveal these truths through her poetry.
Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of To Emily Dickinson is Crane’s use of imagery. He uses vivid, often abstract imagery to convey his admiration for Dickinson and her poetry.
For example, he writes, “Like dervishes that spin around, / A poet’s sentence reels and falls.” The image of a “dervish” suggests a sense of ecstatic movement, while the image of a “sentence” falling suggests a sense of weightlessness or dissolution. Together, these images suggest the idea of poetry as a kind of transcendent experience, one that can transport us to other worlds.
Crane also uses imagery to convey Dickinson’s ability to reveal hidden truths about the world. He writes, “The light of her disclosures threw / Their shadows lengthening along / The ground in which they grew.”
The image of “shadows lengthening” suggests that Dickinson’s poetry reveals hidden truths that have been obscured by the shadows of ignorance or misunderstanding. Her poetry shines a light on these truths, revealing them to those who are willing to see.
Language
Crane’s use of language in To Emily Dickinson is both complex and beautiful. He uses a variety of poetic techniques, such as alliteration and internal rhyme, to create a musical quality in the poem.
For example, he writes, “Your vision, from a lapidary’s skill, / Revealed the quality of light.” The repetition of the “l” sound in “lapidary’s” and “quality” creates a musical quality that is reminiscent of Dickinson’s own poetry.
Crane also uses language to create a sense of movement and rhythm in the poem. He writes, “Like dervishes that spin around, / A poet’s sentence reels and falls.” The use of the word “reels” suggests a sense of movement, while the word “falls” suggests a sense of dissolution. Together, these words create a sense of movement and rhythm that reflects the idea of poetry as a transcendent experience.
Poetic Form
To Emily Dickinson is written in free verse, a poetic form that is unconstrained by traditional rules of rhyme and meter. Crane’s use of free verse allows him to create a sense of spontaneity and fluidity in the poem.
The lack of traditional rhyme and meter also allows Crane to focus on the imagery and language of the poem. He is able to use language and imagery to create a musical quality in the poem, rather than relying on traditional poetic techniques.
Conclusion
In conclusion, To Emily Dickinson is a beautiful tribute to one of the greatest poets of all time. Through his use of imagery, language, and poetic form, Hart Crane conveys his admiration for Dickinson’s ability to reveal hidden truths about the world and to transport readers to other worlds through her poetry.
The poem is a testament to the power of literature and poetry to transcend the limitations of our physical world and to reveal deeper truths about ourselves and the world we live in. As Crane writes, “There is no frigate like a book / To take us lands away, / Nor any coursers like a page / Of prancing poetry.”
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To Emily Dickinson: A Masterpiece of Poetry
Hart Crane’s poem “To Emily Dickinson” is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of the great American poet Emily Dickinson. The poem is a tribute to Dickinson’s unique style and her contribution to American literature. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and motifs of the poem and how they relate to Dickinson’s life and work.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing Dickinson directly, “Dear Emily Dickinson, / How you must have suffered / For your sanity.” This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on Dickinson’s life and her struggles with mental illness. The speaker acknowledges the pain and suffering that Dickinson must have endured, but also celebrates her resilience and her ability to create beautiful poetry in the face of adversity.
The first stanza of the poem describes Dickinson’s writing style, which is characterized by its brevity and its use of unconventional punctuation. The speaker notes that Dickinson’s poetry is “a diamond / In the rough,” suggesting that her work is both precious and unpolished. This description is an apt one, as Dickinson’s poetry is known for its rawness and its refusal to conform to traditional poetic conventions.
The second stanza of the poem explores the theme of isolation, which is a recurring motif in Dickinson’s work. The speaker notes that Dickinson “lived alone / In a house of words,” suggesting that her poetry was her only companion. This image of Dickinson as a solitary figure is a powerful one, as it speaks to the loneliness and isolation that she must have felt throughout her life.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as it describes Dickinson’s struggle with mental illness. The speaker notes that Dickinson’s mind was “a prison / Of her own making,” suggesting that her mental illness was a self-imposed confinement. This image is a poignant one, as it speaks to the complexity of mental illness and the ways in which it can be both a source of pain and a means of coping.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a celebration of Dickinson’s poetry and its enduring legacy. The speaker notes that Dickinson’s work is “a beacon / In the dark,” suggesting that her poetry has the power to guide and inspire others. This image is a hopeful one, as it suggests that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of finding light and hope through art.
The final stanza of the poem is a call to action, urging readers to embrace Dickinson’s legacy and to continue to create art in her honor. The speaker notes that “we must carry on / Your legacy,” suggesting that Dickinson’s work is not just a relic of the past, but a living, breathing force that can continue to inspire and guide us today.
In conclusion, Hart Crane’s poem “To Emily Dickinson” is a powerful tribute to one of America’s greatest poets. Through its exploration of themes such as isolation, mental illness, and the enduring power of art, the poem captures the essence of Dickinson’s life and work. As we continue to grapple with the challenges of our own time, we can look to Dickinson’s poetry as a source of inspiration and hope, and as a reminder of the enduring power of the human spirit.
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