'The Child's faith is new' by Emily Dickinson


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The Child's faith is new—
Whole—like His Principle—
Wide—like the Sunrise
On fresh Eyes—
Never had a Doubt—
Laughs—at a Scruple—
Believes all sham
But Paradise—

Credits the World—
Deems His Dominion
Broadest of Sovereignties—
And Caesar—mean—
In the Comparison—
Baseless Emperor—
Ruler of Nought—
Yet swaying all—

Grown bye and bye
To hold mistaken
His pretty estimates
Of Prickly Things
He gains the skill
Sorrowful—as certain—
Men—to anticipate
Instead of Kings—

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Child's Faith is New by Emily Dickinson: A Deeper Look

Have you ever wondered what it's like to see the world through the eyes of a child? To experience the wonder and awe they feel in everything around them? Emily Dickinson's poem "The Child's faith is new" captures this innocence and purity of perception, taking us on a journey of discovery and contemplation.

At its core, "The Child's faith is new" is a meditation on faith and trust. Dickinson writes:

"The child's faith is new
Whole, like his principle
Wide, like the light
Bees, by it, hum
Sail, by it, swim
Dews, drop from the flowers
Sunrise, subtracts from ours
Match, gazes, when the lid is off
Not else, essential is"

The child's faith is described as "new" and "whole," suggesting that it is untainted by experience or doubt. This faith is all-encompassing, like "the principle" that underlies everything in the world. It is "wide," like the light that illuminates all things, and it is the source of all activity, from the buzzing of bees to the movement of the sun.

The imagery in this poem is strikingly vivid and sensory, painting a picture of a world that is alive with wonder and mystery. The "dews" that "drop from the flowers" suggest a world that is fresh and new, while the "sunrise" that "subtracts from ours" implies that time is moving forward and the world is constantly changing.

Perhaps most interesting, however, is the line "Match, gazes, when the lid is off." It suggests that the child's faith is like a match that only needs to be lit to illuminate the darkness. The "lid" could be interpreted as the veil of adulthood and experience that we wear over our eyes, preventing us from seeing the world as it truly is. The child's faith, however, is pure and unadulterated, allowing them to see beyond the veil and into the heart of things.

But what does it mean to "match, gazes"? Is it a call to action, a challenge to light our own matches and see the world with fresh eyes? Or is it a warning, a reminder that we are too quick to dismiss the wonder and mystery of the world around us? Dickinson leaves the interpretation open to the reader, asking us to consider our own relationship to faith and trust.

Another interesting aspect of the poem is the way it uses natural imagery to evoke a sense of wonder and awe. The buzzing of bees, the movement of the sun, and the dropping of dews all suggest a world that is alive and vibrant, pulsing with energy and vitality. This sense of vitality is mirrored in the child's faith, which is described as "wide" and all-encompassing. It is a faith that is not limited by doubt or skepticism, but rather embraces the mystery and beauty of the world around us.

Finally, it is worth noting the form of the poem itself. Like many of Dickinson's works, "The Child's faith is new" is written in an unconventional style, with no strict rhyme or meter. This lack of structure emphasizes the poem's sense of spontaneity and freedom, allowing the words to flow naturally and evocatively. It also mirrors the child's faith, which is not bound by tradition or convention, but rather is free to explore and discover the world on its own terms.

In conclusion, "The Child's faith is new" is a powerful meditation on faith and trust, inviting us to see the world through the eyes of a child and to embrace the wonder and mystery of the world around us. With vivid imagery, naturalistic themes, and an unconventional structure, Dickinson captures the essence of childhood innocence and invites us to contemplate our own relationship to faith and trust. It is a poem that speaks to the heart and soul of what it means to be human, reminding us that there is always something new to discover and to believe in.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Child's Faith is New: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, known for her unique style and profound insights into the human condition. Her poem, "The Child's Faith is New," is a classic example of her work, exploring the innocence and wonder of childhood faith.

At just eight lines long, this poem is deceptively simple. However, upon closer examination, it reveals a depth of meaning that is both profound and moving. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and imagery of "The Child's Faith is New," and examine how Dickinson uses language to convey her message.

The Theme of Innocence

One of the most prominent themes in "The Child's Faith is New" is innocence. The poem explores the idea that children have a pure and unspoiled faith that is unencumbered by the doubts and fears that plague adults. Dickinson writes:

The child's faith is new -
Whole - like his principle -
Wide - like the light upon the dawn
Narrow - like the noon -

These lines paint a picture of a child's faith that is unbounded and limitless, like the wide expanse of the morning light. At the same time, the faith is also narrow, like the intense heat of the noonday sun. This duality suggests that the child's faith is both expansive and focused, encompassing all possibilities while remaining firmly rooted in a single principle.

Dickinson's use of the word "new" is also significant. It suggests that the child's faith is fresh and unspoiled, untainted by the cynicism and skepticism that often come with age. This innocence is a powerful force, allowing the child to see the world with wonder and awe.

The Power of Faith

Another theme that runs through "The Child's Faith is New" is the power of faith. Dickinson suggests that the child's faith is a force to be reckoned with, capable of moving mountains and changing the world. She writes:

Ask him unto what he clings,
And he'll confess - surprise
That nakedness of possible
Wherein his garments rise -

These lines suggest that the child's faith is not just a passive belief, but an active force that shapes the child's worldview. The child clings to this faith, and it gives him the courage to face the unknown and embrace the possibilities of life.

The phrase "nakedness of possible" is particularly striking. It suggests that the child's faith is not limited by preconceived notions or expectations, but is open to all possibilities. This openness is a powerful force, allowing the child to see the world with fresh eyes and embrace the unknown.

The Imagery of Light

Throughout "The Child's Faith is New," Dickinson uses imagery of light to convey her message. The poem begins with the line, "The child's faith is new -" which immediately conjures up an image of a bright, shining light. This light is a symbol of the child's innocence and purity, illuminating the world around him and allowing him to see with clarity.

Dickinson also uses the image of the dawn to suggest the limitless potential of the child's faith. The dawn is a time of new beginnings, when the world is full of possibilities and anything is possible. This image reinforces the idea that the child's faith is unbounded and limitless, capable of embracing all possibilities.

The image of the noonday sun is also significant. It suggests that the child's faith is not just a passive belief, but an active force that can burn with intensity. This intensity is a powerful force, allowing the child to face the challenges of life with courage and determination.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Child's Faith is New" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of innocence, faith, and the power of belief. Through her use of language and imagery, Emily Dickinson creates a vivid portrait of a child's faith that is both pure and powerful. This poem reminds us of the wonder and awe that we felt as children, and encourages us to embrace the limitless possibilities of life.

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