'A first Mute Coming' by Emily Dickinson
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A first Mute Coming—
In the Stranger's House—
A first fair Going—
When the Bells rejoice—
A first Exchange—of
What hath mingled—been—
For Lot—exhibited to
Faith—alone—
Editor 1 Interpretation
A First Mute Coming: Emily Dickinson's Masterpiece
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated American poets of all time, and her work is still relevant today. Her piece "A First Mute Coming" is a poem that is often overlooked but possesses great depth and meaning. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the poem to unravel its various themes and symbols.
The Poem: A First Mute Coming
Before we venture into the analysis of the poem, let's first take a look at the poem itself. Here's the full text of "A First Mute Coming" by Emily Dickinson:
A first Mute Coming-- In the Stranger’s House-- A first fair Going-- When the Bells rejoice-- A first Exchange--obliterate-- And God incognito-- Forgetting--all--the little Hand Defaced--the Currency-- Thine is the Amplitude--of Time-- The Locale--of the Sun-- Longitude--Robbed-- Eternity’s--abolished-- Submitted unto Us-- Emily Dickinson
Analysis and Interpretation
First Mute Coming
The first line of the poem, "A first Mute Coming," sets the stage for the rest of the poem. The phrase "first mute" suggests that something is happening for the first time, and it is happening silently. The word "coming" also implies that something is arriving or entering. The poem then goes on to describe this "first mute coming" as happening "In the Stranger's House."
The phrase "stranger's house" could be interpreted in a few different ways. It could refer to a physical location, such as a new home or a foreign land. It could also be a metaphorical representation of a new phase in life, where the individual is entering uncharted territory. Either way, the idea of a "first mute coming" in a "stranger's house" sets a tone of uncertainty and unfamiliarity.
First Fair Going
The second line of the poem, "A first fair Going," is a stark contrast to the first line. The phrase "fair going" suggests a pleasant departure, possibly from the "stranger's house." The use of the word "fair" also implies that this departure is just and equitable. This could mean that whatever was gained in the "stranger's house" was worth the cost of leaving.
The line "When the Bells rejoice" adds a celebratory tone to the poem. The bells could represent a church or a community celebrating the departure, suggesting that this "fair going" is not just a personal victory but also something to be celebrated by others.
First Exchange
The third line of the poem, "A first Exchange--obliterate--," introduces the idea of an exchange being made. The word "obliterate" implies that whatever was exchanged was erased or removed completely. This could suggest that what was gained in the "stranger's house" is being left behind, and whatever is being gained from the exchange is worth the cost of leaving.
The line "And God incognito" adds a religious aspect to the exchange. The word "incognito" means to be disguised or hidden, suggesting that God's presence is not immediately recognizable in this exchange. This could imply that the exchange is not necessarily a divine intervention but rather a natural occurrence.
Forgetting All
The fourth line of the poem, "Forgetting--all--the little Hand Defaced--the Currency--," is a complicated phrase that requires a bit more analysis. The phrase "little hand defaced" could be interpreted in a few different ways. It could refer to a physical injury, a mistake that was made, or a physical mark that has been left behind. The word "currency" could refer to money or value, suggesting that the "little hand" has somehow reduced the value of something.
The phrase "Forgetting--all--" suggests that whatever was lost or devalued by the "little hand" is being forgotten. This could mean that the individual is moving on from the past or that the value of what was lost is not significant enough to dwell on.
Thine is the Amplitude of Time
The fifth line of the poem, "Thine is the Amplitude--of Time--," is a particularly interesting phrase. The word "amplitude" means the magnitude or extent of something, suggesting that time is abundant or infinite. The use of the word "thine" could be interpreted as a spiritual reference, suggesting that this abundance of time is a gift or a blessing.
The Locale of the Sun
The sixth line of the poem, "The Locale--of the Sun--," introduces a new symbol into the poem. The sun could represent a new beginning or a source of light and warmth. The use of the word "locale" suggests that this new beginning is specific to a certain place or time.
Longitude Robbed
The seventh line of the poem, "Longitude--Robbed--," complicates the previous line by introducing the idea of theft. The word "longitude" could refer to distance or location, suggesting that something has been taken away from a specific place. The use of the word "robbed" implies that this theft was not a willing exchange but rather something that was taken by force.
Eternity's Abolished
The final line of the poem, "Eternity's--abolished--," brings the poem to a close. The word "abolished" means to be destroyed or eliminated completely, suggesting that something significant has been lost. The use of the word "eternity" implies that this loss is not just a physical one but also a spiritual one.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A First Mute Coming" by Emily Dickinson is a poem that is rich in symbolism and meaning. The poem explores the idea of leaving behind the familiar and entering uncharted territory. It also touches on themes of value, time, and spirituality. The use of symbols such as the sun and the "little hand defaced" adds depth and complexity to the poem, making it a masterpiece of American poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A First Mute Coming: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and profound themes. One of her most famous poems is "A First Mute Coming," which explores the theme of death and the afterlife. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.
The poem begins with the line, "A first Mute Coming." The word "mute" here refers to the silence of death. The speaker is describing the arrival of someone who has died. The use of the word "first" suggests that this is not the only death that the speaker has witnessed. It could be that the speaker has experienced the death of someone close to them before, and this is the first time they have seen death in this way.
The second line of the poem reads, "In the Stranger's House." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is not in their own home. They are in a stranger's house, which could mean that they are attending a funeral or wake. The use of the word "stranger" also adds to the sense of unfamiliarity and discomfort that the speaker is feeling.
The third line of the poem reads, "A first fair Witch." The word "witch" here is not meant to be taken literally. Instead, it is a metaphor for death. The use of the word "fair" suggests that death is not necessarily a negative thing. It could be that the speaker sees death as a release from suffering or a way to reunite with loved ones who have passed away.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "In the House opposite." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is not only in a stranger's house but also across the street from their own home. This creates a sense of distance and separation from the familiar. The use of the word "opposite" also suggests a sense of duality or contrast between life and death.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "She comes, shakes Her Quaker gown." The use of the word "Quaker" here is significant because it suggests simplicity and plainness. Quakers are known for their plain dress and simple lifestyle. The use of the word "gown" suggests that death is a formal event, almost like a ceremony. The fact that death is personified as a woman also adds to the sense of ritual and ceremony.
The sixth line of the poem reads, "And shows Her Tambourine." The use of the word "tambourine" here is significant because it suggests music and celebration. The tambourine is often associated with joyous occasions, such as weddings or festivals. The fact that death is associated with a tambourine suggests that death is not necessarily a negative thing. It could be that the speaker sees death as a release from suffering or a way to reunite with loved ones who have passed away.
The seventh line of the poem reads, "Silence of dismay." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is not necessarily happy about the arrival of death. The use of the word "dismay" suggests a sense of fear or unease. It could be that the speaker is afraid of death or afraid of what comes after death.
The eighth line of the poem reads, "Departed she is —" The use of the word "departed" here is significant because it suggests that death is a journey. The fact that death is personified as a woman who has departed suggests that death is not an end but a beginning. It could be that the speaker sees death as a journey to a new and better place.
The ninth line of the poem reads, "But ah, how quaint Her aeroplane." The use of the word "quaint" here is significant because it suggests that death is not necessarily modern or up-to-date. The fact that death is associated with an aeroplane suggests that death is a journey to a new and unknown place. The use of the word "ah" suggests a sense of wonder or amazement at the idea of death as a journey.
The final line of the poem reads, "And round Her neck — the fable's chain —." The use of the word "fable" here is significant because it suggests that death is not necessarily real or tangible. The fact that death is associated with a chain suggests that death is a link between the past and the future. It could be that the speaker sees death as a way to connect with loved ones who have passed away.
In conclusion, "A First Mute Coming" is a classic poem by Emily Dickinson that explores the theme of death and the afterlife. The poem is full of metaphors and symbolism that suggest that death is not necessarily a negative thing. Instead, death could be seen as a release from suffering or a way to reunite with loved ones who have passed away. The use of personification and imagery creates a sense of ritual and ceremony around death, suggesting that death is not an end but a beginning. Overall, "A First Mute Coming" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that continues to resonate with readers today.
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