'Of Consciousness, her awful Mate' by Emily Dickinson


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Of Consciousness, her awful Mate
The Soul cannot be rid—
As easy the secreting her
Behind the Eyes of God.

The deepest hid is sighted first
And scant to Him the Crowd—
What triple Lenses burn upon
The Escapade from God—

Editor 1 Interpretation

Of Consciousness, her awful Mate: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Introduction

Emily Dickinson's poem, "Of Consciousness, her awful Mate," is a complex and enigmatic work that explores the relationship between consciousness and the human experience. This 12-line poem is a masterful example of Dickinson's unique style of poetry, characterized by her unconventional syntax, use of dashes, and sparse, yet evocative language. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in this poem, and analyze their significance in the context of Dickinson's larger body of work.

Themes

Central to "Of Consciousness, her awful Mate" is the theme of the human condition and the inescapable nature of consciousness. The poem begins with the phrase "Of Consciousness," emphasizing the importance of this concept in the poem. Dickinson personifies consciousness as a female entity, with the word "her" suggesting a sense of intimacy and familiarity. The use of the word "awful" in the title also gives a sense of dread and foreboding, setting the tone for the rest of the poem.

The poem's central theme is reinforced in the first line, with the phrase "her awful Mate." The word "mate" suggests a relationship, and the use of "awful" suggests that this relationship is not a pleasant one. The word "mate" can also be interpreted as a reference to death, further emphasizing the poem's theme of the inevitability of consciousness and mortality.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of the mind-body problem. The poem suggests that consciousness is separate from the body, and that it is an entity in its own right. This idea is reinforced by the use of the word "of" in the title, suggesting that consciousness is a separate entity that is linked to the human experience.

Symbols

Dickinson's use of symbols in "Of Consciousness, her awful Mate" is subtle, yet powerful. One of the most important symbols in the poem is the use of the word "sleep." The poem suggests that consciousness is always present, even when we are asleep. This idea is reinforced in the second line, with the phrase "sleep's incessant murmur." The word "incessant" suggests that even in moments of rest, consciousness is still present, and that it is a constant companion throughout our lives.

Another important symbol in the poem is the use of the word "dark." The phrase "In darkness," suggests that consciousness is a mysterious and unknowable entity. This idea is reinforced by the use of dashes throughout the poem, which create a sense of fragmentation and disorientation. The use of dashes also suggests that consciousness is difficult to pin down, and that it is always shifting and changing.

Literary Devices

One of the most striking aspects of Dickinson's poetry is her use of unconventional syntax and punctuation. In "Of Consciousness, her awful Mate," Dickinson uses dashes to create a sense of fragmentation and disorientation. This style of punctuation also suggests that consciousness is difficult to pin down, and that it is always shifting and changing.

Another important literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "of Consciousness" is repeated twice in the first line, emphasizing the importance of this concept in the poem. The repetition of the word "sleep" also reinforces the poem's central theme of the inevitability of consciousness.

Interpretation

"Of Consciousness, her awful Mate" is a complex and enigmatic poem that explores the relationship between consciousness, the human experience, and mortality. The poem suggests that consciousness is a constant companion, always present even in moments of rest. The use of the word "awful" suggests that this relationship is not a pleasant one, and that consciousness is a burden to be borne.

The poem also suggests that consciousness is separate from the body, and that it is an entity in its own right. This idea is reinforced by the use of the word "of" in the title, suggesting that consciousness is a separate entity that is linked to the human experience.

Overall, "Of Consciousness, her awful Mate" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores some of the most fundamental questions of the human experience. Dickinson's use of symbols, repetition, and unconventional syntax create a sense of mystery and wonder, and leave the reader with a deep sense of contemplation and reflection.

Conclusion

"Of Consciousness, her awful Mate" is a masterful example of Emily Dickinson's unique style of poetry, characterized by her unconventional syntax, use of dashes, and sparse, yet evocative language. The poem explores some of the most fundamental questions of the human experience, and leaves the reader with a deep sense of contemplation and reflection. Through its use of symbols and repetition, the poem creates a sense of mystery and wonder, and reinforces the idea that consciousness is a constant companion throughout our lives. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet, and her ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in just a few lines of verse.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Of Consciousness, her awful Mate: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is known for her enigmatic and thought-provoking poetry, and one of her most famous works is "Of Consciousness, her awful Mate." This poem is a complex exploration of the relationship between consciousness and the self, and it has captivated readers for generations. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and explore its themes, symbolism, and meaning.

The poem begins with the line "Of Consciousness, her awful Mate," which immediately sets the tone for what is to come. The word "awful" is used here in its original sense, meaning "full of awe," and it suggests that consciousness is a powerful force that inspires both wonder and fear. The use of the word "mate" is also significant, as it implies a close and intimate relationship between consciousness and the self.

The first stanza of the poem continues with the lines "The Soul cannot be rid - / As easy the secreting her / Behind the Eyes of God." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that consciousness is an integral part of the self, and that it cannot be separated or hidden away. The use of the word "Soul" is also significant, as it suggests that consciousness is not just a mental process, but something deeper and more spiritual.

In the second stanza, Dickinson explores the idea that consciousness is a burden that the self must bear. She writes, "The deepest hid is sight - / The love of God - the Sodden width / Of Water - Wilderness." Here, she is suggesting that consciousness allows us to see things that are hidden from others, but that this knowledge comes at a cost. The phrase "Sodden width / Of Water - Wilderness" suggests that consciousness can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate, like trying to cross a vast and treacherous landscape.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most enigmatic, as Dickinson writes, "No Man can plummet - Pierce - / The Soul's Suspense - / The Soul's Immensity." Here, she is suggesting that consciousness is something that cannot be fully understood or measured by human beings. The use of the word "plummet" suggests that consciousness is like a deep and mysterious well that cannot be fully explored, while the phrase "The Soul's Immensity" suggests that consciousness is vast and infinite.

In the final stanza of the poem, Dickinson returns to the idea that consciousness is a burden that the self must bear. She writes, "When it has but a latch / Of Lead - to fasten with - / And then - an awful leisure - / It dignifies the Road." Here, she is suggesting that consciousness can be a heavy burden, but that it also gives meaning and purpose to our lives. The phrase "an awful leisure" suggests that consciousness can be both a blessing and a curse, and that it requires us to take responsibility for our own lives and choices.

So what is the meaning of this complex and enigmatic poem? At its core, "Of Consciousness, her awful Mate" is a meditation on the relationship between consciousness and the self. Dickinson is suggesting that consciousness is a powerful force that cannot be separated from the self, and that it comes with both blessings and burdens. She is also suggesting that consciousness is something that cannot be fully understood or measured by human beings, and that it requires us to take responsibility for our own lives and choices.

The poem is also rich in symbolism, with Dickinson using images of water, wilderness, and lead to suggest the vastness and weight of consciousness. The use of the word "Soul" is also significant, as it suggests that consciousness is not just a mental process, but something deeper and more spiritual.

In conclusion, "Of Consciousness, her awful Mate" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores the relationship between consciousness and the self. Through its use of symbolism and enigmatic language, it suggests that consciousness is a powerful force that cannot be fully understood or measured by human beings, and that it requires us to take responsibility for our own lives and choices. This poem is a testament to Emily Dickinson's skill as a poet, and it continues to captivate and inspire readers to this day.

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