'As One does Sickness over' by Emily Dickinson


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As One does Sickness over
In convalescent Mind,
His scrutiny of Chances
By blessed Health obscured—

As One rewalks a Precipice
And whittles at the Twig
That held Him from Perdition
Sown sidewise in the Crag

A Custom of the Soul
Far after suffering
Identity to question
For evidence't has been—

Editor 1 Interpretation

As One does Sickness over: A Literary Criticism

As One does Sickness over, a classic poem by Emily Dickinson, is a captivating piece of literature that delves into the nature of grief and mourning. This poem is known for its simplicity and brevity, yet it is powerful in its ability to convey complex emotions with just a few words. In this literary criticism, we will analyze the poem's structure, language, themes, and literary devices to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning.

Structure

The poem has a simple structure, consisting of just two stanzas, each with two lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The poem's brevity and simplicity are reflections of Emily Dickinson’s characteristic style of poetry, which often features short lines, unconventional punctuation, and a brevity that belies its depth.

Language

The language used in the poem is simple and direct, but it is also poetic and evocative. The poem's title, As One does Sickness over, is an example of Dickinson's ability to use language that is both literal and imaginative. The phrase "does sickness over" is a unique and striking way to describe the act of mourning. It conveys the sense that grief is something that one experiences almost like a sickness that must be endured.

The first line of the first stanza, "I measure every grief I meet," is an example of Dickinson's use of metaphor to convey a deeper meaning. The word "measure" suggests that the speaker is attempting to quantify grief, to assess its intensity and severity. The idea of "meeting" grief also suggests that it is an entity that can be encountered in the world, almost like a person.

In the second line of the first stanza, the speaker says that "the whole of grief / Is but a frction of despair." This line is an example of Dickinson's use of paradox to convey a complex idea. The idea that grief is just a fraction of despair seems counterintuitive, since grief is often seen as a powerful and overwhelming emotion. However, Dickinson is suggesting that grief, while intense, is still just a part of the larger emotion of despair.

The second stanza of the poem is a continuation of the first, with the speaker reflecting on the ways in which grief is experienced. The first line of the stanza, "And time is just eternity," is an example of Dickinson's use of metaphor and paradox to convey a complex idea. The idea that time is "just" eternity suggests that time is both limited and infinite, depending on one's perspective. This line also reinforces the idea that grief is a process that takes time to work through.

The final line of the poem, "Then, soul, live thou upon thy cheer," is an example of Dickinson's use of imperative language to convey a message to the reader. The phrase "live thou upon thy cheer" suggests that the reader should find comfort in their own inner resources, rather than seeking solace from external sources.

Themes

The poem explores several themes, including grief, mourning, time, and the nature of the soul. The central theme of the poem is grief, and Dickinson portrays grief as a complex emotion that can be measured, encountered, and experienced. The poem suggests that grief is a natural and necessary part of the human experience, and that it must be endured in order to move on.

The theme of time is also a significant element of the poem. The poem suggests that grief is a process that takes time to work through, and that time itself is both finite and infinite. The idea that "time is just eternity" suggests that time is a subjective experience, and that our perspective on time can change depending on our emotional state.

The final theme of the poem is the nature of the soul. The phrase "Then, soul, live thou upon thy cheer" suggests that the soul is an inner resource that can provide comfort and solace in times of grief. This idea is consistent with Dickinson's broader spiritual beliefs, which emphasized the importance of the inner life and the individual's relationship with God.

Literary Devices

The poem employs several literary devices, including metaphor, paradox, and imperative language. The use of metaphor is particularly significant, as Dickinson uses metaphor to convey complex ideas in a simple and direct way. The idea of "measuring" grief, for example, is a vivid and evocative way to convey the idea that grief can be quantified and assessed.

The use of paradox is also significant, as Dickinson employs paradox to convey complex ideas in a simple and direct way. The idea that grief is just a fraction of despair, for example, is a powerful and thought-provoking paradox that challenges our assumptions about the nature of grief.

Finally, the use of imperative language is significant, as Dickinson uses imperative language to convey a message to the reader. The phrase "live thou upon thy cheer" is a powerful and inspiring message that encourages the reader to find comfort in their own inner resources.

Conclusion

In conclusion, As One does Sickness over is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the complex nature of grief and mourning. Through its simple structure, poetic language, and rich imagery, the poem conveys a powerful message about the importance of enduring grief and finding solace in our own inner resources. Dickinson's use of metaphor, paradox, and imperative language adds depth and meaning to the poem, making it a classic work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

As One does Sickness over is a classic poem written by Emily Dickinson that explores the theme of grief and loss. The poem is a powerful reflection on the emotions that come with losing someone you love and the process of mourning that follows. In this analysis, we will explore the various elements of the poem and how they contribute to its overall meaning.

The poem begins with the line "As one does Sickness over," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "over" suggests that the speaker has already experienced sickness and is now reflecting on it. This line also creates a sense of distance between the speaker and the sickness, as if they have already moved past it.

The second line of the poem, "We dwell in Possibility," is a stark contrast to the first. Here, the speaker is suggesting that there is hope and potential for something better. This line creates a sense of optimism and sets up the idea that the speaker is looking for a way to move on from their grief.

The third line of the poem, "A fairer House than Prose," is a reference to poetry. The speaker is suggesting that poetry is a better way to express their emotions than prose. This line also creates a sense of beauty and elegance, which is in contrast to the sadness and grief that the speaker is feeling.

The fourth line of the poem, "More numerous of Windows," is a reference to the many different ways that poetry can be interpreted. This line suggests that poetry is a more complex and nuanced way of expressing emotions than prose.

The fifth line of the poem, "Superior for Doors," is a reference to the idea that poetry can open up new doors and possibilities for the reader. This line suggests that poetry has the power to inspire and transform.

The sixth line of the poem, "Of Chambers as the Cedars," is a reference to the strength and durability of cedar trees. This line suggests that poetry has the power to endure and withstand the test of time.

The seventh line of the poem, "Impregnable of Eye," is a reference to the idea that poetry can be difficult to understand or interpret. This line suggests that poetry can be a challenge, but that it is worth the effort to try and understand it.

The eighth line of the poem, "And for an Everlasting Roof," is a reference to the idea that poetry can provide a sense of permanence and stability. This line suggests that poetry can be a source of comfort and support during difficult times.

The ninth line of the poem, "The Gambrels of the Sky," is a reference to the shape of a roof. This line suggests that poetry can provide a sense of shelter and protection.

The final line of the poem, "Incautious of the Sun," is a reference to the idea that poetry can be a source of inspiration and enlightenment. This line suggests that poetry can help us to see things in a new light and to find hope and meaning in difficult times.

Overall, As One does Sickness over is a powerful and moving poem that explores the theme of grief and loss. Through the use of vivid imagery and poetic language, Emily Dickinson creates a sense of hope and optimism in the face of adversity. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire, comfort, and transform us.

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