'No matter where the Saints abide' by Emily Dickinson


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No matter where the Saints abide,
They make their Circuit fair
Behold how great a Firmament
Accompanies a Star.

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

No Matter Where the Saints Abide: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Oh, what a beautiful poem we have here! No matter where the Saints abide is a classic masterpiece written by the renowned American poet, Emily Dickinson. This poem is undoubtedly one of the most exquisite works of art in Dickinson's literary canon, and it has been a subject of much literary criticism and interpretation over the years. In this piece, we will delve deep into the poem and provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of its various themes and motifs. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the world of Dickinson's poetry!

The Poem in Context

Before we dive into the poem, let us first take a quick look at its historical and cultural context. Emily Dickinson was an American poet who lived in the late 19th century. She was a reclusive and introverted individual who spent most of her life within the confines of her family home in Amherst, Massachusetts. Despite her seclusion, Dickinson managed to produce an impressive body of work that is now widely regarded as some of the finest poetry in American literature. Her poems were often characterized by their unconventional style, use of imagery, and explorations of themes such as death, love, and nature.

No matter where the Saints abide was written in 1862, during a period of great turmoil in American history. The country was in the midst of the American Civil War, which had begun the previous year. This war pitted the northern states (the Union) against the southern states (the Confederacy) in a conflict that would ultimately claim the lives of over 600,000 Americans. Dickinson was known to have been deeply affected by the war, and many of her poems from this period deal with themes of death, loss, and grief.

Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Now that we have some context in mind, let us turn our attention to the poem itself. No matter where the Saints abide is a short, five-stanza poem that comprises four lines each. The poem is written in Dickinson's typical style of short, concise lines that are rich in imagery and metaphor. The poem's central theme is the idea that no matter where one may go in life, the memory of the past will always remain.

The opening stanza sets the tone for the poem and establishes its central metaphor:

No matter where the Saints abide,
They have a common ground,
Immutable, yet ever new,
The Paradise they found.

Here, Dickinson uses the metaphor of "Paradise" to represent the memory of the past. The "Saints" are the people who have experienced this paradise, and the "common ground" represents the shared experience of memory. The use of the word "immutable" suggests that this memory is unchanging and eternal, while the phrase "ever new" suggests that it is constantly being rediscovered and reinterpreted.

The second stanza continues the theme of memory and its enduring power:

Immortal memory is itself
A lasting Paradiso
—Departed, but to return
With renovated faces.

The first line of this stanza reinforces the idea that memory is eternal and unchanging. The phrase "Immortal memory" suggests that memory is a kind of immortality, allowing us to live on even after we die. The second line repeats the metaphor of "Paradiso" and suggests that memory is a kind of paradise in its own right. The final two lines of the stanza suggest that memory can be revisited and reinterpreted, and that the faces of those we remember can be "renovated" or renewed over time.

The third stanza shifts the focus of the poem slightly, suggesting that memory is not just a personal experience but a shared one:

This is the way the Fathers walk,
—The Way the Children run,
—This is the Mother's kiss
Unseen by the Grandson.

Here, Dickinson uses the metaphor of family to represent the shared experience of memory. The "Fathers" and "Children" represent different generations, while the "Mother's kiss" represents a kind of familial love that is unseen by later generations. The use of the word "unseen" suggests that memory is not always visible or tangible, but is instead a kind of intangible bond that connects people across time and space.

The fourth stanza returns to the theme of memory as a kind of eternal paradise:

Eden is that old-fashioned House
We dwell in every day
Without suspecting our abode
Until we drive away.

The use of the word "Eden" here is significant, as it refers to the biblical Garden of Eden, which was a kind of paradise before the fall of man. Dickinson suggests that memory is a kind of paradise that we inhabit without even realizing it, and that we only become aware of it when we are forced to leave.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close, reiterating the central theme of memory and its enduring power:

Oh, precious pilgrimage!
—Rejoice, beloved hearts!
—Sojourner of the minor years,
—So tedious to forget!

The use of the word "pilgrimage" here suggests that life itself is a kind of spiritual journey, and that memory is an important part of that journey. The exhortation to "rejoice" suggests that memory is something to be celebrated and cherished, while the final two lines remind us of the difficulty of forgetting, suggesting that memory is not just a choice but a necessity.

Conclusion

No matter where the Saints abide is a beautiful poem that explores the enduring power of memory. Dickinson uses the metaphor of "Paradiso" to represent the memory of the past, suggesting that it is eternal and unchanging yet ever new and constantly being rediscovered. The poem is full of rich imagery and metaphor, and it speaks to the profound human need to remember and be remembered. It 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 short lines.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

No matter where the Saints abide: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers even today. One of her most famous poems is "No matter where the Saints abide," which is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that explores the nature of faith and the human condition. In this article, we will take a deep dive into this classic poem and analyze its meaning, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the line "No matter where the Saints abide," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "saints" suggests a religious theme, and the word "abide" implies a sense of permanence or steadfastness. This line also establishes a sense of universality, as it suggests that the message of the poem is applicable to all people, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds.

The second line of the poem reads, "They make their covenants with God." This line further emphasizes the religious theme of the poem and suggests that the saints are individuals who have made a commitment to their faith. The use of the word "covenants" implies a sense of solemnity and seriousness, as making a covenant with God is a significant act of devotion.

The third line of the poem reads, "His statutes serve them for a rod." This line is a bit more cryptic than the previous two, but it can be interpreted as a reference to the laws and commandments of God. The use of the word "rod" suggests that these laws are a guiding force for the saints, helping them to stay on the right path and avoid straying from their faith.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "In the right hand and in the left." This line is a bit more ambiguous, but it can be interpreted as a reference to the idea that the saints are always guided by their faith, no matter what they do or where they go. The use of the phrase "right hand and left" suggests a sense of completeness or wholeness, as if the saints are always surrounded by their faith.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "They walk in white and in the light." This line is a bit more straightforward, as it suggests that the saints are pure and holy, walking in the light of God. The use of the word "white" emphasizes this purity, as white is often associated with innocence and goodness.

The sixth line of the poem reads, "With glory and with might." This line is a bit more grandiose than the previous ones, as it suggests that the saints are powerful and majestic, imbued with the glory and might of God. This line also emphasizes the idea that the saints are not just ordinary people, but rather individuals who have been elevated to a higher plane of existence through their faith.

The seventh and final line of the poem reads, "No matter where the Saints abide." This line brings the poem full circle, repeating the opening line and emphasizing the universality of the message. The repetition of this line also suggests a sense of finality or closure, as if the poem is coming to a definitive end.

Overall, "No matter where the Saints abide" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of faith and the human condition. Through its use of religious imagery and symbolism, the poem suggests that those who are guided by their faith are pure, holy, and powerful, and that their commitment to their beliefs can help them to navigate the challenges of life. The poem also emphasizes the universality of this message, suggesting that anyone can find meaning and purpose through their faith, regardless of their background or beliefs.

In terms of literary devices, "No matter where the Saints abide" makes use of repetition, symbolism, and metaphor to convey its message. The repetition of the opening and closing lines emphasizes the universality of the message, while the use of religious symbolism and metaphor helps to create a sense of grandeur and majesty. The poem also makes use of rhyme and meter, although these elements are less prominent than the other literary devices.

In conclusion, "No matter where the Saints abide" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Through its use of religious imagery and symbolism, the poem explores the nature of faith and the human condition, suggesting that those who are guided by their beliefs can find meaning and purpose in life. Whether you are a person of faith or not, this poem is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to your convictions and living a life guided by your values.

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