'Above Oblivion's Tide there is a Pier' by Emily Dickinson


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Above Oblivion's Tide there is a Pier
And an effaceless "Few" are lifted there—
Nay—lift themselves—Fame has no Arms—
And but one smile—that meagres Balms—

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

Above Oblivion's Tide there is a Pier by Emily Dickinson: An Exploration

Emily Dickinson is renowned for her unique and often enigmatic poetry that defies conventional interpretation. Her poem "Above Oblivion's Tide there is a Pier" is no exception. In this work, Dickinson employs striking metaphors and a subtle yet powerful exploration of themes to create a work that is both evocative and thought-provoking.

The Metaphors: A Study in Contrast

The poem opens with the metaphor of "Oblivion's Tide," which represents the destructive and all-consuming nature of time. The use of the word "tide" is significant as it suggests a cyclical and relentless force that cannot be stopped or controlled. Dickinson's choice of the word "oblivion" further emphasizes the destructive nature of time, as it suggests a state of forgetfulness or non-existence.

However, the use of the word "above" immediately introduces a contrast to this image. The word suggests a higher plane of existence, one that is above the chaos and destruction of time. This contrast is further emphasized by the image of the "Pier," which represents stability and strength in the face of chaos. The Pier is a physical manifestation of the idea that there is a way to resist the destructive force of time and achieve a kind of immortality.

The Theme of Immortality

The idea of immortality is a recurring theme in much of Dickinson's poetry, and "Above Oblivion's Tide there is a Pier" is no exception. The Pier can be interpreted as a metaphor for immortality, as it represents a way to transcend the ephemeral nature of time and achieve a kind of permanence.

However, the poem also suggests that immortality is not achievable through physical means alone. The Pier is not a permanent structure, and it too will eventually succumb to the destructive force of time. Instead, Dickinson suggests that true immortality can only be achieved through the preservation of memory and the continuation of one's legacy.

The Importance of Memory

The theme of memory is also central to this poem. The Pier is described as being "above the wreck of time," which suggests that it is not just a physical structure, but also a repository of memory and history. The Pier represents a way to preserve the past and ensure that it is not lost to the ravages of time.

The final lines of the poem emphasize the importance of memory, as Dickinson writes: "Who builds above a wreck, / Love builds a music-hall." The use of the word "Love" suggests that it is through our connections to others and our capacity for love that we are able to preserve memory and achieve a kind of immortality. The "music-hall" represents a space for the continuation of a legacy, where the past can be celebrated and remembered.

Conclusion

"Above Oblivion's Tide there is a Pier" is a poem that is both complex and thought-provoking. Through the use of striking metaphors and a subtle exploration of themes, Dickinson creates a work that challenges our understanding of time and mortality. The Pier represents a way to resist the destructive force of time and achieve a kind of immortality, but it also suggests that true immortality can only be achieved through the preservation of memory and the continuation of one's legacy. Ultimately, this poem is a testament to the power of memory and the importance of preserving our history and connections to others.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Above Oblivion's Tide there is a Pier: 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 "Above Oblivion's Tide there is a Pier" is a classic example of her work, and it has been the subject of much analysis and interpretation over the years. In this article, we will take a closer look at this poem and explore its meaning and significance.

The poem begins with the line "Above Oblivion's Tide there is a Pier," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "oblivion" suggests a sense of emptiness or nothingness, and the fact that there is a pier above it implies that there is something solid and tangible that exists beyond this void. This creates a sense of hope and possibility, as if there is something to hold onto even in the face of the unknown.

The next line, "And on that Pier there is a Girl," introduces a character into the poem. The use of the word "Girl" instead of "woman" or "lady" suggests youth and innocence, which is reinforced by the description of her as "fair" and "frail." This creates a sense of vulnerability and delicacy, as if she is in danger of being swept away by the tide below.

The third line, "And on that Girl there is a dress," continues the theme of fragility and delicacy. The dress is described as "as light as air," which suggests that it is almost weightless and ethereal. This creates a sense of otherworldliness, as if the girl and her dress are not quite of this world.

The fourth line, "And on that dress a White so fair," reinforces this sense of otherworldliness. The use of the word "White" instead of "white" suggests that it is more than just a color, but rather a symbol of purity and innocence. This creates a sense of contrast with the darkness and emptiness of the oblivion below, as if the girl and her dress are a beacon of light in the darkness.

The fifth line, "It seems a little thing to me," is a curious statement that seems to contradict the previous lines. If the girl and her dress are so delicate and otherworldly, how can they be considered "a little thing"? This suggests that the speaker has a different perspective on the situation, perhaps one that is more grounded in reality and less focused on the symbolism of the girl and her dress.

The sixth line, "To wear your Hempen Row," is a reference to the practice of wearing a hempen rope as a symbol of shame or punishment. This creates a sense of danger and foreboding, as if the girl is in danger of being punished or shamed for something she has done. It also creates a sense of contrast with the purity and innocence of the girl and her dress, as if there is a darker side to her that is not immediately apparent.

The seventh line, "To hear your White Sustain," is a continuation of the theme of purity and innocence. The use of the word "Sustain" suggests that the girl's purity is something that she must actively maintain, as if it is a fragile thing that could be lost at any moment. This creates a sense of tension and uncertainty, as if the girl is in danger of losing her innocence and purity.

The eighth and final line, "And then perceive 'twas you," is a surprising twist that changes the meaning of the entire poem. Up until this point, it has been assumed that the speaker is describing someone else, perhaps a girl that they have seen or imagined. However, with this line, it becomes clear that the speaker is actually describing themselves. This creates a sense of self-reflection and introspection, as if the speaker is examining their own sense of purity and innocence.

In conclusion, "Above Oblivion's Tide there is a Pier" is a complex and multi-layered poem that explores themes of purity, innocence, and vulnerability. The use of symbolism and metaphor creates a sense of otherworldliness and contrast, while the twist at the end adds a layer of self-reflection and introspection. Overall, this poem is a classic example of Emily Dickinson's unique style and profound insights into the human condition, and it continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.

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