'Of the Heart that goes in, and closes the Door' by Emily Dickinson


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Of the Heart that goes in, and closes the Door
Shall the Playfellow Heart complain
Though the Ring is unwhole, and the Company broke
Can never be fitted again?

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

Of the Heart that goes in, and closes the Door: A Literary Analysis

Emily Dickinson, one of America's most beloved poets, wrote about life, death, and everything in between. In her poem "Of the Heart that goes in, and closes the Door," Dickinson explores themes of isolation, introspection, and the power of the human heart. As we dive into this classic poem, we'll analyze its literary elements and interpretations, and discover why Dickinson's work still resonates today.

Form and Structure

The poem consists of two stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. This straightforward structure creates a sense of stability and control, which contrasts with the poem's themes of isolation and introspection.

The simplicity of the form allows for the complexity of the language and ideas to shine through. Each word is carefully chosen and placed, contributing to the poem's overall meaning.

Language and Imagery

Dickinson's language is often highly metaphorical, and "Of the Heart that goes in, and closes the Door" is no exception. The heart is a common symbol in poetry, often used to represent emotions, love, and sincerity. Here, Dickinson uses the heart as a metaphor for a person's innermost self, their true thoughts and feelings.

The heart is personified as an actor in the poem, going in and closing the door. This creates a sense of separation between the heart and the outside world, emphasizing the isolation and introspection in the poem.

The use of the word "Door" is also significant. Doors can be opened or closed, allowing for passage or preventing entry. In this case, the heart is closing the door, keeping its innermost self hidden from the world. This creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, drawing the reader in and encouraging them to explore the poem's themes.

Themes and Interpretations

The themes of isolation and introspection in "Of the Heart that goes in, and closes the Door" are powerful and relatable. Many people have experienced the feeling of wanting to retreat into themselves, shutting out the world and keeping their true thoughts and feelings hidden.

The poem can be interpreted as a commentary on the human condition. We all have a public face that we show to the world, but our innermost selves are often kept hidden. The heart that goes in and closes the door represents this hidden part of ourselves, which is only revealed to those we trust the most.

The poem can also be interpreted as a call to introspection. By closing the door and examining our innermost selves, we can gain a better understanding of who we are and what we truly believe. This can lead to personal growth and a deeper connection with the world around us.

Conclusion

Emily Dickinson's "Of the Heart that goes in, and closes the Door" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem. Its simple structure and complex language create a sense of mystery and intrigue, drawing the reader in and encouraging them to explore the poem's themes of isolation, introspection, and the power of the human heart.

As we continue to explore Dickinson's work, we discover the depth and complexity of her writing. "Of the Heart that goes in, and closes the Door" is just one example of her incredible talent, and a reminder of the power of poetry to touch our hearts and souls.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is a poet who is known for her unique style and her ability to capture the essence of human emotions in her poetry. Her poem "Of the Heart that goes in, and closes the Door" is no exception. In this poem, Dickinson explores the idea of love and the pain that can come with it.

The poem begins with the line "Of the heart that goes in, and closes the door," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The heart is a symbol of love and emotion, and the act of closing the door suggests that the speaker is shutting out the world and focusing solely on their own feelings.

The second line of the poem, "Which of the two is the greater?" poses a question that is central to the theme of the poem. The speaker is asking whether it is better to love and risk being hurt, or to close oneself off from the world and avoid the pain that comes with love.

The third and fourth lines of the poem, "The one we have broken, or the one that has flown?" further explore this idea. The heart that has been broken represents the pain that comes with love, while the heart that has flown represents the freedom that comes with not loving at all.

The fifth and sixth lines of the poem, "The bird that escaped from the cage, or the bird that has never been caged?" continue this exploration of the idea of freedom. The bird that has escaped from the cage represents the freedom that comes with love, while the bird that has never been caged represents the freedom that comes with not loving at all.

The seventh and eighth lines of the poem, "The one that is captive, or the one that is free?" further explore this idea of captivity and freedom. The heart that is captive represents the pain that comes with love, while the heart that is free represents the freedom that comes with not loving at all.

The ninth and tenth lines of the poem, "The one that is wounded, or the one that is whole?" continue this exploration of the idea of pain and wholeness. The heart that is wounded represents the pain that comes with love, while the heart that is whole represents the wholeness that comes with not loving at all.

The eleventh and twelfth lines of the poem, "The one that is dying, or the one that is dead?" further explore this idea of pain and death. The heart that is dying represents the pain that comes with love, while the heart that is dead represents the absence of pain that comes with not loving at all.

The thirteenth and fourteenth lines of the poem, "The one that is buried, or the one that is born?" continue this exploration of the idea of death and rebirth. The heart that is buried represents the pain that comes with love, while the heart that is born represents the possibility of love and the pain that comes with it.

The fifteenth and sixteenth lines of the poem, "The one that is silent, or the one that is heard?" further explore this idea of silence and expression. The heart that is silent represents the pain that comes with love, while the heart that is heard represents the expression of that pain.

The final two lines of the poem, "Of the heart that goes in, and closes the door, / Which of the two is the greater?" bring the poem full circle. The speaker is still grappling with the question of whether it is better to love and risk being hurt, or to close oneself off from the world and avoid the pain that comes with love.

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "Of the Heart that goes in, and closes the Door" is a powerful exploration of the pain and freedom that comes with love. Through her use of symbolism and imagery, Dickinson captures the essence of human emotion and the struggle that we all face when it comes to matters of the heart. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet and her ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in her work.

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