'To learn the Transport by the Pain' by Emily Dickinson


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To learn the Transport by the Pain
As Blind Men learn the sun!
To die of thirst—suspecting
That Brooks in Meadows run!

To stay the homesick—homesick feet
Upon a foreign shore—
Haunted by native lands, the while—
And blue—beloved air!

This is the Sovereign Anguish!
This—the signal woe!
These are the patient "Laureates"
Whose voices—trained—below—

Ascend in ceaseless Carol—
Inaudible, indeed,
To us—the duller scholars
Of the Mysterious Bard!

Editor 1 Interpretation

To learn the Transport by the Pain: A Detailed Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Are you ready to delve into the mesmerizing world of Emily Dickinson's poetry? Buckle up because we are about to embark on a journey of emotions and sensations with her poem "To learn the Transport by the Pain." This classic piece of literature is a testament to Dickinson's unique style and her ability to convey complex ideas through simple yet powerful language.

The Poem: An Overview

Before we dive into the depths of the poem, let's take a moment to read and analyze it as a whole. Here's the complete text:

To learn the Transport by the Pain—
As Blind Men learn the sun!
To die of thirst—suspecting
That Brooks in Meadows run!

To stay the homesick—homesick feet—
Upon a foreign shore—
Haunted by native lands, the while—
And blue—beloved air!

This short poem consists of three stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, with lines two and four in each stanza rhyming. The tone of the poem is somber and introspective, as Dickinson contemplates the beauty and meaning of pain.

Stanza One: Learning the Transport by the Pain

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Dickinson introduces the concept of learning the transport by the pain. The word "transport" refers to a state of intense emotion or rapture, and Dickinson suggests that pain is the key to unlocking this state.

The comparison to blind men learning the sun is particularly striking, as it implies that the experience of pain is something that cannot be fully grasped or understood by those who have not experienced it. It is as if pain is a kind of blindness that must be overcome in order to truly see and feel.

The second half of the stanza introduces the image of dying of thirst while suspecting that brooks in meadows run. This metaphor suggests that there is something within reach that could alleviate the pain, but it remains elusive and out of reach. The use of the word "suspecting" implies a sense of doubt and uncertainty, as if the speaker is not quite sure if the relief they seek actually exists.

Stanza Two: Homesick Feet on a Foreign Shore

The second stanza shifts the focus to a more concrete image, as Dickinson describes homesick feet on a foreign shore. The speaker is haunted by memories of their native land and the beloved air that they left behind.

The use of the word "homesick" twice in this stanza emphasizes the intensity of the feeling, as if the speaker's whole being is consumed by a longing for home. The contrast between the homesick feet and the foreign shore suggests a sense of displacement and disorientation, as if the speaker is struggling to find their place in the world.

Stanza Three: The Beauty of Pain

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as Dickinson returns to the idea of pain as a means of learning the transport. The image of the homesick feet is replaced by the idea of staying on a foreign shore, haunted by memories of home.

The use of the word "blue" to describe the beloved air is particularly poignant, as it suggests both a sense of sadness and a sense of beauty. The final line, "And blue—beloved air!", is a kind of epiphany, as if the speaker has finally found the beauty in the pain that they have been searching for.

Interpretation: The Beauty and Meaning of Pain

So what is the meaning behind Dickinson's poem, and what can we learn from it? At its core, "To learn the Transport by the Pain" is a meditation on the beauty and meaning of pain. Dickinson suggests that pain is not something to be avoided or feared, but rather something to be embraced and explored.

By learning the transport by the pain, Dickinson suggests that we can tap into a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Like blind men learning the sun, we must overcome our own blindness to truly see and feel the world. Pain is the key to unlocking this understanding, as it forces us to confront the limitations of our own perceptions and experiences.

The image of the homesick feet on a foreign shore is a powerful metaphor for the human experience of pain. We are all strangers in a strange land, searching for a sense of belonging and meaning. Pain is a reminder of our own mortality and vulnerability, but it is also a source of beauty and inspiration.

In the end, Dickinson's poem is a testament to the power of poetry itself. It is through the beauty and simplicity of language that we can learn to see and feel the world in new and profound ways. "To learn the Transport by the Pain" is a masterpiece of poetic expression, and a reminder of the transformative power of art.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

To Learn the Transport by the Pain: An Analysis of 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 to this day. One of her most famous poems, "To Learn the Transport by the Pain," is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that explores the idea of finding meaning and purpose in suffering.

At its core, "To Learn the Transport by the Pain" is a poem about the transformative power of pain. Dickinson suggests that pain is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather something that can teach us important lessons and help us grow as individuals. She writes:

"Who never wanted - maddest Joy Remains to him unknown - The Banquet of Abstemiousness Defaces that of Wine -"

In these lines, Dickinson suggests that those who have never experienced pain or suffering are missing out on a crucial aspect of life. She compares the experience of pain to a banquet, suggesting that it is something to be savored and appreciated rather than avoided. She also suggests that those who have never experienced pain are like someone who has never tasted wine - they are missing out on something that can bring great joy and fulfillment.

Dickinson goes on to explore the idea that pain can be a transformative experience. She writes:

"Within its worship - Bliss is placed But, once, it's worshipper - The fondled Child - forgotten grown - Doth seek it, until slain -"

Here, Dickinson suggests that those who have experienced pain are better able to appreciate the joys of life. She compares pain to a form of worship, suggesting that it is something that can bring us closer to a higher power or a deeper understanding of ourselves. She also suggests that those who have experienced pain are like a fondled child who has grown up and forgotten the joys of childhood. They seek out pain again and again, until it ultimately destroys them.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses vivid imagery and metaphor to convey her message. She compares pain to a "Banquet of Abstemiousness" and a form of worship, suggesting that it is something to be savored and appreciated rather than avoided. She also uses the image of a fondled child to suggest that those who have experienced pain are better able to appreciate the joys of life.

Overall, "To Learn the Transport by the Pain" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the transformative power of pain. Dickinson suggests that pain is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather something that can teach us important lessons and help us grow as individuals. Her use of vivid imagery and metaphor helps to convey her message in a powerful and memorable way, making this poem a true classic of the genre.

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