'What mystery pervades a well!' by Emily Dickinson
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What mystery pervades a well!
That water lives so far—
A neighbor from another world
Residing in a jar
Whose limit none have ever seen,
But just his lid of glass—
Like looking every time you please
In an abyss's face!
The grass does not appear afraid,
I often wonder he
Can stand so close and look so bold
At what is awe to me.
Related somehow they may be,
The sedge stands next the sea—
Where he is floorless
And does no timidity betray
But nature is a stranger yet;
The ones that cite her most
Have never passed her haunted house,
Nor simplified her ghost.
To pity those that know her not
Is helped by the regret
That those who know her, know her less
The nearer her they get.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
What Mystery Pervades a Well!
The poem "What Mystery Pervades a Well!" was written by Emily Dickinson, one of the most influential poets in American literature. This poem is a reflection on the enigmatic nature of wells, which have been used for centuries to provide water for communities. The poem is a short but powerful expression of the mysterious qualities that wells possess, and how they relate to the human experience.
Structure and Form
The poem is composed of two stanzas, each with four lines. The poem's form is simple, yet effective in conveying Dickinson's message. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a musical quality. The use of repetition in the poem, particularly in the phrase "what mystery," adds emphasis to the central theme of the poem.
Analysis of the Poem
Dickinson begins the poem with the question "What mystery pervades a well?" This opening line immediately captures the reader's attention and draws them into the poem. The use of the word "mystery" suggests that wells are more than just a source of water, but have a deeper, more enigmatic quality.
The second line of the poem, "The water lives so far," further emphasizes this point. The idea that water can be "far" suggests that it is more than just a physical substance, but has a spiritual or emotional dimension. The use of personification in the phrase "the water lives" adds to the poem's sense of mystery and wonder.
In the third line, Dickinson writes, "A neighbor from another world." This line suggests that wells are not just a part of our physical world, but also have a spiritual or otherworldly dimension. The use of the word "neighbor" suggests that this other world is close to us, yet not fully understood.
The final line of the first stanza, "Residing in a jar," is particularly significant. The use of the word "residing" suggests that the water is not just contained in the jar, but is actively living there. This idea adds to the poem's sense of the mysterious and enigmatic qualities of wells.
In the second stanza, Dickinson continues to explore the idea of wells as an enigmatic force. The opening line of the stanza, "Whose limit none have ever seen," suggests that wells are infinite and beyond human understanding. The use of the word "limit" suggests that wells have boundaries, yet these boundaries are not fully understood.
The second line of the stanza, "With whom we merge for brief and sweet," suggests that humans have a connection with wells. The use of the word "merge" implies a sense of unity between humans and wells. The phrase "brief and sweet" adds a sense of transience to this connection, suggesting that it is fleeting but meaningful.
In the third line, Dickinson writes, "The waters of the wells," which emphasizes the idea that wells are a source of water. However, the use of the word "waters" suggests that there is more to wells than just the physical substance of water. The final line of the poem, "Were those to taste of me," is particularly striking. The use of the word "taste" suggests that wells have a spiritual or emotional dimension, and that they can provide sustenance beyond just physical nourishment.
Interpretation of the Poem
Dickinson's poem is a reflection on the mysterious and enigmatic qualities of wells. The poem suggests that wells have a spiritual or emotional dimension that is beyond human understanding. The poem also suggests that humans have a connection with wells, and that this connection is fleeting but meaningful.
The poem can be interpreted as a metaphor for the human experience. Like wells, humans have both physical and spiritual dimensions. The poem suggests that there is more to the human experience than just our physical bodies, and that there is a deeper, more mysterious aspect to our existence.
The poem can also be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of knowledge. The poem suggests that there are limits to human understanding, and that there are mysteries in the world that cannot be fully explained. The use of repetition in the phrase "what mystery" emphasizes this point, and suggests that there are aspects of the world that will always remain unknown.
Conclusion
"What Mystery Pervades a Well!" is a powerful poem that explores the enigmatic nature of wells. Dickinson's use of language and imagery creates a sense of mystery and wonder that captures the reader's imagination. The poem can be interpreted as a metaphor for the human experience, and as a commentary on the nature of knowledge.
Overall, the poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet, and her ability to convey complex ideas in a simple yet powerful way. The poem remains relevant today, and continues to inspire readers with its sense of mystery and wonder.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What mystery pervades a well! - A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, known for her unique style and ability to capture the essence of life in her works. Her poem "What mystery pervades a well!" is a classic example of her brilliance, as it explores the enigmatic nature of a well and the secrets it holds. In this article, we will take a deep dive into this poem and analyze its meaning, themes, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the line, "What mystery pervades a well!" This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately draws the reader's attention to the mysterious nature of a well. The word "mystery" suggests that there is something unknown or hidden about the well, and the use of the word "pervades" implies that this mystery is all-encompassing and ever-present.
The second line of the poem reads, "The water lives so far." This line is interesting because it suggests that the water in the well is alive, which is a unique way of describing it. The use of the word "far" also implies that the water is distant or removed from the speaker, which adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue.
The third line of the poem reads, "A neighbor from another world." This line is particularly fascinating because it suggests that the well is not just a physical object, but also a portal to another world. The use of the word "neighbor" implies that this other world is close by, but not easily accessible. The fact that the well is described as a "neighbor" also suggests that it is a familiar presence, but one that is not fully understood.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "Residing in a jar." This line is significant because it suggests that the water in the well is contained, which adds to the sense of mystery and confinement. The use of the word "residing" also implies that the water is not just contained, but also has a sense of permanence or stability.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "Whose limit none have ever seen." This line is particularly interesting because it suggests that the well has no visible limit or boundary. This adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue, as it implies that the well is infinite or boundless. The fact that "none have ever seen" the limit also suggests that the well is not easily understood or comprehended.
The sixth and final line of the poem reads, "But just his lid of glass." This line is significant because it suggests that the only visible aspect of the well is its lid of glass. This adds to the sense of mystery and confinement, as it implies that the well is not easily accessible or understood. The use of the word "just" also implies that the lid of glass is not enough to fully understand or comprehend the well.
Overall, "What mystery pervades a well!" is a fascinating poem that explores the enigmatic nature of a well and the secrets it holds. The poem is full of literary devices, such as personification, metaphor, and imagery, which add to the sense of mystery and intrigue. The poem also has several themes, such as the unknown, the infinite, and the mysterious, which are all explored in depth.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "What mystery pervades a well!" is a classic poem that continues to captivate readers to this day. Its exploration of the enigmatic nature of a well and the secrets it holds is both fascinating and thought-provoking. The poem's use of literary devices and themes adds to its depth and complexity, making it a timeless work of art.
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