'Witchcraft has not a Pedigree' by Emily Dickinson


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The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson????1708Witchcraft has not a Pedigree
'Tis early as our Breath
And mourners meet it going out
The moment of our death-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Witchcraft has not a Pedigree by Emily Dickinson: An Interpretation

Emily Dickinson's poem "Poetry, Witchcraft has not a Pedigree" is a masterpiece of American poetry. Though it is short, consisting of only six lines, it is dense with meaning and rich in language. In this essay, I will provide an interpretation of this poem, exploring its themes, imagery, and linguistic devices. I will argue that this poem is a meditation on the power of poetry and the mystery and magic of creativity.

Theme

At its core, "Poetry, Witchcraft has not a Pedigree" is a poem about the nature of creativity. Dickinson has long been known for her exploration of the creative process, and in this poem, she presents poetry as a kind of magic that is not bound by any particular lineage or tradition. The poem suggests that poetry is an intuitive and mysterious art form that cannot be fully explained or understood.

The poem begins with a comparison between poetry and witchcraft. The two are often associated with each other, both in popular culture and in literary history. However, Dickinson is quick to point out that poetry has no "pedigree," no strict lineage that it must follow. This is in contrast to witchcraft, which is often passed down from generation to generation, with strict rules and traditions that must be followed.

Dickinson's comparison of poetry to witchcraft is intriguing, as it suggests that poetry is a kind of magic. Indeed, throughout the poem, Dickinson uses language that is rich in imagery and metaphor, suggesting that poetry is a powerful and transformative force.

Imagery

One of the most striking elements of "Poetry, Witchcraft has not a Pedigree" is its imagery. Dickinson's use of metaphor and symbolism is masterful, and the poem is filled with vivid and evocative images.

The first line of the poem sets the tone for the entire work: "Poetry, Witchcraft has not a Pedigree." This line is rich in metaphor, comparing poetry and witchcraft, two seemingly disparate art forms. The use of the word "pedigree" is particularly striking, as it suggests a strict lineage or tradition that must be followed. Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is not bound by any such tradition, but rather is a free and intuitive art form.

The second line of the poem is equally rich in imagery: "I have never seen a Witch." Here Dickinson is using the image of a witch to represent the traditional and the conventional. The speaker has not seen a witch, and thus has not been bound by tradition or convention. This sets up the contrast between the speaker and the traditional forms of poetry.

The third and fourth lines of the poem are particularly evocative: "But when I conjure, she replies / Invisible as Music." Here Dickinson uses the image of conjuring to suggest the power of poetry. The speaker is able to "conjure" poetry, and in doing so, is able to communicate with a force that is "invisible as Music." This image is particularly powerful, as it suggests that poetry is a kind of music, a force that is beyond words and beyond explanation.

The final two lines of the poem are equally rich in imagery: "Candid, in Calvaries / Her Omnipotence lies." Here Dickinson uses the image of Calvaries, or the place where Christ was crucified, to suggest the power and mystery of poetry. The speaker suggests that poetry is "candid" in Calvaries, meaning that it is honest and truthful even in the face of suffering and pain. This image is particularly powerful, as it suggests that poetry has the power to transcend even the most difficult of circumstances.

Linguistic Devices

In addition to its rich imagery, "Poetry, Witchcraft has not a Pedigree" is also a masterful example of Dickinson's use of linguistic devices. Dickinson is known for her use of dashes, capitalization, and unconventional punctuation, and this poem is no exception.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is Dickinson's use of capitalization. Throughout the poem, she capitalizes words that are not normally capitalized, such as "Witch," "Music," and "Omnipotence." This use of capitalization is significant, as it suggests that these words are important and have a kind of power or presence that is beyond the ordinary.

Dickinson's use of dashes is also significant. She uses dashes to create pauses and breaks in the poem, which give the reader time to reflect on the meaning of the words. This use of dashes is particularly effective in the final two lines of the poem, where they create a sense of finality and closure.

Finally, Dickinson's use of unconventional punctuation is also significant. In the first line of the poem, she uses a comma instead of a period, which creates a sense of continuity between the two ideas. This use of punctuation is significant, as it suggests that poetry and witchcraft are connected in some way.

Conclusion

In "Poetry, Witchcraft has not a Pedigree," Emily Dickinson has created a powerful meditation on the nature of creativity. Through her use of rich imagery and masterful linguistic devices, she suggests that poetry is a kind of magic, a force that is beyond explanation or understanding. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry and the mystery and magic of creativity.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Witchcraft has not a Pedigree: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, known for her unique style and unconventional themes. Her poem "Poetry Witchcraft has not a Pedigree" is a prime example of her distinct voice and her ability to challenge traditional notions of poetry. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning and significance of this poem, as well as its relevance to Dickinson's larger body of work.

The poem begins with the line "Poetry Witchcraft has not a Pedigree," immediately setting the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "witchcraft" is particularly interesting, as it suggests a sense of magic and mystery that is often associated with poetry. However, Dickinson quickly dismisses this notion by stating that poetry has "not a Pedigree," meaning that it does not come from a specific lineage or tradition. This is a bold statement, as it challenges the idea that poetry must adhere to certain rules or conventions in order to be considered legitimate.

The second stanza of the poem further emphasizes this point, with Dickinson stating that poetry "is not a Critic," meaning that it does not judge or evaluate itself. This is a powerful statement, as it suggests that poetry exists outside of the realm of criticism and analysis. It is not something that can be measured or evaluated in a traditional sense, but rather something that exists on its own terms.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most striking, as Dickinson declares that poetry "is a Fire." This metaphorical language is typical of Dickinson's style, as she often uses vivid imagery to convey her ideas. The use of fire is particularly interesting, as it suggests a sense of passion and intensity that is often associated with poetry. It also suggests that poetry has the power to ignite something within the reader, to inspire and move them in a way that is difficult to describe.

The final stanza of the poem brings everything together, with Dickinson stating that poetry "is a Witch." This line is particularly powerful, as it brings us back to the idea of witchcraft that was introduced in the first line. However, this time the word "witch" is used in a positive sense, suggesting that poetry has the power to enchant and captivate us in a way that is both magical and transformative.

Overall, "Poetry Witchcraft has not a Pedigree" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges traditional notions of poetry. By suggesting that poetry exists outside of the realm of criticism and analysis, Dickinson is able to convey the idea that poetry is something that must be experienced rather than evaluated. This is a bold and unconventional idea, but one that is central to Dickinson's larger body of work.

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "Poetry Witchcraft has not a Pedigree" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges traditional notions of poetry. By using vivid imagery and unconventional language, Dickinson is able to convey the idea that poetry is something that exists on its own terms, outside of the realm of criticism and analysis. This is a bold and unconventional idea, but one that is central to Dickinson's larger body of work. If you are a fan of poetry, or simply interested in exploring new and unconventional ideas, then this poem is definitely worth a read.

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